The Pongo Blog
How Important Is Salary When You Decide to Switch Jobs?
September 21, 2010 (3:00PM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
My recent post, What's Most Important in Accepting a Job Offer?, highlighted the similarities and differences between employers and job seekers on the top reasons people want to work for a company. The number one reason for both groups: A competitive base pay.
Salary is important to most job seekers; how important is another question. There are trade-offs that might be more valuable. For example, many years ago, I switched jobs for a 6% salary cut, but better benefits and corporate culture, as well as greater growth potential. It turned out to be a very good career move.
I'm sure some of you wouldn't take a salary cut, but I thought it would be a good time to ask: How important is salary (as opposed to other factors such as benefits, commute time, or company culture) when you decide to switch jobs?
Take a second to answer this poll, then tell us more about the importance of salary in your career in a comment below.
[poll:32]
RELATED LINKS
3 Ways to Address Salary in Your Cover Letter
Survey Says: No Salary Requirements in Cover Letter
The Interview: How to Answer the Salary Question
Hi Rick! I love this question because, as you point out, most people find it really hard to take a salary cut - even when presented with things like better benefits and more opportunity. It's so hard to tell friends and family (and yourself) "Wuhoo! I got this great new job and I'm making LESS money!" Cash pays the bills; opportunity doesn't. But in my own experience, the other factors (opportunity, learning new things, connecting with new people) can set up career moves for many years to come. So for me...assuming I can still handle basics like rent and food...I'd definitely take less money for the chance to open up new paths no amount of money can buy!
Posted by: Ronnie Ann | September 23, 2010 at 10:40 AM | Quote This Comment
@ Ronnie -- You're so right! Some people rightly think "long term" rather than how much more can they make at their next job. Since many of us cherish the "pursuit of happiness," we're also willing to make a short- or longer-term financial sacrifice if it will make us happier, open new doors, and provide us with other benefits, such as the few you mentioned.
Thanks for the comment!
Posted by: Rick | September 24, 2010 at 12:31 PM | Quote This Comment
It's so hard to tell friends and family (and yourself) "Wuhoo! I got this great new job and I'm making LESS money.So for me...assuming I can still handle basics like rent and food...
Posted by: Discount Mary Poppins Tickets | September 30, 2010 at 7:27 AM | Quote This Comment
I got this great new occupation and I'm production LESS change!" hard cash pays the bills chance doesn't.
Posted by: mothers day messages | May 04, 2012 at 2:13 AM | Quote This Comment
I'm in no doubt some of you wouldn't obtain a income hack.
Posted by: mothers day status | May 04, 2012 at 7:55 AM | Quote This Comment
It bowed out to be alive a very good occupation be in motion.
Posted by: mothers day facebook status | May 06, 2012 at 2:32 AM | Quote This Comment
I discovered in my movement when I shifted to the aspect of myself and got without understanding where I was going or why. They were my terminology, my way to connect all that I was suffering from, sensation, seeing.
Posted by: local seo services | May 07, 2012 at 5:07 AM | Quote This Comment
Interesting to research all the new side effects, thanks for all the existing details and up-dates. Wish to research more very soon.
Posted by: mother's day messages | May 08, 2012 at 1:44 AM | Quote This Comment