How many of you would accept a 100% remote position for $40,000/ yr?

26 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 6:21PM UTC

   The only way I would consider that is if I could block any correspondence (or get permission not to respond) to any communications or work requests beyond the 40 hour total. It would also need to be something I would want to do (non-profit or something like that). It would be difficult to live on in a city. You would probably be looking at a studio apartment with bus or other commute. I would consider it as a bridge to get me to full retirement age if I had enough money saved up. Note that I work onsite 5 x days a week now (sometimes 6). Thought about the remote option but have not looked into it much.

2. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 7:53PM UTC

   I'm remote and I block communication past 5: turn computer off, walk away until next working day.
   At lunch, I put Teams on "away" status with auto reply of "back from lunch at ____".

   I work for large corporation.

   NO apps on phone unless company pays for your phone, monthly fees.

   I'm salaried and occasionally logged on past times, but not all the time. They don't own me 24/7

3. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 7:05PM UTC

   Mine is 100% remote for more than $40,000.

   40h week. Salaried, 8 to 5 plus lunch.
   Only in office as requested- 1x a month? Commute is 5m.

   Very happy; living on the minimum but worth it as travel is my passion

   I'm an introvert and 50y old and OVER office politics and drama so I welcome being home. I got sick of the drama about why I didn't do as "accepted by social standards " (bookworm and avid exerciser who avoids the bar scene as wellas $7 daily coffee habit I avoid; TRAVEL. )

   I can wear what I want and if on camera, Levi's and a decent top.

4. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 7:35PM UTC

   Is your salary $40,000? And you were able to make it work and overall feel happier?

5. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 7:48PM UTC

   It's well over $40k.
   I couldn't live on $40k- economy makes it impossible despite cutting back on EVERYTHING. And I mean EVERYTHING.

   I'm much happier, I hated going to the office daily- but that's me. I can see why others need a separation (I have an office area at home I avoid off hours)

   Don't sell yourself short for the salary. I don't know your role, but it seems very low. Employers taking advantage--

6. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 7:24PM UTC

   In my opinion, and take it with a grain of salt because I live near a major city which is very expensive, that is not enough money to live on in most places in the US. Rent alone, even in a small town in the middle of nowhere, is going to be over $1000 a month. For a ONE bedroom. Then you have food, gas, car payments (you'll need a car if you live somewhere secluded), insurance, utilities, clothes, etc. You'd probably end up working 2 jobs. If the 40k job is a salaried job, there is no guarantee that you won't be working unpaid overtime, even if you "agree" to this at the beginning, it just never works out that way.

   Also, remote work should pay the same as being in an office. They are trying to take advantage of people here. Studies show that remote workers are more efficient and work longer hours. After all, you don't have to commute so you are "theirs" from the moment you wake up to the end of the day, which often extends past 5pm. You are worth the same no matter where you work from. Period. Your skills and experience have not changed. Your work ethic has not changed. In fact, they can afford to pay you more since they don't have to pay for an office or desk & equipment for you. They don't have to worry about you being late from a commute and they have all the software in the world to easily track you and how long you work. It's absolute BS (pardon my French) that companies are trying to get away with paying less for remote workers. It's just another excuse to have more work done for less money.

7. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 8:13PM UTC

   Very true. - in some respects, you do have less expense: Gas plus mileage, clothes, lunches. You do also get back some time - not having to get ready for work and commuting both ways. Depending upon where you live, that could add up to thousands of dollars and quite a few hours of potentially "free" time.

   However, there are other considerations as indicated above. This was my situation: I worked remote for what seemed like a good hourly salary (on contract). However, it was really an exempt job in disguise (unpaid overtime). Turned out it worked out well for me financially as I had Social Security also coming in, but as stated above, you may be expected to be constantly available; The client company had IT staff where the time difference from my location was 12 hours, so that was a consideration, as onsite IT help is, of course, not available. Your situation would depend upon how well set up your remote access was and how many separate security setups you need to navigate - Also how many different types of software. Also my manager slept from 1 AM to 5 AM and more or less expected her direct reports to do the same. Am not sure if the remote FTE employees had the same situation with regards to compensation, but they did with regards to hours.

