Would you trade time with your children for more money at work?

Question

I'm going to offer you two livable wages. The first job entails working Monday thru Friday, with evenings and weekends off, and pays $50,000 annually, with no hope of ever moving up. The second option entails working 10 days on the road, away from family, except for nightly phone calls. You get to be home for 2-3 days after each 10 day stretch, but then it's back on the road, or in the air for another 10 days. This job pays $100,000. It, too, is dead end, with no hope for advancement. You have three children under 12, and a wife. Which will it be?

Answer 1

I have heard it said that "when on your death bed and looking back on your life, most people do not wish they had made more money, had a bigger house, gotten more job advancements, etc. instead, they wish they had spent more time with the people they loved and loved them". I believe this to be true.

I am a single mom with an 18 month old son. I have a great job paying about $44k which includes bonuses. There is a possibility of moving into another position that would pay $20k ++ more, however, it would involve quite a bit of travel.

I've thought about that position many times, yet, I always decide that it is best to spend this time with my son. He means more to me than the money and we are not starving. Sure, the extra money would be very nice indeed, but not at his expense.

Prior to having him, I did travel quite a bit. I'd often be gone 2-3 weeks at a time. Though I did not have a child, I still missed my time at home, with friends, and with those I cared about. I could rarely make plans or go to events at home since I was always on the road. I spent many lonely nights in hotel rooms in beautiful cities. Nothing just seemed to compare to being in my own home surrounded by those I care about.

Answer 2

I have already made this choice. I have worked at the same job for over 25 years. It's low paying (considerably less than $50,000 per year), there's virtually no chance for advancement, and I don't particularly like my geographical location. But this location is great for raising kids, and it's a great place for kids to grow up. And my job, teaching, has allowed much more time with my kids than I would have had otherwise. With my education and experience, I could definitely have made some other choices, but that was always the trade-off: more money, but less time with the family. With one in college now and the other in high school, I have never regretted for a single minute not pursuing a more lucrative career. Raising kids has been the hardest job I could imagine, but it is also the most rewarding. They are the joy of my life. Once again: no regrets.

Answer 3

I would trade all three of my kids for money any day of the week. Seriously, someone make me an offer.

Answer 4

I'll take the 50 K - the kids are only young once- I can make more money later- D

Answer 5

50,000

Need more time with the kids.