[howmany74s]

Hi all,

I am working in NY at a Big 4 (passed the test). I have been here for about 4 years now and my interest for the job declined on a double declining basis (high five FAR). This post is a good proof of this fact actually, instead of working on 10310 tasks that I have on my plate, I am on another71.

Anyhow, I have this potential transfer to a different country/city for about 2 years. It is becoming super serious and I got to make a decision in a week or so. The job is not audit, it is more like audit support/valuation work. The issue is, I’ll be taking a great pay cut (about 40-45%) and lose 1 year in my tenure to go there and do that job.

I’m debating whether to take it or say no way due to following:

Take it:

1. I am bored as hell in audit and have no interest in continuing in this firm or job more than 6-7 months

2. Being at a different place will clear my mind and maybe give me a new perspective in things. I might even figure what I want to do next.

3. Travelling.

Leave it:

1. You worked hard to get where you are, even though it is 4 years. Why should you go demote?

2. Pay cut really hurts.

3. Not much travelling because I will be broke 24/7.

4. I might be too busy to actually figure out what I want to do next.

I spoke with 2-3 people so far and they are lost as well, so let me know what you guys think.

[ruggercpa2b]

Don't do it. This new job does not even sound like it would be challenging at all. Take some time to figure out what you would like to do and find the right fit for you. You are trying to get away from a job that you hate by going to less pay and less challenging work.

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I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I wouldn't take it. A 45% pay cut is A LOT!!! If you're unhappy, and you're willing to move, why not take a job in industry in a city that has a lower cost if living? I'm in Texas and you could easily get a job here (or so I think) and the cost of living is far cheaper than NY.

[Anonymous]

Is the job still with the same big 4? Are you excited about the country?

[howmany74s]

Oh wow guys! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

1. The new city is London so I am excited however London is even more expensive than NY so it will be a challenge to leave at that salary. And I am not even talking about saving.

2. Same Big 4.

3. I never ever took time to figure out what I want. I have been on the go for so long, picking and choosing the most reliable and comfortable (with some challenge, like audit in NY at a big 4) option in the long term. I don't know if I can quit and spend the free time efficiently and not worry about what the hell was I thinking for being out of work force in this economy.

[jonescobbs]

Take it. Chalk it up as a great life experience. London is a cool city.

[Anonymous]

Wow, London, that's exciting and at the same Big 4 – cool. I'm surprised the job comes with a pay cut though. Maybe you can ask more questions in a tactful way regarding how they expect you to live on that salary in London, maybe they have some sort of an apartment share thing? Even if they say you'll lose your tenure as long as you do a good job and since it's with the same Big 4 you should be able to come back to the states just fine. Depending on your life situation/responsibilities I'm leaning to “go for it” – how many times will you have this chance? Unless you're dual citizenship UK and US 🙂 or something.

[Missy]

If I did't have a family, and had the opportunity to live in London I'd probably do it!

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[rp 12]

Look at it in this way – pay cut yes, but experience of working outside U.S and getting International exposure can get even better opportunities here. If this assignment is for 12 months do it.

"Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure, and loss act only as motivation"

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[Anonymous]

In my opinion, money will always come and go and if u don't have much responsibilities… u got nothing to lose but gain lifetime experience.

[howmany74s]

The pay cut is due to 2 reasons : 1) the job is not audit something more technical, so the department that is interested in me wants to bring me in as a baby senior instead of an experienced employee, 2) UK pays less than US (not sure why).

Yes, London is cool and having the experience is going to be valuable in the future however, their offer is just ridiculous.. I can't shake the feeling of being let down by the firm. I know it is stupid to feel anything towards your job especially when you're working for a large firm but I can't help it.

I will have to share my apartment with an army to afford the rent and count every nickel and dime (or pound, in this case) that I make if I listen to all of you, lol:-)

[Kimboroni]

Make sure you are looking at other aspects of the compensation besides just the per week or month paycheck. European countries often have better benefits for employees than the US has (required by law). I don't know if the UK is one of them, but it's an important point to consider. Make sure you are comparing the total compensation package. The pay cut might not be as large as it seems on the surface.

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[Mamabear]

If I didn't have a family I would do it. Get the international experience, take the less challenging job, work in a bar to cover additional expenses, and have one helluva good time. I don't know how old you are, but at 35 I wish I had traveled more before settling into the workforce and starting a family. You won't get that time back.

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[howmany74s]

Thank you so so much for your input. I will try to find more about this position and see if there is any room for negotiation.

[Anonymous]

45% pay CUT? Hell no. If you want to work overseas, there are better ways of doing it than taking a pay cut to work in a VERY EXPENSIVE city!

[Missbots]

I lived in London…that city is soo expensive…

When you come back, will you have your current job back..

Personally I wouldn't take it..you can always go to London to visit…

That pay cut is too much, normally people are given incentives to work in a foreign country..e.g company pays rent..salary goes up…and so forth..

[Author]

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