Upwardly Mobile

[3RRL]

All really good posts.
Gives you a lot to think about. It's one of those interesting decisions that has no "right" or "wrong" in it, so it's a hard one. Right now, as my Dad used to say when he was alive, "it's just another stumbling block in your life and you'll get over it." I'm sure you'll end up making the right decision or making your decision right.

Here's a different way to look at the extra $10,000 (net) you'll be making. It's a lot of money when looking at it as a lump sum. But what does it cost you to get it? Let's presume you'll work 40 hrs/week. Often outside sales lead to more than this, though. Anyway, that means you're working about 2000hrs/year so your net gain is $5/hr. As most outside jobs go, you often end up working more than 40 hrs/wk, so the example below has less and less return.

For each full day you spend away from your family you get $40 more. For those days that you get home late...say a couple of hours, you make $10 more for working instead of tractoring or doing something with your wife that you REALLY want to do...whatever it is.

Now, I'll confess too. When I was working I never turned down a promotion either, but things have changed. I feel my career is winding down and my personal time is quickly becoming priceless. Just my thoughts.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'm listening to all of you. Everyone has a few valid points.

Also, I sat down with my boss this afternoon, and discussed the unfolding events. I asked him straight up would it be to my detriment to turn down the job. He said that I was his #1 employee. He HOPES I take the position, but wouldn't want to do anything to harm our working relationship. In short he needs me.

I asked my wife to come straight out and tell me what she thought. I got the answer I was expecting. We made tremendous sacrifices when the kids were young, working 60 or 70 hours a week at our jobs, then taking care of a small farm too.. Now that things have "leveled out" so to speak, she wants to spend the rest of our days together, just the two of us. NO ROAD TRIPS PLEASE.

I've made some good financial moves over the years. I've made even more LUCKY financial moves. I'm not rich by any means, but things look good for our retirement. We have plans to get a little more involved in the farm. (Niche market, growing organic produce items)

For the first time in my life, I think I'm going to say no to a job promotion.

I'm happy with being "HAPPY".

 

[HGM]

Sounds like thats what you wanted anyhow... Happy is worth allot more than 10k per year, not sure it can be bought... Although a winning lotto ticket might put a good down payment on it.. Good luck.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[hunterridgefarm]

("I'm happy with being "HAPPY".")

Then you made the right decision. Congrats you have been blessed.

 

[3RRL]

I'm happy that you and your wife are happy. Talking to your boss, your wife and making that decision sure takes a load off.
Good luck,

 

[inveresk]

I'd ask yourself what type of skillset you want to develop to get where you want to in your career and in your life and whether this new post is likely to help you develop that skillset better than the current job. If the answer is yes, then I think your action path is clear, especially as you'll realise one preference - to be in the field rather than the office.

If not, the decision's harder but my partner keeps telling me there are no wrong decisions in life. If a decision works for us, we get gifts. If it doesn't we get lessons.

That's life, gifts and lessons.

 

[inveresk]

Another maxim that might apply in this case is that it's better to have regrets about doing something than about doing nothing.

 

[riptides]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( regrets about doing something than about doing nothing)</font>

heehaw! Doing nothing is still doing something. It is a viable option. Sort of watching the world go forward, without you...

Bottom line: Try to find happy time.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BB_TX]

<font color="blue"> For the first time in my life, I think I'm going to say no to a job promotion. </font>
Not a bad decision at all. Approaching retirement age there are a lot of things that can happen healthwise. I have known several people whom either their health or spouse's health suddenly failed shortly before or after retirement and greatly changed the plans they had for their future. Enjoy it to the fullest while you can.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Today is/was the day. The big guy was wanting my answer. After we had our little conversation yesterday, he already had a good idea which direction I was headed.

When I walked in the office this morning, there was a note on my computer screen that he wanted to have a meeting with me, my assistant, and 2 job formen. That all happened at 7:30AM.

The result of the meeting? I'm going to be handling some of the construction managment jobs. The ones "in town", or with-in a few hours drive. A job forman that's been with the company for 16 years will now deal with the out-of-town managment jobs. He's single and loves to travel. We will split the salary increase equally between the two of us. I still have my responsabilities as estimator. This way, when I do finally retire, there will be a continuety within the business. There will be 2 people trained to do my job(s). And I get a few days each month out of the office.

Now I get the best of both worlds for the next few years.

My wife is happy! (Which KEEPS me happy)

I'm happy!

My boss is happy!

And my suitcase can stay under the bed!