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Ask HN: Better pay vs no work weekend?

1 points by sushobhan 10y ago

Huge pay increase but 6days a week, what should be my decision?

AngeloAnolin 10y ago
This really depends more on your current lifestyle and status. Some people are driven during their young age to work more (while the energy is there and personal commitments are less) and try to save up for the years ahead. Others have a more laid-back lifestyle where they value their personal time off than just being able to earn a lot more. In the end, you are going to make your decision based on the circumstances surrounding yourself, whether it is really worth it to sacrifice that extra day of possible rest and recreation time with a somewhat generous pay to beef up your bank account.
lhorie 10y ago
You should consider whether the pay increase really is a pay increase per actual work hour (including overtime), and considering that you might be moving up to a higher tax bracket. When I say work hour, keep in mind that places that honor overtime pay policies do so at higher rates (IIRC 1.5x base hourly rate). Realistically, that's pretty generous considering the level of exploitation some companies get away with, but remember that in addition to adding a work day, a 6-day week subtracts one rest day. That means you get roughly half the number of days other people would for socializing, family time, errands, house chores, etc. The higher work-to-rest ratio can also negatively affect your health and your romantic relationship (or limit your prospects, if you're not in one). If the pay increase involves relocation, also consider cost of living, house prices and future employment potential. If the pay increase involves a change in type of employment type, again, consider tax implications and benefits (particularly healthcare benefits)
smt88 10y ago
If you can get a 6-day job that pays that, you can get a 5-day job that pays it. Smart companies know that people burn out when they work too many hours and end up being _less_ productive. Work for a smart company.

1 points by sushobhan 10y ago

Huge pay increase but 6days a week, what should be my decision?

This really depends more on your current lifestyle and status. Some people are driven during their young age to work more (while the energy is there and personal commitments are less) and try to save up for the years ahead. Others have a more laid-back lifestyle where they value their personal time off than just being able to earn a lot more. In the end, you are going to make your decision based on the circumstances surrounding yourself, whether it is really worth it to sacrifice that extra day of possible rest and recreation time with a somewhat generous pay to beef up your bank account.

lhorie 10y ago

You should consider whether the pay increase really is a pay increase per actual work hour (including overtime), and considering that you might be moving up to a higher tax bracket. When I say work hour, keep in mind that places that honor overtime pay policies do so at higher rates (IIRC 1.5x base hourly rate). Realistically, that's pretty generous considering the level of exploitation some companies get away with, but remember that in addition to adding a work day, a 6-day week subtracts one rest day. That means you get roughly half the number of days other people would for socializing, family time, errands, house chores, etc. The higher work-to-rest ratio can also negatively affect your health and your romantic relationship (or limit your prospects, if you're not in one). If the pay increase involves relocation, also consider cost of living, house prices and future employment potential. If the pay increase involves a change in type of employment type, again, consider tax implications and benefits (particularly healthcare benefits)

smt88 10y ago

If you can get a 6-day job that pays that, you can get a 5-day job that pays it. Smart companies know that people burn out when they work too many hours and end up being _less_ productive. Work for a smart company.