   In addition, if you are new to the company, it is difficult to get a feel for company culture (at least being on contract), although when I trained a company new hire employee, I discovered from her that she didn't get that much more of a feel for the culture, either. (The lack of involvement in office politics was a positive for both of us, though, so the relative isolation cut both ways.)

   I would say that if you were well established in your career, working remote may work well. I would think that those with less seniority would miss the possibility of multiple mentors that being in the office would provide and the opportunity to observe. You don't realize how much a person picks up from the environment until all that you know is filtered through one (or if better set up, a few) people.

   Bottom line - It is a mixed bag - While working remote has some obvious advantages, being in the office has advantages, so hybrid would perhaps be in the "sweet spot" if properly handled. Taking the remote job and living on just the $40K would be a challenge in many environments. As some others have pointed out, it would be a good exercise to set up a proposed budget for the scenario based off current expenses and see if the after-tax take-home pay would be adequate for your needs or wants.

8. Eloise EonnetApril 19,2024 at 7:52PM UTC

   I'd work backwards on this one: 1. Look at how much you really spend monthly and yearly. Look at the hard numbers. 2. Assess: does 40K cover that and more? Does it give you space to grow into the lifestyle you want 5 years from now?

   A "good life" is not solely defined by the amount of money you make. And yet, having enough for now and for later is important. If $40K a year only allows you to scrape by, with no safety net for emergencies, is the flexibility of working from home worth it to you at this time?

   Perhaps yes, perhaps no. Only you know the answer to that! :)

9. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 8:24PM UTC

   It depends on lifestyle, location, other family income, drive time for hybrid jobs. So many factors. It's not just $ but career choice, work/life choices. It's everything that impacts your entire life.

10. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 8:45PM UTC

    Depends on so many factors for anyone having that opportunity. Also, what is the exposure commitment, can that role be tacked on to another fully remote non competing company role maybe part time if this one is full time. just too subjective on what works for one may not work for another.

11. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 8:47PM UTC

    Nope. I couldn't do it. I like my vacations too much (plus a bunch of other factors).

12. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 9:14PM UTC

    What life looks like on a 40K salary REALLY depends on cost of living where you are, your benefits, and family size.

    A big city like NYC or LA? Or a big city that has a lower cost of living?

    Did your onsite job require transit/parking expenses you won't have with the remote role? I know over a decade ago people in my city were parking in garages where the parking was 3-400/month; some companies covered it and others did not.

    How are the benefit costs (your contribution to health insurance premiums) with the remote role? Does their carrier's network have decent coverage in your area?

    There are too many individual factors here to really answer the question for you.

13. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 12:07AM UTC

    For me, YES, I would. Perhaps knowing that would be okay for the cost of living where I live, but I would also be inquiring if the company would continue to meet the cost of living standards. Hybrid also, is a huge option and I would not close the door on that.

14. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 12:55AM UTC

    Whether you can live on $40K mostly depends on where you live. NYC has a significantly different cost of living than rural Kansas. For the WFH earning potential you also have to consider the commuting cost and other incidentals, like gas, car upkeep, the need for an additional car, the time required for the commute, and parking. Three years ago I moved to a new apartment complex just half a block from work. (I know it's not the same as WFH, but being able to walk down the street to work is the next best thing). It costs an additional $400 in rent. I could give up one car (saving $500+ per month in payments and insurance alone plus another $100 monthly for parking at the job). At the same time, I had to drop my group insurance since I was then eligible for Medicare (saving another $200+ per month), and I came out ahead by almost $500 per month (not counting a raise). Everyone considering full or partial remote work should: 1) Create a budget representing their current situation. 2) Then create another budget for a role without the commute. Giving up a car in a multiple-car family should be a serious consideration, as it is a significant expense, the largest percentage being the car payment and insurance.

15. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    Do you have childcare costs?
    We paid $26k last year to daycare and no we’re not in LA or NYC but in the Midwest. It is not a fancy care center just a typical daycare for 2 kids so personally both of us have to make more money to make daycare worth it.

16. Alisha CowardApril 20,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

    Honestly, everybody has different factors involved. I have 3 children and 60k isn't even cutting it, so I couldn't fathom 40k in NJ.

17. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterApril 20,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    everyone is different

    1. What's the job?
    2. Will it keep me awake at night?
    3. Do I have flexibility on WHEN and how I work?
    4. Do I already have more than 10K in savings and more in a financial portfolio that is accruing compounding interest?
    5. Do I have an empty nest and no debt or do I have a strong desire to consume, consume, consume and go into debt to do so?
    6. Do I have other members of my household who contribute financially to our household bills?
    7. Am I upside down on my mortgage or car note or am I living below my means?
    8. Do I like to travel often?

    These are just a few questions I'd walk through before saying yes to a job like that. I know people who make far less and live well and others who make far more and are so over their head in debt they'll likely not live long enough to pay it off.

18. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 2:22PM UTC

    Although the numbers are larger, this is basically my life: I got laid off a little over a year ago from a senior professional job, and since then have been making around half my salary (and roughly half the hours) as a consultant.
    Previously I was hybrid and now fully at home.

    Personally I would MUCH rather work hybrid or even full-time in office for my old pay, as well as the career prospects. Being home all day can get isolating and I just don't have the discipline to work out regularly, avoid switching on the TV, etc. so it doesn't feel healthy. And the uncertainty of consulting is certainly far more stressful than office politics. But I also live alone and have a nice (although expensive) apartment in a major city I enjoy (NYC), so commuting into the office isn't an issue and I actually enjoy chatting with folks in the office.

    PS - and there is no way you could survive on that in NYC unless you can find an extremely cheap housing situation. That is not much more than minimum wage here. Food has gotten very expensive, and you need to also figure in high state and local taxes.

19. Denise LevineApril 20,2024 at 9:00PM UTC

    So many factors. You no longer have to drive to the office so that's no gas, insurance, car maintenance etc. Got kids who need after school care? Now they don't. That's a lot of money. The ability to get up and be at work in 5 minutes instead of a 1 hour commute? Priceless. You could work another gig in those 2 hours a day.

20. Juanita BurrellApril 21,2024 at 2:53AM UTC

    I accept until I can find a better one.

21. AnonymousApril 21,2024 at 8:17PM UTC

    OP here :) Thank you to all of those who answered! Lots of great insight. I am leaning toward accepting the offer, and since so many of you were kind enough to share your stories, I want to share mine.

    I am single (divorced), no human children—just a little doggo—and I live in a major city in Texas. I am in my 40s. My previous work experience was mid to higher-level leadership. I took a step back to change the direction of my career and have been really unhappy. Both my mental and physical health have been suffering.

    I am currently in the final stages of interviewing for 2 other organizations, and based on the verbal feedback, I think I might be getting an offer from both. The first job is in line with what I thought my career path aspirations were, and it pays between $80k-95k with full health and retirement benefits, but it would only allow one work-from-home day and have a very demanding schedule. And, to be honest, I am not sure I want to be on that path anymore. The second job is also 100% remote, pays $60-65k, is creative, and in line with my interests but is very deadline-driven.

    The job I posted about, which pays $40k and has already made me an offer, is the one I am leaning towards accepting. My friends and family are telling me I am crazy to even consider it and should wait for an offer from the aforementioned or continue interviewing, but here are my reasons why I am considering taking it.

    The job that I was just offered is in nonprofit and has a great mission. The title is a good one, and the work seems like it could be really rewarding. They made the offer the same evening of my second interview. They acknowledge they can't pay much but promise a great work-life balance, a great work culture, 2 weeks vacation, and holidays, and 100% health insurance but no dental.

