Q & A with the Coach

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Q: My current employer allows me to have a very flexible schedule and my commute is only 20 minutes, but my prospective new employer is offering $30,000 more per year and a schedule that would be much more rigid. It also adds an additional 25 minutes to my commute. Should I take the offer with the prospective employer? - Executive, Public Affairs Firm, Washington, DC

A: This poses an interesting question: more money, or sticking to your values? If quality of life is high on your list then leaving for more money and working within stricter guidelines, not to mention a longer commute, might not be worth the additional cash. Company values, recognition and making a contribution are high on the list of reasons why people choose to stay (or leave) their employers. More money, surprisingly, is much lower on the list.

Assess what you have going for you now and what's important to you in a job before leaving for more money. What is it you need to have to be happy? If a short commute in a major metropolitan area and flexibility are in your top 5, you have your answer!

- Ellen

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