Classic Dilemma, Better Pay, Long Commute or Lower Pay, Shorter Commute (percentage, job)

[GiantRutgersfan]

Originally Posted by Augustus27

Moving in theory is the most logical choice for the job with the longer commute, except my girlfriend and I are trying to find somewhere halfway in between our jobs. With the longer commute, even being halfway would lead to a bad commute, while the lower paying job's commute would be a million times smoother.

Both companies are well-known, as the higher paying job is in the automotive field, and the lower paying one is in the banking industry. Both offer similar programs and are well respected.

Probably would hold off on moving in together then. Unless she finds a new job.

First Job out of college is typically a 2-4 year kind of a deal and then you move on for better pay unless it's going exceedingly well. You could just continue to live at your parents and deal with the commute if you want (which is really not terrible).

Regardless of living situation, you need to take the better offer

[blueherons]

Move out of your parents home, move close to the higher paying job.

[imagineAA]

Originally Posted by GiantRutgersfan

The salary you make out of the gate sets up your salary at the next job you work at.

That fact cannot be over-emphasized.

[Disgustedman]

Originally Posted by JTE1969

1. Drive the long drive in a minivan.
2. Sleep overnight in the minivan in a camp cot inside the minivan.
3. Problem solved.

But you have to know how to fixup your minivan to survive winter and summer weather. I'll write a book on that.

And I do live in my minivan, so I speak the TRUTH.

Problem is, getting frisky is a pain unless your gf doesn't have a roommate...

As for writing a book, check out cheaprvliving for pointers

[Blue biker]

10-15k makes up for the time spent commuting. A couple of things to consider, if you're only planning on staying at either job for a couple of years, taking the lower paying job could keep any subsequent job offers 10-15k lower. In IT people tend to frequently move around, although banks are known for not paying that well. If you were to stay in either field, which one offers the most growth?

[Disgustedman]

Originally Posted by Augustus27

Hello Everyone,

I have been fortunate enough to receive two job offers after graduating college. The first offer has a better salary, but has a longer commute, while the second offer has a lower salary, but a much more doable commute.

I don't have any current things holding me back financially (except for the good ole student loans), as I live at home with my parents right now.

I have done some "test drives" if you will, to see how the commute to the better paying job would fare, and it wasn't so good. At least 45 minutes to an hour in the morning, and 55 minutes, to 1 hour and a half pending on traffic and accidents.

The better paying job would be at the very least over half the time of the longer commute, (20-30 minutes), but the lower pay is making me hesitant.

Both jobs are good opportunities in the IT field, although the lower paying job is around 10-15k less in terms of salary. Obviously most people have said to take the higher paying job despite the commute, but having a good chunk of my day being taken away from commuting might not be worth the extra pay.

So please, any unbiased opinions about what actions to take.

Thanks!

Well, I had an offer from another company...$3 more an hour and didn't want to leave my place...

But today, I looked at the area...3 miles from work to library...9 miles to sleeping area....3 miles to store...I think I may reconsider my options...I could always come back to my "Stomping grounds" on weekends...

[JTE1969]

I tow my 99 Honda Civic HX behind my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT [tow package]. The Honda is like a cargo trailer. The rest of my 3 story house possessions [messed up inheritance, - my brother sold my house under me, but I kept my possessions] are stored in two climate controlled storage lockers.

[veuvegirl]

The job with the longer commute definitely. You'll be getting more pay, name recognition and I would assume better opportunity for growth? Look at the big picture, not the immediate one.

[Augustus27]

Originally Posted by Blue biker

10-15k makes up for the time spent commuting. A couple of things to consider, if you're only planning on staying at either job for a couple of years, taking the lower paying job could keep any subsequent job offers 10-15k lower. In IT people tend to frequently move around, although banks are known for not paying that well. If you were to stay in either field, which one offers the most growth?

Well since I know people in both companies, I have a good general feeling of job growth.

Both companies offer competitive job growth, as the lower paying one has salary increases to 85k, over the course of 3-4 years into the company.

The higher-paying job starts off at a higher salary, but the growth is a bit more slower.

[Augustus27]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

The job with the longer commute definitely. You'll be getting more pay, name recognition and I would assume better opportunity for growth? Look at the big picture, not the immediate one.

I know, I should be looking ahead. It is just very frustrating, trying to figure out all the pros and cons. Money isn't everything, though very important.

I do like the area that I live in now (northern Detroit area), and would like to stay somewhere around here, but would therefore make my commute not much better than how long it currently is.