Heres the story, I have been a Govt Contractor for almost 3 years now working at various locations in N.VA, I live in MD.  I have had commute lengths of almost 170 miles a day now down to 110 a day.  For the last 26 months I have been working as a courier and that adds another 50-60 miles to my daily drive, depending on what day of the week it is, we alternate driving every other day for the run.

     The company I work for is pretty small but we get darn good money considering what we pick-up and deliver and also due to our security clearances.  Last Fri I was called by Northrop Grumman and offered a job, I had interviewed a week prior to that.  They can not match the salary I am making now, which I figured would happen due to the Govt entity that will be the sponsor for my Clearance.

      They best they can do is offer me $5.46/hr less then what I make now.  On the plus side I will be reducing the mileage I add to my Jeep by over 11,500.  I have an 04 Jeep Liberty which I bought new July 04 with 5 miles on it and I now have over 102,000 on it, I would say 75% of that mileage comes from my driving to N.VA.   So that would decrease the $ I spend on gas by at least $3,500 not to mention oil changes and wear and tear on my Jeep.

     My commute is Rte 95 to Rte 495, in the AM I rarely have problems, coming home is a whole different story.  Last Fri I left at 2:10 PM because I had to get home and take a pet to the Vets.  I didn't get home until 4 PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That was for a 55 mile drive.  And Summer is only half way done, I do not feel like going through that crap each Fri.  

    As a result of all the stop and go driving I do I have developed Morton's Neuroma in my right foot, which is very painful.  If I continue the job I have now I may have to go through surgery for my foot, which I am NOT looking forward too!! This new job would be an office position, with around a 60 mile a day commute, it could be less because there are several routes I could take.

    We managed to pay our mortgage off last Summer so that is one less payment to make, and I think we can swing the reduction in my salary.  But the biggest plus would be a heck of a better commute each AM.  I am set with firearms, really do not need/want anymore, and I figure my Jeep should last another 2 years until we get my wife's paid off.

    They may be able to get me $1/hr more, not sure, but the benefits of going with the #3 defense contractor I think will far outweigh the reduction in pay.  What say you, hive mind?  Think I should just tighten the belt and go for the new job?

IMHO sounds like a winner to me.... Money isn't everything

Doesn't sound like you'd really have to tighten your belt all that much if it saves you a bundle in gas and wear and tear on your vehicle, not to mention the time you'd save.

Right now I get up at 3:15 AM, that way I can get my critters fed and have a nice, leisurely commute in, that way I get to work around 5:30 AM and get a spot to park under the trees.  This other job starts at 7 AM, I have to start now at 6 AM, so I usually go to sleep before 9 PM each night, which has been putting a heck of a strain on my marriage because I sleep in the front bedroom during the week.  

sounds like you know the answer already. A pay cut made up in quality of life - sounds decent to me.

New job - money isn't everything and with the mileage reduction it shoud be near even.

I live in MD - where are you?  Me: near Loch Raven

Quoted: New job - money isn't everything and with the mileage reduction it shoud be near even. I live in MD - where are you?  Me: near Loch Raven

I live in Pasadena, AA CO.  

Quoted: sounds like you know the answer already. A pay cut made up in quality of life - sounds decent to me.

^^This^^ Enjoy your extra time not spent commuting and recovering from surgery. Easy decision, IMO.

Quoted: IMHO sounds like a winner to me.... Money isn't everything

+1

Go for it.  Your time and wear and tear the car will easily off set the 11k less in salary.  I've always consider a job that was local or in the home would be worth that kind of cut.

The biggest issue I have with my current job is the commute, it is flat wearing me to a nub!  By Fri I can barely stay up past 9 PM, and that is only IF I drink some coffee.  

Take the new job.  F the traffic.

I e-mailed the manager a few minutes ago to tell her I will take the job.