What this actually does: Tells you if that shiny new job offer is actually better than your current situation, or if you’re about to make an expensive mistake because the grass looked greener.

Why you’re reading this: Someone just sent you a job offer with a higher salary and you’re already mentally spending the increase. Or you’re thinking of switching careers entirely and you don’t know if it’s brave or stupid. This calculator does the math so you don’t have to guess.

How to fill it in:

Current annual salary, multiply your monthly by 12. If you’re on ₦250,000 monthly, that’s ₦3 million yearly. Use actual numbers, not the “total package” your company likes to claim when benefits barely exist.

How long you’ve been in your current role matters. If you’ve been somewhere for 5 years, you’ve got security and probably some unspoken benefits. That has value even if it’s not cash.

New opportunity salary, what’s the offer? Annual figure. If they quoted you monthly, multiply by 12. If they’re being vague about “packages” and “benefits,” be very careful.

Cost to switch is real money. Maybe you need to take a course first (₦200,000). Maybe you’ll lose your current work laptop and have to buy one (₦300,000). Maybe you need new work clothes because the new place is corporate (₦100,000). Add it all up.

Expected salary growth matters. The new industry might pay more now but cap out fast. Or it might start low but double in 3 years. Research and make your best guess. Tech jobs? 15-20% growth annually is realistic. Traditional corporate? Maybe 5-10%.

What the calculator reveals: Should You Jump Ship?

Break-even point tells you how many months until you recover your switching costs. If it says 8 months, you need to be sure you’ll last at least that long in the new role.

5-year gain shows the real picture. You might take a pay cut now for a career that pays way more later. Or you might take a raise now that actually keeps you poor long-term because there’s no growth.

ROI percentage is the truth serum. Below 50%? Think twice. Above 200%? You’re probably good. The calculator also just tells you straight up, “worth it” or “risky.”

Real scenario: Current job: ₦2.4 million yearly (₦200k monthly), been there 3 years, comfortable but bored. New offer: ₦3.6 million yearly (₦300k monthly), need ₦300k to switch (laptop, courses), expect 15% annual growth. Calculator says break-even in 3 months, 5-year gain of ₦8 million extra, ROI of 2,667%. That’s a green light, pack your desk.

When to ignore the calculator: If your current job is destroying your mental health, the math doesn’t matter. But if it’s just boring or your ego wants a bigger title, the calculator’s advice should count for something.