Working parent asks for advice on job offer with 50% increase in base pay but no more fixed WFH day on contract

SINGAPORE: An internet user took to a forum on Wednesday (April 3) to ask Singaporeans for career advice, after getting a job offer that would give them a 50 per cent increase in pay. The catch, however, is that there will no longer be a fixed work-from-home day on the contract.

Being a parent to two young children, the writer was hopeful, as their new boss is open to a flexible schedule.

“I have 2 young kids (1+ and 3+ years old) and am comfortable in my current workplace with one fixed day of Work-from-Home (WFH),” the writer shared. “I have a helper and my elder child goes to childcare. I also have great family support from my mom and in-laws. Boss allows me to be flexible and WFH more days if I need to take care of the kids.”

However, the writer shared that she received a new job offer with a bigger monetary incentive.

“I have a job offer offering me a 50 per cent increase in base pay and close to 60 per cent increase in base pay including 13th-month bonus,” she said, “The only catch is no more fixed WFH day although my new boss assured me that she is okay for me to WFH if need to take care of the kids, just that they cannot put it in the contract. My new boss has young kids as well.”

The working parent shared their current stance on the matter, saying, “My thoughts are I should just go for it (given) the very high pay increase. Tahan for one to two years,” they said. In Singapore, tahan means to endure.

“If I really cannot, then I’ll quit and look for another job,” the parent wrote. “But at least my base salary is a lot higher, which makes it in turn easier to negotiate for a higher pay in future too.”

Singaporeans share career advice 

After asking for insights, many Singaporeans shared their two cents on the matter. Many encouraged the writer to “go for it” and take the risk.

“A 50 to 60 per cent increase is significant,” said one. “It will also help in your next progression should you jump to another company. I would take the new job with that increase every time.”

However, there were a few who disagreed. “Dude, if you are living comfortably now, being able to afford a helper and all, I think salary isn’t much of a concern to you (anymore),” one argued.

They added: “I think what’s important is, What’s the culture like in the new role? What about the job description? My friend took up a job with a 40 per cent increment, and he regrets it as he has to forsake his work-life balance, and every day he is just so drained from work that he doesn’t have anything left in the tank to take care of his kids when he reaches home nowadays.”

Another saw the offer as too big of a risk, saying, “I’d rather stay on the current job, not worth the risk considering the job market is pretty bad now.”

Read also: Full-time working mum of two children is “beyond burnout” but husband still doesn’t want to hire a helper