Decisions.... family priorities and work?

[747mopar]

So I find myself in a bit of a conundrum, I recently was made aware of a job opening near me that sounded great and applied.... today is interview day and I find myself juggling the pros and cons. I took my current job after being layed off thinking it would be temporary (sawmill work) but here I am 14 years later. I came in as Head Maint and have been treated well, 2 years ago I moved into management so all is well kinda. It can be rough dirty work in both freezing and burning hot temps with even longer hours now then ever which is where the main problem is for me. With 2 well 3 little ones now I find myself wondering where the time goes... my daughter just past my wife up!!!

The other job would be very close to where I'm at now $$ (within a couple dollars) but that's starting out where it took me 14 years to get to where I'm at but the big kicker is 4 10 hour days!!! I wouldn't know what to do with myself having that much time at home.. I'd take a hit but only because of the hours and have better benefits so.... I just don't want to regret working my life away while the kids grow up.

 

[69 GTX]

4 10s, I'd be all over that!

 

[black64]

Always hard to leave comfort for a new challenge but upside is ability to make more money and more free time to do family things. Older we get harder to deal with temp swings like you mention. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[rlem1977]

I have worked those 4-10's, and 9-80s, and 5-40s. I like 4-10s. Nice to have 3-day weekends.

 

[YY1]

I recently switched from 22 year stint that ended with me being an IT project management team leader for 13.5 of the last 15 of those years.

We had a senior management change and the last 2 years were excruciating to say the least.

I took a job last year that pays quite a bit less and is no longer a management position, but the impact on me mentally has been phenomenal. I am now happy to be at work a gain, and my new group of coworkers are great, like it used to be several years ago.

My wife says I no longer scream "IDIOTS" as soon as I walk in the door when I get home, like I had been doing for the past 2 years.

That IMO is priceless.

Both places of employment did 4 ten hour days during certain months.
There is a gotcha on that schedule-

By the middle of Thursday, most folks are quite tired.
Most folks also lament losing those 2 hours of time away from work per day.
Some find they sleep much later on Friday morning, cutting out some of the "benefit" of only working 4 days per week.

I had enough PTO to take it during those months and only work 4 eight hour days.
In fact I started a trend, and by year 20- 1/2 of the entire staff was doing it.

 

[67440chrg]

Its hard to leave a secure job for the unknown. For me it would depend on how long before retirement and benefits. I have worked 4 tens in the past it was good except ones in a while it would end up 5 tens when things got busy. Good luck. Its better to have to choose between two jobs than look for a single one.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Its a reality of life. But after 14 years there is usually a certain amount of leanence. Can you presently take time of if need be with little notice. Will you miss the hidden perks of your present job? No job is totally secure. Ussually last hierd will be fist to go if things change.
Actually now that the kids are grown and on their own I do not hear them talk about the hours I spent at work or the amount of time away from home. Its about the time we spent together.

 

[Bb70charger500]

4-10's is nice! Life's to short ,don't burn your Bridge at your old job if new job doesn't work out go back .
I do remember getting 4-10's then it turned in to 5,6,7 then 11,12,13,14 sometimes 15 hours a day

 

[Bill Monk]

I worked 80 hour weeks for a lot of my life and for all intents and purposes, I missed my kids growing up. I did what I had to do mind you so I can't say I have regrets but I am at the point now where I don't have to or want to work like that. I agree with the others, don't burn bridges! But that said, if it really is 4 10s I would give it a whirl

 

[oldbee]

+1 with Bill.

 

[Tim Chavez]

If they ever say “hey bud great work here’s a company phone and a salary” tell them where they can shove it lol going salary has been the most stressful transition

 

[Cary McCune]

If 4-10's gets you more time with your family YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT.

I have 3 kids, and working 4-10's has been a blessing to both my wife and our kids.

Money can always be made, always put your wife and family first.

 

[Photon440]

I loved my 4-10s, not just the extra day off but one less day of traffic as well. I ended up using my holidays in one week blocks because the three day weekend at each end gave me 10 days off in a row.

 

[747mopar]

I recently switched from 22 year stint that ended with me being an IT project management team leader for 13.5 of the last 15 of those years.

We had a senior management change and the last 2 years were excruciating to say the least.

I took a job last year that pays quite a bit less and is no longer a management position, but the impact on me mentally has been phenomenal. I am now happy to be at work a gain, and my new group of coworkers are great, like it used to be several years ago.

My wife says I no longer scream "IDIOTS" as soon as I walk in the door when I get home, like I had been doing for the past 2 years.

That IMO is priceless.

Both places of employment did 4 ten hour days during certain months.
There is a gotcha on that schedule-

By the middle of Thursday, most folks are quite tired.
Most folks also lament losing those 2 hours of time away from work per day.
Some find they sleep much later on Friday morning, cutting out some of the "benefit" of only working 4 days per week.

I had enough PTO to take it during those months and only work 4 eight hour days.
In fact I started a trend, and by year 20- 1/2 of the entire staff was doing it.

A lot of similarities between our situations. The 10's are of zero concern, I currently work a minimum of 5 10's (typically 52 hours or more). The other big thing is I'm always pooped, I'll go home somedays (especially in the winter) sit down and fall asleep. Friday's are the days that I have to catch up on maint so the day you want to get home is usually your longer days 11-12 hour.

 

[747mopar]

If they ever say “hey bud great work here’s a company phone and a salary” tell them where they can shove it lol going salary has been the most stressful transition

That's where I'm at lol but am pretty much a zero stress kinda guy, I come to work and put effort in.... that's it.

 

[747mopar]

I worked 80 hour weeks for a lot of my life and for all intents and purposes, I missed my kids growing up. I did what I had to do mind you so I can't say I have regrets but I am at the point now where I don't have to or want to work like that. I agree with the others, don't burn bridges! But that said, if it really is 4 10s I would give it a whirl

I'm fortunate enough to own my home and cars so I'm in good shape financially and no longer need the hours.

 

[roughidle]

I'd be all over 4-10's.... Right now I work 7a - 4:30p... 9.5hrs a day....kicker is it's 5 days and I'm getting paid as if I'm working 40....

4-10's would be a cake walk. Plus the added bonus day I could use to finally try to get caught up on everything.

 

[Mike67]

4 10s is an awesome beny! Your kids are only young once, I've worked 60-80 hr weeks just to make ends meet while my wife was in school or pregnant. It was difficult to carve time out for the kids but I did it somehow...still missed a lot though looking back. I have been blessed to be put in a position that offerd a little more flexibility as far as my schedule goes being a director, but it also comes with a 24/7 leash that has been tugged on when **** hits the fan. Sometimes spend 3-5 days away from the family at a seminar or at a corporate function.
Sounds like you already are secure somewhat financially, so my focus would be on the long term. Benefits, retirement, stress level and stability, if that all meets your criteria go for it!

 

[Fran Blacker]

Worked 4-12 hour days and 4 days off work off days all ot or 2 times Sunday. Ot after 10hours. Did that for years with occasionally work 5 day 8 hour days. Doing 4/12 nights sucked. Wife didn't like the 4/12 at all but $$$.
Working 4-10hr days, the cats meow. IMO

 

[hanks73340]

Take the 4-ten's....you won't regret it. I took the 3-13 hour days and get the 4 day weekends. Get alot done around the house, time for the family and friends, and time for our hobby.