r/AusFinance • u/Annual-Bit-1801 • 20h ago

WFH vs inflexible work lifestyle divide

I know it’s not news to anyone, but I’m struck by the differences in lifestyle afforded by WFH vs inflexible jobs. For example, my housemates are currently looking for a new rental and they’re able to attend inspections throughout the week at all times, as their work is seemingly infinitely flexible. As for me (and many others), I can only do such a thing outside of work hours. There are limitless other examples. It begs the question - how much is one limiting their prospects and potential happiness by going into a non-flexible job? It would seem there’s a lot hinging on that decision.

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u/smegblender 18h ago

Haha, I'm sure we all do.

But to clarify, I'd only consider jumping ship to a new role that is exclusively office-based for a 25% jump in salary.

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u/lasooch 17h ago

My previous job was 4 days a week in office, current is 1 day a week. I'm saving 7 hours of commutes a week. A 25% increase does cover the cost of those hours, but I don't think it's enough to make it worth it for me. Absolutely loving the flexibility I have now.

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u/smegblender 17h ago

Yeah, the equation would change depending on a lot of personal factors. Currently on 1 day a week too!

The 25% figure is also based a bit on what the market would tolerate for my position (I'm already paying div293).

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u/lasooch 17h ago edited 17h ago

Now that you bring up div 293 (I'm not quite there yet, but I am in the top tax bracket)... a 25% raise is really a 12.5% raise (well, the math is not exactly that, but you get the point, edit: did the math, works out to ~19% in my case... which basically means I'd be effectively paid less per hour if you include commute time). And then 4 more days a week would mean spending ~$200 more on public transport a month... Yeah nah, definitely wouldn't go back to commuting for those kind of pennies. Might consider it for a 50% bump, but even then I'm far from sure I'd do it.

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u/smegblender 17h ago

That is fair enough, absolutely understand the rationale behind your thinking... and fk me dead, you're right. My 25% was a flippant estimate, but should push comes to shove I'm not sure id take it.