Would you take a job that paid half what you make for better hours?

[roliepolieoliefan]

I work right now as an RN at a Visiting nurse association. The hours are good, flexible. I work casual, 1 day a week but being casual if our census is low I get called off. I get no benefits or vacation. If I don't want to work, I just tell them, I'm not coming in. But I still have to do on-call like the full-time employees. one week a month plus 2 holidays a year. I hate this, I think its crap that they won't guarantee me hours but I have to take call for them. I get paid a whopping 5.00 a day for call and I can't do anything those days because what if I get beeped? I was just offered a job in a drs office. Almost half the pay. But no weekends, holidays or evenings. Its just 1/2 day once a week now, but I was told it could turn into more. DH is mad, he said its not worth my time. But I want to give it a try. What do you guys think? We aren't rich by no means, my check does help out, especially for vacations and extras. BTW, DH takes call also at his job but gets paid LOTS more for his call time. Any replies appreciated!

 

[mytmouse]

You need to look at it from a financial as well as personal point of view. First, will the difference in income be more of a burden to your current living situation. You need to take into account if there are benefits(insurance, vacation, etc.) Next, since your DH has stated his opnion, it would be important for the two of you to talk this out if you really feel strongly about taking the position.
Finally, you need to look at future opportunites(if any) within the office environment. Such things as advancement, tenure, competition, etc. Hope any of this helps.

 

[N.Bailey]

My SIL is an RN and I agree $5.00 a day is nothing to get excited about. She gets a lot more than that when she's on call. No one however can make this decision for you, it's something you're going to have to think long and hard about. You're only working 1 day a week and that's going to be cut back to 1/2 day a week? Did I understand that correctly? Plus you're on call? I'm not quite sure if you want more hours or what you're looking for exactly? If working half a day a week for half the pay is what you want, then I'd say go for it. If it's more hours you're looking for however, well, I think a hospital might be your best bet and you won't be talking a pay cut there. My SIL only works 3 days a week, but they are some awfully long hours during those 3 days. She does make out rather well though, especially when she adds in her on call time (If memory servers me right, I'm thinking she makes half time for those hours, but I could be wrong).

 

[EdiePA]

I'm a pharmacist, who worked in retail for 15 years. I then took a job at a State Mental Hospital with a $30,000 a year pay cut, but I work 8 to 4 Mon. thru Fri., no nights, weekends, holidays, etc.

BUT, three years down the road now, and no children left at home, it does become upsetting to realize that you're being paid so little and could be making so much more. Plus, our duties just keep getting added to without any financial changes.

Think long and hard about this -- you may grow bitter over time and feel "used" if there isn't any change or chance for advancement.

Just my humble experience,
Edie

 

[newholiday]

YES and especially if that meant less travel time.

I worked at a computer newspaper 12yrs 1981-1993. When DS started walking I couldnt stand working fulltime anymore and left that job to be home w/him and work parttime.

Right after he got out of Kindergarten a fulltime job opened at the town library 1.5miles (4mins) from our home. My pay was cut by 33% (from past fulltime job) but I am now able to come home on lunch breaks, get DS on the school bus, take my lunch break when he gets home from school, etc.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Thanks for your opinions. To answer some questions, I would continue to work at the visiting nurse place until I could get more hours at the drs office. The office manager told me a position could open soon at 2 days a week. It would be less driving, since the drs office is 10 min. from my house and my current job I drive around all day. As for the hospital, been there done that. I would make a ton more money there, but the hours are horrible. Any more opinions?