Perfect job, but the pay is too low

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 01-05-2008, 04:44 PM

Dh has found his ideal job. He has always wanted to teach at a college or university, however didn't have a PhD and didn't want the pressure of publishing. A local college that we are in love with has a position open. They don't require a PhD and don't require you to publish. he has had 2 interviews and they told him he was one of 3 they were calling back for a third.

He really wants this job, it would be perfect for him, he is very unhappy where he is at - which is frustrating because we moved cross country for the current job. You have no idea how badly he wants this position and how it is everything he has ever wanted.

One major problem - it would be a paycut - of at least $20K, if not more. It is so frustrating! I don't see how we could do it. It wouldn't even cover the bare essentials. We have tried to come up with other ideas of things he could do to supplement - substituting on his off days, coaching, working for my dad (sales, no guarantees), working part time at his current job as a high school teacher and full time at the college, etc. We can't come up with a way to make up the difference that is stable enough to count on.

I don't know what to do. Any ideas? What would you do in this situation? It would be perfect for him. Currently I don't work, as I stay home with the kids and homeschool them. The only job I could get would be either from home or nights and weekends. I don't think I could bring in the difference in pay either. We are both just so frustrated with the whole situation.

Thanks for letting me vent!
Jennifer

**jamie79** · 01-05-2008, 04:47 PM

If the pay is too low then its not the perfect job, if you cant pay your bills

**yonksgirl** · 01-05-2008, 04:54 PM

Could he naybe got to school part time at night to get his PHD so he could then work for a college? I know it is a pain in the butt, but it may be worth it in the end.

**nuisance26** · 01-05-2008, 05:54 PM

~What a tough position to be in. I know how important it is for the hubby to be happy going to work but if the pay isn't enough to live on then I think he'll have to pass. Dreams aren't wishes, they require that we put in the work/hassle to make them come true. Meaning he'll have alot more and better opportunities to live his dream when he finishes that final step. Sorry for sounding preachy, but I'm really preaching to myself. I'm a big dreams person too! But my dreams can't be fit into our current financial situation so they're on hold. I really wish I had some advice about your budget or supplemental work but it just doesn't make sense to me to take a $20K cut in pay. I know a few ladies here run home day-cares. Maybe that could be an option for you?~

**dolphin** · 01-05-2008, 06:40 PM

I imagine that if your dh got the job it would not seem so right for him and you all once he took a good long look at it. The job is already frustrating to you and him because it would put a hardship on all of you and current lifestyle and future of your children as well. I go with, wait and see if he is offered the job, then sit down and very honestly number crunch one more time.

At that point maybe he could get a pay increase before he even starts since it's with a college and they can increase the starting pay for someone who is more qualified.

**Cricket1** · 01-05-2008, 11:13 PM

If he gets the job, why doesn't he ask for more money before he accepts it? Try it--it can't hurt. All they can say is no.

**i.m.cheap** · 01-06-2008, 01:56 AM

He makes 20K more teaching high school? I think I would stick with the current job. Could he teach some evening classes at the college as an adjunct instructor? My DH does that.

**bumplett** · 01-06-2008, 02:00 AM

I'm with cricket - ask for more $$, worst they can say is no.

**Edna_E** · 01-07-2008, 06:11 PM

I have a different view on this - for one thing I've done it! I quit my well-paid industry career to teach at a community college while my son was in jr high and HS. I dropped my salary almost in half, but picked up a significant chunk teaching summer semester (that doesn't typically count in the "offer", so think of the offer as covering 2/3 of a year) and then more by picking up an overload class (pays less per hour, but still adds up). Then too, there is the opportunity to consult for local businesses. All in all, I picked up about an extra 12-15 thousand a year in the years surrounding the turn of the century. Also, the clothing budget and the stress level both decreased by a significant amount. If it is his dream, go for it, and figure out how to make it work.

**stinkbug** · 01-07-2008, 06:57 PM

I'd wait until there is a definate offer. But...how is this perfect if you are both stressing and trying to figure how it would pay the bills. If he is the only source of income (and you want to remain a SAHM) I'd think his commitment would be to his family's well being....he has a lifetime to dream. I only say this because I've been in this exact situation and it didn't end well....

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 01-07-2008, 09:30 PM

Thanks for the input. it is the perfect job - except for the pay.

I think we have decided to tell them that we need a certain amount of money. And that he is willing to work extra (teach more classes, coach, etc) to get there, but are they willing to work with us? If they are, lets proceed with the interviews. He might not even get the job! We don't want to waste their time. If they can't work with us on salary, then he won't interview again. We can't take that big of a paycut.