<p>It sounds like you prefer Company B.</p>
<p>Okay then… See if Job #2 is willing to up the ante. Maybe they won’t match the offer from Job #1… Perhaps come up with a figure that would make it worth it to take Job #2 and ask for it.</p>
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<p>As someone who would have loved to have retired a while ago, that is critical. Having enough money to retire when you want to, not when you finally can, is priceless.</p>
<p>Cost of living differential is not so high that the same job a few hours away is half the pay, especially for a professional or executive position. Sounds like maybe B was hoping to get a bargain.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like A is the better deal right now - much more money, no 4 hour commute, no moving hassles, kids get to come home to “their” house from college, college paid for, retire earlier…</p>
<p>B needs to step up to a competitive offer.</p>
<p>We have a call into Company B and yes, if they come up with an acceptable figure, I think we would take that job, but then again, not having to drive the 4 hours each way every week for a year and a half is really not appealing either-commute now is 15 minutes. Like I said earlier the pro list and the con list have an equal number of entries–it’s REALLY a hard choice…other considerations, moving away from most of our family but closer to other family both pro and con :D.</p>
<p>4 hrs each way commute each week for a year and a half, 50-60 hours work per week, the hassle of selling/moving, 1/2 the pay vs. twice the pay, 40 hrs per week, 15 min commute, no selling/moving, the ability to retire 10 years sooner, the type of work is essentially the same, but the equation is equal? Hmmn, not in my mind. Also, won’t you be away from your wife and/or kids for much of the year and a half? Is that good for you, your kids, or or marriage? I’d stick with A. And congratulations on your opportunities.</p>
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<p>I am confused. Who has the offer, you or your husband or both of you?</p>
<p>Yes, good question, who are/is “we”? </p>
<p>I am not too good at giving work advice, since I haven’t worked in quite a while, but only you can decide if the atmosphere at company A has not been poisoned by all this. I have known bosses that were so vindictive they would offer to double your pay to convince you to stay so they could then fire you and leave you jobless. On the other hand, company A should be the devil you know. You really don’t know for sure what it would be like to work for company B. You could move to company B and after a while realize it isn’t that much better than company A. Isn’t it just a little bit awkward to accept a doubling in pay and then insisting on a rich severance package also? That is a very clear statement to management, “I don’t trust you!”</p>
<p>If company A’s offer truly represents a realization that you have been underpaid for years and they are happy to keep you at twice the pay (I remain a little guarded and skeptical…) then I think you would be a little crazy to leave, especially with the logistical challenges involved in working for company B. </p>
<p>But as I said, “work”? I vaguely remember what that was like…</p>
<p>DH is the “worker”. There are certain expectations for me as well being the wife so it’s kind of a joint job in a way. Company B expects involvement in various civic organizations from spouses, which I am totally fine with, but it is part of the interview process so it’s a “we”.</p>
<p>Ok, formal written offer on DH’s desk this morning, base was $5000 more than they talked about yesterday and an additional $5000 in bonus, so $10,000 more than they talked about yesterday. The long term plan they are still working out details, they wanted input from DH. I don’t think trust is an issue from the company to our side. Asking for a rich severance package isn’t unheard of and actually is expected at this level and what we are asking for is in line with standard practices.</p>
<p>Yes, we are in a very good spot and trust me, are very thankful after having experienced a long term unemployment situation.</p>
<p>Wow. Sounds terrific!! Congratulations!</p>
<p>It is clear to me from your latest posts that you really don’t want to leave Company A and where you live now.</p>
<p>VeryHappy–we have moved so many times over the years for job transfers with DH’s old company that in the end, it really doesn’t matter where we live but yes, we do like it here, but I would like it there too. It does have some big pluses vs our current area too. Our move would be paid for by Company B, packed, moved, etc. it’s just all the stuff before then, but I’ve done it before, I can do it again and it’s a good opportunity to toss crap :D.</p>
<p>Still haven’t heard back from Company B yet (contact person travels, a lot). Hopefully we will hear from them soon and can see what they say.</p>
<p>Congratulations, seems like a win-win situation.</p>
<p>Ok, so Company B is going to get back to us tomorrow morning…I hate waiting.</p>
<p>So – what’s the deal?? Is your decision obvious, or is this going to be more agita??</p>
<p>Talked to B briefly this morning, the are supposed to get back to us this afternoon so we are still waiting…Dh seems to have his head back into the game at A, talking about some projects and out of town trips that need to be made in the next month, etc. The long term incentive plan they are working up is more than generous, with DH taking over as President in a little over a year, June of 2013. Having that in writing vs “promises” from B means a lot more. We will have to see what B comes back with but it doesn’t sound like it is going to be comparable…but who knows. I will update when we hear for sure.</p>
<p>I’ve spent most of the day doing the back and forth “If we move I can do this”, “If we stay I can do that” type thinking. The only thing I haven’t been able to find a pro for not moving is I was going to get to take over DH’s walk-in closest while he was commuting :D. I have my own walk-in, but you can just never have too much closet space.</p>
<p>Been there, done that on the driving front. Did it a couple (close to 3) years to the point when I was finally freed I did everything possible to not get into a car. Just saying!</p>
<p>Well, B couldn’t come even close to the A offer so it looks like we are staying put. I don’t have many details yet and he is talking to B again tonight since they didn’t have much time to talk earlier. Sort of disappointed but then sort of not too. It makes it easier for the state residency for colleges too since state B doesn’t have reciprocity with any other states and if there were an issue down the line, it could end up costing us over $10,000/year in extra tuition so that is a savings if it would be an issue.</p>
<p>Wow – congratulations!!</p>
<p>Keep us posted on developments. I love this stuff.</p>
<p>Talked to B again, disappointed that we are not coming but understands why and no hard feelings. Said we are not off the list for this job there down the road so that is good.</p>