How to Choose Between Two Job Offers: Money vs. Time

Imagine this: You’ve got two job offers on the table. Both are great opportunities, but they couldn’t be more different.

This week, I had a client come to me in this exact situation. He had already accepted one offer but needed to talk it through to be absolutely sure.

Here’s what he was weighing up:

Option 1:

• £88k salary

• Fully remote, flexible

• Individual contributor role

• 48-hour workweek cap

Option 2:

• £110k salary

• In-office at least 3 days a week (likely full-time after probation)

• Managing a team of 20

At first glance, the second offer seems like a no-brainer—a £22k salary jump! But once we broke it down, the decision wasn’t so simple.

The Financial Reality

We started with the maths. After tax, the £110k offer would only result in a £1k per month increase over the £88k role.

But then we factored in additional costs:

• Train fare: £500/month

• Lunches and other associated costs: £200+/month

Suddenly, that £1k increase was looking a lot less impressive.

The True Cost: Time

Next, we talked about what’s arguably our most valuable commodity: time.

The second role would require at least 10 hours a week of commuting. That’s 10 hours not spent with his kids, wife, or dogs. It’s 10 hours of stress, fatigue, and lost personal time.

By comparison, the first role offered full flexibility. No commute. More time for family, hobbies, and a better work-life balance.

The Decision

In the end, my client stuck with his choice: Option 1.

It wasn’t just about the money—it was about the lifestyle he wanted to build. The time he’d gain by working remotely was worth far more than the marginal financial benefit of the higher salary.

What Would You Choose?

When faced with decisions like this, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. But remember: your career isn’t just about the salary. It’s about the life you want to live.

If you’re struggling to weigh your options, here’s what to consider:

1. Financial Impact: Look beyond the headline salary and calculate the true take-home pay after taxes and expenses.

2. Time: How much personal time will you gain or lose?

3. Lifestyle Fit: Does the role align with your values, priorities, and long-term goals?

   
   

Need help making a big career decision?

Let’s work together to break down your options and make the right choice for your future.

📩 Get in touch today or visit my website to book a free discovery call. Your career deserves clarity—let’s find it together.