Bonus vs. Vacation before school

[ead]

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So, I have been working in a lab for three years (45+ hours/week) and completing a post-bacc program. I have a couple of acceptances right now. So, I was really looking forward to taking time off to recharge from April through July. My boss has just offered me a SERIOUS bonus to keep working through July. What would you do? Take time off for mental health or take the $$?

 

[PineappleGirl]

I'd say, depends on how stressful your job is and on how much you like it. If it's not causing a lot of serious damage to your mental health, I'd stay on and take the cash. However, if you're really stressed, I'd go for the vacation.

 

[daisee82]

So, I have been working in a lab for three years (45+ hours/week) and completing a post-bacc program. I have a couple of acceptances right now. So, I was really looking forward to taking time off to recharge from April through July. My boss has just offered me a SERIOUS bonus to keep working through July. What would you do? Take time off for mental health or take the $$?

that's definitely a hard decision, but I sort of know how you feel. I am also working in a lab but just started and my contract is at least a year. However my PI would love for me to stay longer which means I would need to defer my acceptance into med school. But the difference between you and me is I was not offered ANY sort of bonus If i was in your situation, I would really consider how much of a difference more $$ would make in the long run. Med school will have you in student loans for years to come and you might really need a break before starting school, because who knows when you'll be able to take a breather once you're a MS?? If you work till July, classes start in August - and depending on where you're going to school, how can you find an apt, move into your new pad, and clear your head of lab stuff before classes start? Have you thought of seeing if your boss would agree to you staying an extra month thru May - then you'd have about 2 months free... Best of luck to you but i would personally take some time off. 🙂

 

[PreMedAdAG]

Honestly, you only live once! Have a blast and go on vacation. You will be a much cooler person for it!! A Bonus is a bonus... I'm sure you'll take pictures of your check and show them to your family when you get it too... ha ha.. but seriously, the bonus probably isn't that much money ( I mean unless its gonna cover tuition for a year, is it really that important?)

Go chill out, have a bud and enjoy life for a while 👍 👍

 

[ead]

I think I agree with you--I NEED a break. But--its $25K

 

[lulubean]

you have your entire life to work (and make money). considering that most med students between 1st and 2nd year do research or clinical work, this may be your last summer! travel! see friends and family! go out! enjoy yourself! - you won't regret it!

btw, congrats on your acceptances!

 

[KatieOConnor]

I've had bosses promise me all sorts of things, and I've noticed that often people will say things to get you to do what they want, and then not come through on the promise after you've completed your half of the deal.

Do you have this "promise" in writing? If not, then go on vacation. Even if you do, is your mental health and sanity worth 25,000 dollars? Will your boss force you to work insane hours to make up for the fact that you got a bonus?

I'm extremely jaded when it comes to work.

 

[DoctorFunk]

I'm going to be the voice of reason here and say take the money. Insanity or not, 25K can buy you a whole lot of happiness in the form of a car, a down payment on a house, or copious amounts of alcohol. Chances are you'll just be sitting on your ass all summer waiting for school to start anyways...may as well be earning yourself some good money on the side.

 

[beep]

$25k will put a huge dent in your first year's tuition + living expenses. maybe even pay it all at a state school. if your mental health won't be compromised i say keep working.

 

[mshheaddoc]

I'm going to be the voice of reason here and say take the money. Insanity or not, 25K can buy you a whole lot of happiness in the form of a car, a down payment on a house, or copious amounts of alcohol. Chances are you'll just be sitting on your ass all summer waiting for school to start anyways...may as well be earning yourself some good money on the side.

I agree ...

Money is important and that is a nice savings right there, granted it will hurt your fasfa and all but if that were me and I enjoyed the job, I would do it. The equiv to $75K a year? When do you start school? Ask if you can knock off 2 weeks in july and then you can have a nice 2-4 week vacation before you start. Its all about negotiating. Obviously he wants you, so NEGOTIATE.

 

[el matador]

I agree ...

Money is important and that is a nice savings right there, granted it will hurt your fasfa and all but if that were me and I enjoyed the job, I would do it. The equiv to $75K a year? When do you start school? Ask if you can knock off 2 weeks in july and then you can have a nice 2-4 week vacation before you start. Its all about negotiating. Obviously he wants you, so NEGOTIATE.

even though it's 25K (probably closer to $15K after taxes...bonuses are taxed at a very high rate), i say go for the vacation. it seems like a lot of money right now, but don't forget, you'll probably have a handsome salary when you start practicing. you may look back on this as a lost opportunity to get out, explore the world, and have some fun. you've got the rest of your life to work...carpe diem

 

[mshheaddoc]

even though it's 25K (probably closer to $15K after taxes...bonuses are taxed at a very high rate), i say go for the vacation. it seems like a lot of money right now, but don't forget, you'll probably have a handsome salary when you start practicing. you may look back on this as a lost opportunity to get out, explore the world, and have some fun. you've got the rest of your life to work...carpe diem

bonus taxes are high? They are taxed the same? 😕 Granted, yes he'd walk away with $18K, but then again, what would he walk away with otherwise. As stated, depends on the person. If he has no money, who's to say he can "do" anything. Also the bonus on top of his salary? There are quite a few factors ...

As stated above, negotiate ... if you want the money. Otherwise, enjoy the time off and get some sleep 😉

 

[cammy1313]

Really it boils down to this: will you be sitting on your $25K bonus wishing you were lying on a warm, sandy beach in the Caribbean with an umbrella-toting drink? If yes, then take the vacation. If you'll be trapsing around Europe, Thailand, or the Amazon rainforest pinching pennies and cringing at the money you could have been saving, take the bonus.

I personally don't think a $25K bonus is enough of an improvement upon what will be a $200K debt after med school. If we were talking $50K-$100K then I'd say, "Don't be stupid, take the bonus". End your pre-med years with some fun, throw pragmatism out the window. I just got back from back-to-back trips to Hawaii and Europe and will be visiting Egypt before starting school in the Fall. I'm 4 years out of undergrad with a decent paying job but I plan on living it up before I sign my life away for a white coat and a stethoscope.