Job situation...what would you do (long)?

Question

You have a job you've been at for 6 months. Work, coworkers and benefits are wonderful and you're very happy. The commute is horribly long and you find you spend more time at work/on the road than you do at home. You have two young children (toddlers) whom you really only get to see and spend time with on the weekends. (You do see them an hour or two in the evenings, but you also have to cook dinner, etc. and the time isn't "quality" time).

You have an opportunity for a job much closer to home, pay and benefits are the same, but it would allow you an extra hour per day (if not more!) to spend with the family in the evenings.

You're fairly certain there's no way your current job would allow you to change your hours to be more flexible. What do you do? Ask them anyway (hoping that they *might* be able to, but this would mean you'd take a pay cut and lose your benefits) or accept the other job, and give standard two weeks notice?

The drawbacks to this new job would be that I woudn't take the train anymore...it would be straight driving (only 4 or 5 miles past the train station, so that's no big deal). Also, I go for my interview on Tuesday. I don't know about the quality of people at this new place. I'm sure they're wonderful, but I KNOW the people at my current job are great. What if I accept this job and end up working for a bunch of jerks and hate it? Then I'm jobless (or miserable, if I opt to stay.) I guess I'm just really concerned about giving up a good thing and possibly going to a bad situation.

Moving is sort of an option. Our lease is up in January, and we have talked about moving closer. The problem is, this would mean moving closer to downtown. One of two things...we either end up in a semi-ghetto area where we won't be comfortable in our surroundings, or we move to a swanky, upscale place that we can't afford. I'm just stuck!

Sorry to keep adding details. I think what it boils down to is that I'm feeling guilty about this. My current boss is one of the most wonderful people I've met, and he's been very understanding when it comes to sick kids, doctors appts, etc. He's a named partner at a mid-size law firm, so this is rare! The problem with flex time is...I'd love to work 8 - 430 (These would actually be the hours at my new job, if I get it.) but my boss works 10 - 6. I'd sit here for 2 hours in the a.m. doing nothing until he got here, then leave in the evening 2 hours before he did, leaving work that needed to be done. Most work (legal field) is time sensitive, and can't wait until the next morning.

Answer 1

Set up a meeting with your boss and tell him that you are considering another job because you do not like your current circumstances. Ask him if there is anything that he can do to better accomodate you before you consider the other option. That is the right way to do it and the professional way to do it. Your boss will also respect you more for bringing your concerns to him before quitting. He might not be able to assist you but he certainly will be glad that you considered him in your decision making.

Answer 2

I feel for you. I am in the same situation with two toddlers and a full time job. Is moving closer to the job you love totally out of the question? Flexibility is absolutely essential to balance your life. Definitely ask them about flex hours. Most companies do that without an issue. If they say no, or even if they say yes since it is still a long commute, the closer job sounds like a better option for you. Also, if your job is in a metro area, working from home is becoming more and more acceptable.
Put your kids first. They need you more than your boss does.

Answer 3

I was in exactly the same position as you. I worked close to home, 15 miles but then was promoted to our corporate office which was 56 one way and recieved a $8/hr raise. I was commuting 17 hrs a week. My daughter, Kindergarten/1st grade at the time, was in daycare from 6:30 am to 6:30pm. Her grades started slipping, her attitude changed. I am a single mom. After one year of this schedule, I gave my 4 week notice and tried to find another job. I was unemployed for 3 mos, I almost cracked. It was the hardest decision of my LIFE! And I wouldn't change it for the world. My daughter, now in 3rd grade is on the honor roll and we are close. I am barely making the bills and lost my house and new car, but God has been good and we are making it. I really suggest that you think of you family, they will ALWAYS be there, the job won't. Please consider the new job. You might feel a regret from time to time, just grab one of your kids or both and hug them, that will make that regret go far away. Good luck and best wishes for you and your family!!!

Answer 4

Hi,

Is the other job a certainty? I mean, are you sure you would have the other job? If you are, I would sit down with my current employer and explain the situation. If I got no cooperation from my current employer, I would give two-weeks notice and take the other job. I know how difficult it is to work and raise a family (been there, done that). But, you have to consider what is most important and you sound like your family is your top priority.

Hope I was able to help.

Answer 5

You say pay and benefits are the same closer to home, so that is the choice you must make. Personally, I'd give two weeks and start the new position to give my family priority. There are more important things than money, but it doesn't sound like you are giving any money up, so what is the problem? Also, in the long run, it cuts down on wear and tear on your vehicle, not to mention gas!

Answer 6

Will this new job let you post on Yahoo Answers while at work? The current place seems nice. You also have only had it for six months. Has it been relatively easy for you to find new jobs? Does your career track favor longevity? Is there opportunity for advancement at either place?

If you do decide to take the other job, if it is offered to you, then be upfront with the current people with your reasons. You never know you might need them again later.

Answer 7

Logically, the job closer to home makes sense if the compensation is comparable. In fact, it may scare you to calculate the fuel, maintenance, and depreciation (mileage) costs you could save.

Althought starting all over has its downsides too, remember you may be in a position to negotiate with the new employer in the same way you could with your current company. If an offer was extended, dont be afraid to ask if there is room to negotiate the pay level. If not now, ask what opportunities may be available to the employee they hire.

Answer 8

You have two options:
1. Move closer to your current job so you spend less time commuting and don't need to quit.
2. Quit current job and go for the job close to home.

Answer 9

With a computer at home and internet connection,you can start earning from home,without any investment. You should choose your work at home job according to your skills and time available.
The simplest work at home job is answering phone calls for companies like WorkathomeAgent, Alpine Access, Liveops. You will need a quiet enviroment at home without any disturbance. To apply you will have to complete an online application form on the companies website . A list of companies with websites is available at
http://tinyurl.com/ze4lg

Answer 10

the week-notice thing sounds good.

leaving your other job would be nice.
if it is as good as it is to you at the moment they won't have a problem with you working less, but anyway kids are important, if you being around the house wouldn't 'cause any emotional damage then I don't see why not. Take the other job and give the 2 weeks notice : - ) bon chance!!!