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This really depends on many factors. Personally, I wouldn't relocate unless it was a place I wanted to live and the employer offered a relocation package with the amount grossed up to cover any out-of-pocket costs.
If you are talking about jobs where it isn't customary to provide a relocation package, then you need to look at other factors which are important to you and they can't just be about the salary. When deciding if you should relocate elsewhere even with a written job offer, you need to consider that you might be out of a job in this new location. Are there better job opportunities there for you, than where you live now, for example. The cost of housing is also important.
I would not break your lease to move unless you have a job offer that you cannot refuse.
I agree with those that said chasing smaller salary increases may be counter-productive, and if you get a big salary increase, it may come with a big increase in expectations and workload.
I don't know how old you are, but I would look at the big picture.
Another thing I would recommend, just in general, knowing nothing about you ... is to keep a work diary.
Not ever day, but, basically...
-In 2021, I was working for this company, making $19/hr. And I liked the job a lot. Or ... you disliked the job, etc.
It will help you put jobs and working in perspective.
It really depends on what that money is up to you.
$38,000 isn't a lot of money. Back in 2012, I was making around $33,000, and relocated to make $41,000, though it involved a short commute (ten miles one way vs. fifty miles on way). I was tired of all the driving.
I made $87,000 last year. I had a very promising couple of interviews in a higher COL area for $105k-$120k. With the higher cost of living (rent would be about $1k more than my house payment) and the job being full-time in office vs. working remotely, it just didn't make sense.
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The money is only one factor, how much do you like where you live, and would you like the place where the new job is? Then there is the distance from family and friends, and whether it's worth it, having to spend a lot more to visit, and see them a lot less. For me it would take an additional $50k or more to go to Oregon, Utah, or Idaho. I would not go to most other states unless it was for an additional $100k, even more than that for California.
Saying this salary and that salary are low and high are useless without context, even if you eliminate cost of living area as a factor. Much more info is needed to make such judgements, even amongst employees who have college degrees.
I make more than 38K a year, but ... I SLAVE for it. To the point where it's starting to affect my mental health.
OTOH, I have a friend who has made over six figures for years now, and he can 'barely' tell me what he does on a daily basis. I mean, I know what he does in general, but I don't know how he fills up all the days with those tasks. He has many easier days. I know because I've given my resume to him on many occasions.
As a generality, if you work for a small, private employer, they're going to count their eggs and treat your productivity like a homeowner would review their utility or credit card bill.
If you work for a larger company, or a public entity, you MAY be able to get away with a lot.
Nobody knows how it will turn out unless you have a friend who works at the company and they can tell you exactly how it is.
Who knows? You may move and get paid 60K to do 20 hours of real work a week.
For me location would be a huge factor. Would I be happy making the same salary as the place I left would factor into my decision. I would be really interested in what state you live in now and what state are you considering moving to.
I agree with those that said chasing smaller salary increases may be counter-productive, and if you get a big salary increase, it may come with a big increase in expectations and workload.
=.
Do you consider $38,000 to $45,000 a small salary increase? What about $38,000 to $50,000? Cost of living is about the same in any of the places, but relocating would also bring me closer to some relatives which I would count as a side benefit.
It's difficult to offer advice without knowing more about your occupation and location.
I think it's unlikely that you would be offered relocation assistance, but it's possible that a new job might offer a hiring bonus which would help offset costs associated with moving.
Quote:
Originally Posted by metty85
How
I have a ways to go on my apartment lease (next summer) so if I get a job elsewhere between now and then, I'm going to have to break the lease. That would probably cost $4,500 if I do it and give 60 days notice, assuming whoever hires me lets me stay behind for 60 days. Breaking it and just bolting would be 3-4 times that number, and that I couldn't swing.
Am I understanding correctly that your monthly rent is $1,500? That's nearly half of your gross monthly income at $38,000 annual. Have you considered living with your fiancee, or getting a roommate?
Fixing this should be a priority regardless of whether you stay or move.
Do you consider $38,000 to $45,000 a small salary increase? What about $38,000 to $50,000? Cost of living is about the same in any of the places, but relocating would also bring me closer to some relatives which I would count as a side benefit.
You basically ignored all of the helpful comments that were posted throughout the thread and re-asked your initial question.
Listen, from a pure financial standpoint, breaking your lease costs $4500?
So, if you're raise is $4000, you'll pay for that and your move in like 2 years.
It's difficult to offer advice without knowing more about your occupation and location.
I think it's unlikely that you would be offered relocation assistance, but it's possible that a new job might offer a hiring bonus which would help offset costs associated with moving.
Am I understanding correctly that your monthly rent is $1,500? That's nearly half of your gross monthly income at $38,000 annual. Have you considered living with your fiancee, or getting a roommate?
Fixing this should be a priority regardless of whether you stay or move.
My monthly rent will be $1,200 and I'll be living with my fiance, who also works full-time and makes only slightly less than me. My apartment complex explained that there's a fee for breaking the lease plus, I believe, 4 months rent.
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