Decline A Job Offer Because Of Parking? (Tampa, Fort Lauderdale: insurance, compensation)

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by Concert D Major

Got a job offer in Tampa...$58k + great benefits. The problem? It's in Downtown Tampa where parking is basically non-existent. Lots that are close either cost a fortune for a monthly pass or have a waiting list. What an unfortunate thing that this area has such an unwelcoming environment (terrible parking situation) for employees. I thought the politicians wanted to do things that HELP create jobs.

Anyway, the best deal I could find was a city lot for $19 a month, but it's about a half mile walk one-way from the job. That adds to the overall commute time and will be a mess during rainy season. But here's the kicker.

I actually already work in downtown Tampa and the current employer has a parking garage right across the street that we pay $38 a month for. The new job only pays a little more than the current job (10%) and the benefits are very similar. So what do I do?

It would be an embarrassment for me to turn down the offer because of a stupid reason like parking. But it's really an issue and is bugging me the more I think about it. The interviewer spent valuable time on my application and I would feel really bad about declining it, but that's the way I'm leaning at this point.

Advice?

If your new salary is 58k , a 10% raise means your current salary is about 52.7k with a increase of 5.2k after taxes to I are probably looking at 4k net, at any rate even at 70 a month you are still 3k ahead, so all things being equal you should take the job, may be you are projecting other fears about taking a new job into this one issue that shouldn't be one.

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by Concert D Major

They don't do that for any of their other employees (I've already talked to one other person who works there). In fact, the (future) director and I already talked about it and she basically said employees are on their own for parking. This job offer is the kind of thing where there's probably 10 other well-qualified applicants right behind me. In this career, there's basically no room for negotiating. Getting a job offer is pretty much a miracle. I'm going to have to think hard about it and promised them a decision this Monday. This is nerve-wrecking and potentially embarrassing on my part.

I guess you have to decide if parking is more important than a potential advancement in your career.

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by Concert D Major

I like the current job a lot. Lots of positive feedback from them and they've been very supportive about me wanting to promote inside or out. I just thought with a master's degree and two certifications, this could have been a better paying career overall.

Almost every lot has a wait list. There's one by the ice palace that has availability for $37 a month, but it's not much closer than the $19 place. The employee at the new job I talked to forks over $64 a month, but that garage is closer, yet it has a wait list right now. What a bummer this whole parking thing is. To me, something as silly and stupid as parking of all things should just be free already!

Originally Posted by DUNNDFRNT

If your new salary is 58k , a 10% raise means your current salary is about 52.7k with a increase of 5.2k after taxes to I are probably looking at 4k net, at any rate even at 70 a month you are still 3k ahead, so all things being equal you should take the job, may be you are projecting other fears about taking a new job into this one issue that shouldn't be one.

There are other things to consider besides the extra money. The OP said he likes his current position and hasn't given any indication if he'll be a good fit with his new employer. 10% sounds like a lot, but he could be trading a sweet gig for a toxic work environment. I'm not saying this is the case, but sometimes there is more to consider besides a relatively small bump in pay. If the OP gave more info it would be helpful.

[ilikepizza]

You can write off the parking fee's on your taxes too, right?

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by Not_liking_FL

There are other things to consider besides the extra money. The OP said he likes his current position and hasn't given any indication if he'll be a good fit with his new employer. 10% sounds like a lot, but he could be trading a sweet gig for a toxic work environment. I'm not saying this is the case, but sometimes there is more to consider besides a relatively small bump in pay. If the OP gave more info it would be helpful.

My point is all things being equal if he is basing his decision on parking fees, he should still take the job.

[Jimrob1]

I'd walk the half mile. It rains all day just about every day in Portland and Seattle. Plus there are high winds many days with the rains. You should see how far people there, walk and ride bikes to get to work. I had to do it myself for a number of years. Parking cost in the downtowns is a big part of the reason, all these people walk and ride bikes. I don't know about you OP, but it is noticeable many in the Southeast will not walk anywhere. I don't think it is just the heat, humidity, or a lack of sidewalks in certain areas that is the complete reason for this.


Really a half mile to walk in downtowns because of parking problems/cost, is very common in many large cities in this country.

Just get a good umbrella.

[dothetwist]

Originally Posted by ilikepizza

You can write off the parking fee's on your taxes too, right?

If self-employed, yes; for employees, no.

My career was in DC-Metro where parking costs are very high. Parking, access to Metro, Metro subsidies from employer....they were all factors for job seekers there.

[himain]

I agree with everyone else: Take the job and invest in good rainy weather attire-jacket, good umbrella, shoes, etc. I lived in FL for 33 years. It's not everyday that it rains and if it does it's not for more than a few mins. Good workout and more money-nothing wrong with that.

[druthb00]

Looks like I'm in the minority here....

I personally wouldn't bother leaving a job for a 10% increase if I were happy with my current employer, PROVIDED advancement was part of the plan at the current job. If there were no advancement/promotion/whatever in sight, then yeah I suppose I'd find a new job. That doesn't seem to be the case, here, though. My personal situation may bias me; I'm used to 10-15% annual increases. Regardless of the money, the OP said that the job offer was a "miracle" because his field is inundated with qualified applicants. So, he leaves a job he's happy with, with the possibility of ending up unhappy at the new job and then what? It wouldn't be worth the risk to me unless the pay was substantially higher and the benefits were equal or better.

I realize the question appears to be if it's ridiculous to turn down an offer due to parking alone, but I don't think that's the only thing holding him back. If parking is truly the only thing stopping you, OP, then you should take the job and make the parking situation work.

[Vannort54]

Originally Posted by druthb00

Looks like I'm in the minority here....

I personally wouldn't bother leaving a job for a 10% increase if I were happy with my current employer, PROVIDED advancement was part of the plan at the current job. If there were no advancement/promotion/whatever in sight, then yeah I suppose I'd find a new job. That doesn't seem to be the case, here, though. My personal situation may bias me; I'm used to 10-15% annual increases. Regardless of the money, the OP said that the job offer was a "miracle" because his field is inundated with qualified applicants. So, he leaves a job he's happy with, with the possibility of ending up unhappy at the new job and then what? It wouldn't be worth the risk to me unless the pay was substantially higher and the benefits were equal or better.

I realize the question appears to be if it's ridiculous to turn down an offer due to parking alone, but I don't think that's the only thing holding him back. If parking is truly the only thing stopping you, OP, then you should take the job and make the parking situation work.

Also for 10% dose you medical go up or is it better at the new job. And what are the other bennifts at the new job better or the same. That 10% can be wiped out if you have to pay more for medical.