Pay Cut for Shorter Commute? Cummung or Alpharetta --> ATL (Atlanta: home, university)

[plucas001]

GM, I was hoping to get some opinions from those familiar with
making the 400 commute from the ATL northern suburbs...

I'm currently commuting to the heart of downtown from the more southern
cumming area (Exit 14ish)... Current role pays about $80k.

I have an offer in hand for $70k for a role in Alpharetta (around exit 10)
that I am considering.

Here are a few of the considerations:

1) Current role is less challenging due to the nature of work
which is software development for a major University in the area
but it allows for me to be creative in that I have a lot of control
of how I do what I do.

2) Current role is very laid back with typically 1-2 days telecommute
a week and very low stress

3) Role in alpharetta would be more of "world class" development for financial industry,
would gain more experience, potential to be on call, more stringent
deadlines, and probably more demanding responsiblities.

4) Role in alpharetta would probably come along with it a gain of valuable
skill set but a much more steep learning curve (possibly more headache)


With these in mind, I understand this is a personal decision, I was just hoping that
maybe some input would come along with it some serious things worth considering.

Appreciate any input!

[flamadiddle]

Not sure of your level, but $70K for Software Dev is low in this market.

So why not call their bluff? They obviously like you since they extended an offer. Since you already have a gig in place, why not politely decline the $70K offer letting them know how excited you are to work for them and that that you really want the job, but you simply could not justify a $10K cut in pay. I'd be wiling to bet that you'll get a better offer in hand, maybe even matching the $80K.

If not, just keep on looking, the IT market is very strong in the Atlanta area.

Another general comment after re-reading your post. While there is something to be said of a low stress environment, it sounds like you're early in your career. If that's the case, the path of least resistance is the wrong path to take. You should take the path that provides the best experience and hard knocks. It will be more stressful and you may at times second guess your decision, but 5 years from now when you're getting offers for $100K+, you'll realize that the hard road was the best road...

Regardless, I'd still call their bluff, but remember to factor in benefits into your total compensation.

[plucas001]

flamadiddle, thanks for the response.
I'm kind of mid-level on a fast pace to senior (been at for 4 years but very focused).

After speaking with their HR it appears that they were looking for someone with stronger
skills but they liked me so they were willing to go ahead with an offer.

I am leaning towards continuing to look at the moment as you mentioned.
Its a little tough though, because I liked the environment/people and the interview was very
pleasant.

The work seems like it would be very interesting as well.... decisions, decisions....

[maybetoday]

Don't they expect you to counter the salary offer? I would do what the first poster say and ask for more money. The commute seems much better to me if you are coming from Cumming.

[Gulch]

Counter their offer. Dropping your salary by $10K/year just to commute a few less miles would be lunacy.

[plucas001]

Yea, I did a counter offer dead center and they didn't take....
If they did, the decision would be much easier I think.

[Tarzanman]

The offer is tempting, but that is too big a pay cut to take. How many years will it take you get back to $80k without leaving this new company?

You are talking about losing $500 a month out of your take home pay. Are you willing to pay ~$20 a day for a shorter commute?

Besides, who takes a more stressful, less flexible job for LESS money? (Dummies do!)

Tell the company thanks, but no thanks.

[plucas001]

Yea every time I thought about taking it, I felt the spirit of dummy come over me, LOL

[afdinatl]

Don't do it. At least ask for 80k. Do not never go with the first offer!

[afdinatl]

BTW instead of driving take the express bus to work