Comments on: Secrets of Switching Jobs: Deconstructing The Job Offer

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:24:57 +0000

I think ’stability/company reputation’ needs to be represented on the list. I was offered a huge opportunity (in terms of career potential, actual $$, and they were willing to match my vacation time) from which I ultimately walked away because their newsworthiness was ‘unpleasant’ and might limit my future resume: i.e., who wants to hire an accountant from Enron or a fund manager from Merrill Lynch?

By: Writer's Coin

Writer's Coin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:14:21 +0000

I like the point you’re making by putting salary at number 10, but let’s be serious: that’s the thing people look at before any of the other stuff.

I would say that, unless you’re making tons of money (say, over 100k) then you can start to prioritize differently. But if I’m going to a new job and the salary is the same, the bonus better be radically higher and the other perks better blow away the old job.

By: Dana

Dana — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:54:37 +0000

One friend of mine always ask for generous moving stipend, that ships his furnitures, cars and all his belongings. He also usually gets his first month of renting covered. These expenses come up pretty high for a family, so another point to consider.

By: Kristy @ Master Your Card

Kristy @ Master Your Card — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:14:11 +0000

Great points to consider! I also think something else to take into consideration is the room for advancement. No one wants to stay in the same job or position forever, so there should be plenty of room for you to move around. The credit union I work for actually has little room for advancement. Since I view this as a job and not a career, I don’t really care at this point. However, when I do move into my career, you can bet that’s one thing I’m looking for!

By: Roger

Roger — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:35:01 +0000

A nice list of things to consider before taking a new job. I’ll have to look at all these considerations when I next get a job offer. I’ll have to check out Tye’s blog, as well, it seems like it could be interesting.

By: BD

BD — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:58:43 +0000

Bonuses are NOT taxed differently from your regular income! They’re taxed as PART OF your annual income. I see this mistake all the time. The reason some people think they’re taxed differently is that some piece of the bonus might be taxed at a higher rate, if you’re on the edge of a tax bracket.

For instance, the edge of the 25% tax bracket is at $82,250 for the year. If you earn $80,000 base salary and a $5,000 bonus in 2009, then using the tax tables here (http://taxes.about.com/od/2009taxes/qt/2009_tax_rates.htm) you owe $4,675 in taxes plus 25% of your income between $33,950 and $80,000, or $11,512.50. The first part of your bonus (that takes you up to $82,250 for the year) will be taxed at 25%, and the rest will be taxed at 28%. However, you will owe EXACTLY THE SAME AMOUNT of taxes as if you had just earned $85,000 in salary for the year.

By: TaxRascal

TaxRascal — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:10:57 +0000

These are definitely good points to cover. I think another important point is to look at what your future path would be at the job. If you’re specializing, how long will your specialty be necessary; if you’re a generalist, how are you going to compete with everyone else? If you’re looking for a promotion, how much does seniority factor into promotions?