I have 6 yrs of HR exp, a PHR cert & an HRIP cert. I recently left my role as an HR Rep at a tech co b/c I was working 60+/week and the stress of the job was affecting my health. I recently received an offer at a new tech co that is $10k less than what I was previously making with comments from current EEs that this new co has a better WLB. Total comp is still a lot less than my prev company. Is less comp too much of a compromise for better WLB? What have you compromised for a better WLB?
Pro
I say go for it. You left your job due to work life balance and seems that is what is priority for you! If you can afford the slight pay cut. Typically tech companies offer a lot of benefits though that can make up for that too.
I left my job because of work life balance. I am definitely willing to take less for peace of mind and time with my family.
$10k is worth my peace of mind 😁
I would have a line in your offer letter that if you work “x” hours over, your pay will increase by “x” amount or percent. Also a statement of what both parties agree to regarding WLB - just so there is no question.
I like this solution the most. Also, I'd recommend to keep looking as well, unless money si really tight. In that case, this might be the best solution
I honestly don't think there's anything worse than a bad WLB. As long as the wage is within the ballpark of what I need, I will take working 40 hours a week over working 60+.
I’ve left my company in the past for less pay and better WLB. I get back time and peace of mind that I otherwise would not have. In the scheme of things the loss of pay gave me more ability to take vacations that I wouldn’t have taken or left the office for functions and family things that I neglected in the past. It boils down to what is good for you. Does the less pay net out ok? Will you struggle for mortgage and rent or other items? Or does it make minimal impact financially and your quality of life improves
Hi! From my perspective, less comp is not a bad trade off for better WLB. How much of that 10k do you truly take home a year after tax? Probably 6-7k, also 60 hours a week is a lot, do you get paid over time?
Yeah no, I will take less comp
Chief
Is the total comp 10k less or just the base? I can't tell from your post. But that is two different things. What's the percentage drop?? Maybe.if you look at it that way, it won't seem so overwhelming.
As someone else mentioned, 10k really only ends up being 6k over the course of the year. What other benefits or perks are there? Growth potential? How much longer will it take for you to catch up to that 10k base difference?
Do you think there's any chance for promotion in the role/company? Regardless, I say put your mental health first!
I guess it depends on you…I would say that being in a better place is much better but over time I think if you dont have a high salary then you will be unhappy later on
You should look at the whole package, not just salary. For example, do they offer other benefits that help offset the difference in salary? Tuition reimbursement, discount childcare, pet insurance? Are the medical benefits less expensive than current employer?
Pro
I agree about the trade offs other commenters are offering. I would eagerly trade $10k for a materially better WLB. That said, it’s something I am positioned to be able to trade off. You will want to look at your personal situation to ensure you can afford that trade off and that it makes sense for you. I will add that investing in your mental health and well being is always going to be worth $10k in the long run. Good luck!
Depends what that $10k loss means for you. If it doesn’t make much of a difference in your personal finances, then go for it! Sounds like this company has the WLB you want. If the $10k matters that much, don’t feel bad to walk away. There are plenty of employers who will pay you your salary ask and afford the WLB you’re looking for - just means more time in the job search.