Need some opinions

[weffer]

Hello,

I am sorry if this is a little out of context for this board. I just needed a objective opinion.

Here is my delima:

I currently grossed 2,840 per month @ 13 per hour / That is including 39 hours of O/T That I usually average every month for the last year. I am also due for a 1.50 raise next month. I currently pay 200.00 month for medical benefits.

My concerns...Since I drive for a living if something happens my back goes out , break a leg , etc....I will have no income coming in.

I was offered a job for 11.00 per hour / 75 hours per 2 weeks which would equal 1650 per month /with no O/T available but a full benefit package, medical,401k,vested pension etc and 20 miles closer to my preferred choice of home location. However, I will probally be living paycheck to paycheck. I am turning 40 and my thoughts were it would be better since it is not as physical as my current job.


I do have a pension from my previous goverment job that I will be able to collect as early as 58.

I know this descision has to be made by me but wanted some unclouded opnions also.


Thank You

[terry1156]

Welcome to the boards.

I guess the first thing I would do is check and see how much a private disability insurance plan or coverage would cost. Knowing that would make it a little easier to compare the two.

The full benefit package is great if you use it. If you are living paycheck to paycheck and can't invest in the 401K plan, then it isn't much of a benefit. That being said, this is what I would probably do.

I would take the job with the full benefits and less time. That frees up 40 hours a week for you. I would spend those extra hours starting a home business of some kind. The home business will allow you to deduct a lot of expenses off your taxes which should help bridge the $1200 a month gap. Here is the home business article

If you can motivate yourself to make some money in the estra time that frees up, you can put that into the 401k plan and really reap the benefits the job is providing.

[Tree0164]

Sounds like a tough decision for you. I think I would stick with the current job. My Dad who is 61 has been a construction worker all of his life and has had some shoulder injuries over the years. He was on disability for about 18 months 10 years ago due to a rotator cuff surgery. There is a lot of what if that happen in life.

Maybe stay in the job you are currently in until you find something else that will pay you similar wages. You have to think about retirement as well-does your current job have a retirement plan. If not, start saving some of that extra $1200 a month into retirement.

[pam333]

Time versus money. Doesn't sound like an easy decision. Not to mention the problem of benefits. Here's some advice from a senior citizen: the first consideration should be to work at what you likel the best. Your time (your LIFE) is more important than money. Money can be replaced. Time can't. You didn't say which of these jobs you lke the best. Decide that first. If they're about equal then the money and benefits are the next to consider. The perfect job is one that you really enjoy and pays you enough to live on (not necesarily a large amount). The others who have replied have discussed the financial side for you. Just thought I'd give you a different perspective. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[nate]

Originally Posted by pam333

The perfect job is one that you really enjoy and pays you enough to live on (not necesarily a large amount).

Couldn't agree with you more! Go with whichever job you enjoy the most as long as your making enough to live "comfortably" (your own definition).

In my case pay is one of the least important criteria I have in choosing a job. Here's my list in reverse order

1-10 (10 being most important!)

5
Flexibile Hours
Although it would be nice to have a boss that says "Sure no problem take off any days you want!", it isn't THAT important to me. Or lets just say there are more important things.

6
Thoughts about the company
Do I agree with the way the company is being run? Do I care if the company succeeds and prospers?

7
Pay
What's my pay? Benefits? Commissions? Raises? Am I making enough to live? Do I get overtime?

7.5
Pleasant Atmosphere
Do I get along with the people I work with? Do I have a cubicle or my own office? Very important to me.

9
Stress factor
When i come home from work every day am I exhausted? Does my job stress me out?

11
Enjoyable Work
I have to enjoy the work I do. This is by far the most important thing to me.