Career Advice needed

[RoamingNomad]

TL;DR - Which should be prioritized by a husband and father of 3 teens... better hours or better pay?

I won't go into specifics, but I will try to give what I can to help.

I work in Office Administration for my state in a management position. Have for 6 years. Previously I did sales. I make enough to pay my mortgage, car note, insurance, etc. but only by this much, I have $60 left in my bank after bills and food have been paid for. My current commute and work commitment requires me to be away for 47 hours per week. There are stressors involved here that have made it to the point of near suffocation and downright anger/animosity to the position.

I have a job offer to return to a sales position, within the same industry oddly enough, and it is a non management position. The guaranteed pay is much lower, but the opportunity for financial growth makes my ceiling much higher... much higher. The hours commitment would be more, even if I just consider the extra commute (drive is twice as long). I have confidence in myself to be able to make up the difference in salary.

I'm curious what you all think.

 

[timf]

One can lower the river or raise the bridge.

Some families go with one income to be able to home school. They often have to move someplace cheaper or take other cost cutting steps. Living cheap isn't the end of the world.

It sounds like you are tempted to return to sales. You mention the money, but I wonder if it isn't the type of work you miss more.

The price you and your family pay is less time for you at home. If you talk it over with your family (including your teens) it might help them understand some adult dilemmas that they may have to face themselves.

 

[bèlla]

I would examine the industries and company performance for both. I'd also consider if they're publicly traded and look at the shareholder materials if they are. While employees are unlikely to get the whole truth you'll discover more through investors than otherwise. Are you experiencing layoffs and what's the company's position on Ai? Look for public statements on the latter with projections on workforce reduction. Most will be downsizing to some degree.

Before you leap into sales look into your clientele. How are they faring? Are sales increasing, the same or down? Look at the stats for 2023, 2024 and 2025 to see their buying patterns. The question mark isn't the positions. It's your wife. You have three terns at home and unless you're homeschooling they're probably gone most of the day. She could contribute through part-time work and still be home for your sons when they arrive.

Your budget is tight and if she prefers to be at home she may want to consider customer support jobs, content creation or working remotely. Your income will fluctuate with sales and the extra from her would be helpful. Many women in similar situations chose to share their expertise online through cooking, decorating, homemaking, parenting, gardening, homeschooling, etc. You can start a YouTube channel with a mobile phone and a mic.

One income is wonderful if you can make it work and have margin to weather uncertainties. We're in a period of transition and you'll find it easier to take the new job if you put something else in place to cushion the highs and lows income wise. There were 1.1 million layoffs this year and more are coming in 2026. It would be all hands on deck for me in that situation. Your sons could probably pick up something on the weekend that would give them spending money. Every little bit helps.

What happens if you lose your job? Who makes up the difference? Do you have familial support? Optimism is great but don't ignore the rest. You see the economy and should plan with that in mind with the appropriate safeguards for your loved ones. Good luck.

~bella

 

[Zceptre]

TL;DR - Which should be prioritized by a husband and father of 3 teens... better hours or better pay?

I won't go into specifics, but I will try to give what I can to help.

I work in Office Administration for my state in a management position. Have for 6 years. Previously I did sales. I make enough to pay my mortgage, car note, insurance, etc. but only by this much, I have $60 left in my bank after bills and food have been paid for. My current commute and work commitment requires me to be away for 47 hours per week. There are stressors involved here that have made it to the point of near suffocation and downright anger/animosity to the position.

I have a job offer to return to a sales position, within the same industry oddly enough, and it is a non management position. The guaranteed pay is much lower, but the opportunity for financial growth makes my ceiling much higher... much higher. The hours commitment would be more, even if I just consider the extra commute (drive is twice as long). I have confidence in myself to be able to make up the difference in salary.

I'm curious what you all think.

This sounds very complex, above my pay grade for sure, and the outcomes of the choices made seem fuzzy at best just from the basics posted (for an outsider that is).

I would continue to deliberate on this with as much time as you have, and more importantly than that, pray. PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens. If you have a deadline (and I'm sure there is one), then pray and don't stop until you get to that deadline or get a clear choice. This just seems to me to be a God-sized order for advice and I would invest as much time in knocking on Heaven's door and claim His promise of answering us until He does. (Matthew 7:7 - Matthew 7:8)

I tend to prioritize time over money, but in some cases having more money to use in the smaller time windows can be the better choice. It would also depend on the level of certainty for reaching that higher potential of income. If you are as confident as you sound, and you pray enough, it may just be a blessing God is leading you into.

Will say a prayer for you, for clear guidance in answered prayer, and for your family.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

TL;DR - Which should be prioritized by a husband and father of 3 teens... better hours or better pay?

I won't go into specifics, but I will try to give what I can to help.

I work in Office Administration for my state in a management position. Have for 6 years. Previously I did sales. I make enough to pay my mortgage, car note, insurance, etc. but only by this much, I have $60 left in my bank after bills and food have been paid for. My current commute and work commitment requires me to be away for 47 hours per week. There are stressors involved here that have made it to the point of near suffocation and downright anger/animosity to the position.

I have a job offer to return to a sales position, within the same industry oddly enough, and it is a non management position. The guaranteed pay is much lower, but the opportunity for financial growth makes my ceiling much higher... much higher. The hours commitment would be more, even if I just consider the extra commute (drive is twice as long). I have confidence in myself to be able to make up the difference in salary.

I'm curious what you all think.

Sounds like you are unhappy with your current job. No one wants an unhappy daddy! Go for what makes you happy it will surely reflect in your everyday life with your wife and daughters.
Blessings

 

[Richard T]

Longer commute and longer hours? I would say no. perhaps spend a week simulating that extra commute time, by shopping or doing something else away from the family.

See if there is some way you can lower your expenses or raise your household income. I always drive a car I can self replace if there is an accident which allows me to avoid all car insurance except liability. i accept higher deductibles too on property, knowing that I can do most repairs myself, and any claim is likely to raise my rates anyway.

Since benefits are a big part of most jobs, you better take a look at the comparisons for health care and retirement. That can make a huge difference. Pay close attention to your retirement vesting. Consider too what is AI going to do to these companies? Also, are these companies likely to have growth or decline, or be affected by tariffs negatively?
Lastly, if you really are leaning to the sales job have a heart to heart with your boss at the current employer. They may offer a raise, or a realignment of your duties to keep you on.

Most of all see if you can hear from God concerning this matter. God bless your family and finances.