I think I know the answer here - just curious where the Ags on the internet weigh in at.

Been at the current job contract 1099 for about a year and a half. Company is being acquired, so there is some impending uncertainty. Reasonably happy, and have been here long enough to be versed in the corporate-isms if you will (policies & procedures, people etc). No real reason to leave. I guess the term is "comfortable".

Wasn't out looking for work, but it found me and now I have an offer (same position) W2 w/ health & 401k option. Same schedule, but located much closer to home (300 miles vs 1700). Take home pay is ~20k less, but comparing gross pay w/ the 401k match its about even. Same role, same time off, but new company, new area of operations. "Devil I don't know"

If you read this far (I've got my mind made ~90% of the way up) - whats your threshold to make a change? $20k in favor of the "Devil I Know". Still thinking closer to home / time at home / 401k / new experience wins out even though its the devil I don't know.

Whats your take? What would be your criteria to take a new gig if you were "comfortable"?

If you add in the health benefits, does it tip it over the edge? Looks like it does as far as tots compensation and you have to contribute to retirement anyway right?

Also 300 vs 1700 - how much less time is that and what is that worth?

About a 5-6 hour drive instead of flying back and forth the day before/day after. Gets to be about 1.5- 2 more days at home (new baby, new house, kind of like being there )

Not really looking at health - I ran the numbers I can get better coverage cheaper independently (which is what I do now) vs at the new gig. Current job doesn't offer health at all.

RE: Retirement - I think the 4% match coupled with not having to pay for the self employment taxes might actually swing it (just running rough numbers on a scratch pad). If you add up the expected 401k match/contribution + gross pay (Total Compensation?) compared with my current Gross, I'm within $1000.

Then considering taxes for each, and knowing the current job I have to pay employer side/Self Employment taxes as well, I think it tips in favor of the change. added benefit of being closer to home.

If I'm you, I'm taking the new opportunity. I left a job after almost a decade about 6 months ago. It was a little less money but a better opportunity. Coincidentally the old company killed the commission plan for my team 6 weeks after I left. They are now down to 1 guy with more than 6 MONTHS experience.

I went to a direct competitor and have grown sales by over 50% year on year.

Great things can happen with a fresh start!

Fresh start sounds about right - I've been coming to North Dakota for the better part of 7-8 years now. Would be nice to have a few years in South Texas! New play, closer to some other investments, not -40 in february, I think I'm in.

I can relate. My old employer was based in SO DAK and it was miserable there in the winters. So much so that we moved our meetings to Omaha where travel was a little more consistent.

Think you hit it there.
Not much stability either way as I'll still be employed with a Firm and not the actual Operating Company, BUT there is no looming acquisition, and its closer to home.

Pro's list starts out weighing the "cons" list. and still have plenty of time in my days off to find those little 1-off operations for the small oil & gas operators close to the house where now I don't.

20k less is not less after healthcare, 401k and and SE taxes. take the new job.

I agree with petrino as well. 1099 has way less security against W2.

1099 should demand a 30% minimum premium over comparable W2 wage in my mind. doesn't sound like this is it to stay at a possibly changing company.

Well I think I found the answer. Had made my mind up to take the new job - even though I really enjoy the team I'm on. I have not given notice quite yet.

The Former manager of our group came by for a chat today. Of course the merger/acquisition came up. Keep in mind dude has been a lifelong employee of this company (20 years?), probably has company underwear on he's so bought in. And the first comment out of his mouth is "I don't think I'll stick around after the merger, the buyer's are too big too corporate for me. I'll start looking for something else".

I think that's a good enough indication of what's going to happen after merger even with the company line of "nothing will change" that they tell everyone who's getting bought.

The merger probably trumps all.

I'm not sure the travel reasons holds water. Unless they are providing a company car, it's really not any shorter and you are going to dive your vehicle into the ground very quickly.

If you can be home more and more present with the family for nearly the same cheddar, that's your answer IMO.

Family 1st, 100%. Be there for them.

Family > $$