Ask HN: Would you trade a 20 percent raise for an extra day off?
Just curious how common it is to trade money for time.
But to answer your question, I would be tempted to take an extra day off but in the end I would not, and here's why. An extra day off disappears when you move to the next company (you: I worked a 4 day week at my last job, them: we don't do that here), but the salary typically forms a floor for negotiating the next salary (you: I made $180k at my last job, them: we can match or beat that). With the extra salary you could take extra unpaid vacation days to effectively get your extra day off and get the raise at the same time.
> But to answer your question, I would be tempted to take an extra day off but in the end I would not, and here's why. An extra day off disappears when you move to the next company (you: I worked a 4 day week at my last job, them: we don't do that here), but the salary typically forms a floor for negotiating the next salary (you: I made $180k at my last job, them: we can match or beat that). With the extra salary you could take extra unpaid vacation days to effectively get your extra day off and get the raise at the same time.
How does your new employer know your previous salary without you telling them? And on the other end, why wouldn't you price intangibles into your salary when negotiating?
Even better, do 4x9 hr days (nominal compared to 5x8), take 5th one off and only lose 5% take home, who wouldn't do that?
Would you trade a 40% raise for 2 days off?
It's very easy to do nothing and waste the opportunity.