Quote:
Originally Posted by unregistered
Most people who post here seem very focused on only the money part of the remuneration package.
I left a job in the private sector paying 10k/month (5-7 months bonus) for a job in the public sector (Stat Board) paying only 8k/month (so far quite consistent 3.5-3.75 months bonus). I took a 2k monthly salary pay cut as well as an annual bonus pay cut of 20-30k. So I lost around more than 30k a year.
However, in my previous private sector job, worked 6 days, started work at 8am and NEVER got home before 11pm, Sunday was my sleep and recover day. I was stressed, eating unwell, and did not have much time for my wife and kids. I encashed most of my leave because I couldn't finish my leave every year.
Now, in my stat board, I work 5 days a week, start work at 8.30am and leave work at 6pm (5.30pm on Friday)! My blood pressure is lower, and I even know my son's girlfriend's name now! Before, I did not even know my boy had a girlfriend! I went to my daughter's dance performance for the first time in her life and mine, and started swimming again for the first time in ages. My family had holidays together for the first time since going to Genting with my kids more than 10 years ago.
So, was a 150k to 170k private sector job worth it versus a 120k public sector job? The choice is pretty clear right? :-)
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I know that a lot of people who leave the pte sector to join the public service use the "work-life" balance argument to justify their decision and loss of income.
However, i believe that in certain cases, such as yours, the argument may be a little weak.
For high earners who used to earn >$5k/month (not inc. of bonus etc) for at least a decade in the pte sector, they would have done the proverbial, "i slog when i am young and relax when i am older". So the material luxuries would already be in place. A decrease of salary of 20% or less simply requires only an adjustment and if one had not been too spendthrift, savings and investments can make up that difference, maybe not 100% but enough.
Whereas for the mid- to low- salary earners of $2000 - 4000, a 20% decrease in salay is a lot to consider especially since any downward adjustment of lifestyle is a much sharper decline. i.e. the Opportunity Cost is much higher.
Hence, one cannot just use you as the case study for "i sacrifice $ for work-life balance" and in fact, some would go so far as to say that yours is the typical case study of "i cannot tahan liao, i go seek safe harbour with govt job".
A true case of wanting "work-life balance" and career satisification would be my buddy.
He was an engineer of nearly 10 years, in his 30s, earning about $3000-4000 (not sure if considered, low salary) and decided to do a master in counselling which is his passion. Completed it and decided to go work as a counsellor with a salary of less than $3000. Sold his car, because can no longer afford. Take bicycle to work instead. However, i have never seen him happier and more healthy. He takes part in marathons more regularly. Trains for them. Go bicycling with his wife and children and is filled with the zest of life. He had since moved into working for a ministry as a counsellor after about 3 years in counselling centre. His salary is still lower than when he was an engineer but he is still happy with no car, just a
hdb and his family.
Now, this is what is truly, "worth it" and doing it for true work-life balance.
Just trying to put things into persepctive.