Would you take a job that required relocating every year? Or what about long stretches on the road, living in hotels and out of suitcases? Would you do it for more money?
My boss wants me to switch to another division within the company, we work for different branches. Several times he has popped in saying, "what can we do to get you more money?" He likes leading questions. He talks about the bonuses and the profit sharing, the raises and the perks. He has a way of glossing over the downside, life without a home.
He is the perfect example, he lives in Florida and works in Los Angeles. That is a heck of a commute. We have folks from Chicago and Denver, Seattle and who knows where else. Most leave behind homes and families, some are single and replant with each move. Their stay in Los Angeles could be two days or two years.
If you want to work, you have to move. It could be Denver or Dubai, you don’t have much choice. They do reward you for this flexibility - they have to or no one would do it. The pay is higher and while on the road the company covers your food and lodging. If you’re up for it, it’s a great way to get ahead. I’ve known people who thrive on constant change, but it’s not for me. I couldn’t give up my friends and family for long stretches, I don’t like living out of suitcases.
I am lucky to have the luxury of choice. The money is a poor trade and I would be miserable with the job. I told him that I wasn’t interested but if he wanted to get me more money, he could put in a good word at my upcoming review. I feel a bit guilty posting this - turning down a job when so many people are losing theirs. Would you trade the instability for more money? Am I terrible for telling this story right now?
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4 comments:
My life before children I traveled 3 weeks a month. I loved visiting other places. It was a great opportunity. I would also love the opportunity to live in different areas for a year at a time. Actually, I have told my children that once they are out and settled I plan to spend 5 years living in different areas of the country. DH doesn't like the idea very much but for me it seems like the perfect opportunity to enjoy different areas without long term committment. Money wouldn't even be an issue.
As I was typing that my son just asked if we could move to Conn. - we live DEEP SOUTH now. And he had no idea what I was reading.
I would probably do it. I love traveling to new and exciting places! Sometimes I wish we could pick up life here and just go somewhere new. On the other hand, I also like stability so I should be happy now! ;)
I'm sure this is the fantasy job for some people. I want to have kids in a few years and the thought of being away from them all the time is heartbreaking. I have a co-worker who couldn't find work in San Diego so he spends his weekdays here and weekends at home in SD. He has 3 small children and talks about how hard it is to be away from them. It would have been a great job 10 years ago, but not where I am at right now. Oh, and you don't usually choose where you go so you might end up in some sucky towns.
There is a lot of work for engineers in the middle east, but I won't go. I'm a very independent woman and find the treatment of women in that part of the world appalling. I would be expected to go there if I took that job.
You're doing the right thing. Knowing yourself and following what's in your heart is always the right thing. My partner accepted an extra job 2 months ago because it was a good opportunity to make extra money. It was not worth it. Watching him suffer working 12-22 hour days has been painful, in every sense of the word and it has been a terrible strain on our relationship. We underestimated the work load and over estimated our energy levels. Good for you for knowing that money isn't everything.
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