Decisions, decisions.

[Tobin S.]

I had a phone interview the other day and apparently it went well. They want to schedule an interview with me in person for Monday morning. There are some problems, though.

I thought the position was at a location about 30 miles from me via interstate. It turns out that they want people for positions 60 miles away from me with a lot of two-lane travel. The commute would be over an hour one way. I'd be willing to do that if the pay were a lot better than I'm getting now, but they've already told me that the position starts at 80 cents an hour less than what I'm making now. I also live one mile away from my current employer. So with the lower hourly rate and the increased cost in transportation I'd be taking a significant cut to take the job.

I talked it over with my wife and she doesn't want me to take the job if I'm offered it at a rate that doesn't compensate for the increased cost for the commute. We really can't afford to be taking any kind of pay cuts at this time.

Another problem is that they want me to come in for the interview at a time that conflicts with my current work schedule. It's too short of notice to take a vacation day and we don't have personal days. The only way I could make the interview would be to call in sick, and that's something I just don't do unless I absolutely have to, as in, I'm really unable to work. If it were for the opportunity of a lifetime, I might make an exception, but this isn't that good.

Here's what I'm thinking of doing. I'll try to see if they can do the interview on a Saturday. Barring that, I do have a vacation day coming up in September 2nd. I could do the interview then. If they agree to that then I will try to negotiate a higher wage if I am offered a job. If I don't get what I need, I don't take the job.

What do you think?

ON EDIT: Sorry for the confusion below. I should have added that this new job would represent a career change to something with a much more promising future. Right now I'm a trucker and in a dead end job. I went back to school and finished my degree to change that. This is my first good opportunity.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

1. What is the worth to you of 2 hours a day in commuting?

How many hours a year are you willing give up of your life?
Add to this the cost in fuel and car repair.
No brainer to me.

[Tobin S.]

4. It would mean the end of my career as a trucker

and the beginning of my career doing something I don't hate. That's what this is about. If it were for another trucking position, I wouldn't consider it.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. OK, that makes sense.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Must be one hell of a job for you to even think...

of adding 2-4 hours a day for less money.

And you oughta know you're not going to be averaging 60 or better driveway to driveway.

[Tobin S.]

6. See post #4

[TreasonousBastard]

8. Yeah, I saw that...

go for it if you think there's a future there.

[PoliticAverse]

3. I think I don't understand what advantages the new job has over your current one,

what if any are there?

[Tobin S.]

7. See post #4

I suppose I should have put that in my OP.

[demmiblue]

9. That is a conundrum.

If you feel it would make you happier/more fulfilled, and you see an opportunity for advancement in the near future, I think it is well worth considering. No harm in sussing out the situation. Perhaps your wife can take on some extra hours until you are making enough to meet your financial needs. You worked hard, you deserve to reap the spoils.

Good luck!

[Fla Dem]

10. You may have to consider the long term advantages.

If there is personal growth and more fulfillment in the new job, as well as some assurance of income growth, I would seriously consider the position. An hour commute is not unusual, I did it for 20 years.
Whatever you decide, do it with no regrets. Good luck!

[elleng]

11. I'd tell them I/you'd be interested IF

the pay would increase considering the 'difficulties' involved. Work something practical re: interview.
GOOD that it's a career change.