I left a very high paying position for better work-life balance and I'm regretting it. I was at 165k and dropped to 105k but with unlimited PTO and total WFH. In some ways it's better, but I have to admit I made the decision in haste. What would you do? Should I jump ship again?

likehelpful
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Have tried talking to a therapist, maybe your problems are deeper than the job.

likesmart

👆

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Hot take: WLB is your own making and your own boundaries you set for your boss/client/company.

likesmart

THIS 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

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Depends, do you like in a HCOL area? Are you actually able to take those unlimited vacation days? Are your hours better in a way that allows you to do other things you enjoy? Did you trade stressful work for money stress?

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Why are you regretting it? Is the work not as good?

I like my job but I, and many of my colleagues, are in for a rude awakening when we return to 5-day work weeks. The whole “we learned how to wfh, now we can be remote when need be!” That our bosses are singing, I fear, will disappear pretty quickly as we go back to normal.

That’s a steep drop for remote and unlimited PTO. Did you weigh the cost of commute and going in vs. remote? As I’ve gotten older and through COVID, I’ve learned that my time is money, so if you normally commute 1-2 hours a day...that’s big too. Unlimited PTO is for the birds. I think that’s a fake benefit used to save money and bring talent in. Find a good director/manager who trusts you and you’ll get all the PTO you need.

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I feel this to my core. The work life balance isn’t that much better at my new gig and I wish I had the extra money. Debating looking for a new job.

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Generally for better WLB I recommend doing a lateral for the same comp but better WLB as opposed to extra comp.

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I think Unlimited PTO is a scam and most companies that have it enforce t if you end up taking more than 30 days off

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Following this thread as I’m kind of in the same boat (although haven’t made a final decision yet and still in negotiations)… I think at this point you wait it out a bit. Assess whether it was really worth it and whether or not that is a livable salary for your lifestyle. Agree with Sr CW1 that unlimited PTO is a bit of a “fake benefit” - I wouldn’t put too much weight on that.

No. Never. How about the companies change. Just find a company that’ll pay you more AND give you that.

Question: how should companies promise WLB?

Isn't it on the bosses to hold the line with clients (or shareholders).

In similar the vein, managers to hold the line with bosses.

Then, employees to hold the line with managers.

It takes everyone to ensure there is WLB... and it starts with you.

But yes, it is extra difficult in some companies and you can look for other companies in hopes it is easier: just know it is a gamble. You won't know the true story until you've joined the company.

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