    The only drawback I can see is the low salary. But I made a list of pros and cons, and I think I could make it work unless I am miscalculating and being very naive. Or maybe I am just so burned out I am desperate for an opportunity that sounds like it is very calm in nature.

    Even though I currently work a hybrid schedule, late nights, self-paid parking, commute times, unideal office conditions, and an unhealthy office culture have left me feeling burned out.

    - Productivity and Routine:

    - Although I haven't worked 100% remote before, I've found that I'm most productive on my two work-from-home days.

    - I wake up earlier and cook breakfast, and I cook all my meals when I work from home.

    - Cost Savings:

    - I spend way too much money on eating out, and I know this is one area I will save the most money.

    - I will also save quite a bit by not having to pay for gas and parking.

    - My current apartment is expensive, and I only rented here to be close to my job. With this job, I could move somewhere and cut my cost of living by at least $300-500.

    - Health and Well-being:

    - When I work from home, I'm more sedentary in the office. I take my dog out for a walk in the morning and again during my lunch break.

    - The office can be fun but also stressful. I always feel calmer when I'm at home.

    - Work Environment and Distractions:

    - At the office, I have people who just show up at my cubicle and want to chat, which I enjoy but it distracts me from my work. At home, besides the doggo, I have fewer distractions.

    - Lifestyle and Consumption:

    - Generally, I tend to live very simply and beneath my means.

    Ultimately, I want to make sure I make the right decision not just for myself but this seems like such a great organization; I would hate to take the job and then realize I can’t afford to live off the salary and end up leaving.

22. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

    Having lived in a large city in Texas before, the commutes there can be brutal, in gas, time, and automobile upkeep, but you probably already know that. It is a fairly large pay gap, but if you don't have to report in person, you will likely find things refreshing. Working in the non-profit world is extremely rewarding, and it sounds like if you can make it work financially the pay gap won't bother you that much. If it becomes a problem, you will likely have some extra time you can use for a side hustle. If not, a lot of time for some self-care. Congratulations. I wish you the best.

23. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 11:04PM UTC

    Thank you so much for your kind words!

24. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 9:12AM UTC

    Just another thought, OP. If you take the offer you have, it sounds like there are some benefits to you that none of us have yet brought up, particularly regarding perhaps taking a relative "rest" from some of the stress you are feeling. Later, if you find that the $40K is not enough to live off, you could always get some type of side job to supplement once the "burnout" (or whatever you want to call it) subsides. Whatever decision you make is not set in stone; you could always continue your job search - you know that you have possibilities now of multiple offers, so apparently your talents and skills would be somewhat (at least) in demand. We are all wishing you the very best! Note: Your friends and family don't get a vote -- they are not you, no matter how much you tell them. You are the one who intimately knows you and what would make you happy. You won't know if this is it if you don't try. Also, who knows what connections you may make at this non-profit job? Just some further food for thought..Per some of the excellent suggestions here, how about making a sample budget and seeing if you could make it work at least for a while on $40K?

25. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 3:19PM UTC

    Thank you so much for your thoughtful answer and alternative perspective. I really appreciate the points you've raised. You're absolutely right; friends and family don't get a vote! I do find myself somewhat hesitant, even after some budgeting, as it does seem tight. However, I'm still drawn to the job.
    Honestly, I'm uncertain whether my talents and skills would be in demand. I've been fortunate to connect with the right people at the right time in the past few months. My last job search took 4-6 months, so I want to remain humble and not assume anything.
    I might be overthinking this, but I'm concerned that I'm only considering this job because of my burnout. I wonder if my feelings will change once that subsides, and if it would be unfair to this nonprofit if I realize I can't sustain myself on this salary.
    Again, thank you so much for your perspective.

26. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 11:06PM UTC

    OP here again! I want to give you a quick update. I am a little worried about the salary but I decided to take a leap of faith and accept the job offer. It doesn't make a lot of sense in some ways, but somehow it still feels right. Thank you again to everyone who shared their stories!