Job Offer Comparison Tool

A comprehensive Python tool to help you compare multiple job offers based on a wide range of factors including compensation, benefits, taxes, and work-life considerations.

Overview

Making career decisions can be complex, especially when comparing multiple job offers with different compensation structures, benefits packages, and employment types. This tool provides a structured approach to evaluate job offers by considering:

• Base salary and bonuses
• Benefits valuation (401k matching, healthcare, PTO, etc.)
• Tax implications for different employment types (W2, 1099, S-Corp)
• Work-life balance factors (commute time, work hours)
• Cost of living adjustments between locations

Installation

Requirements

• Python 3.6+
• Additional packages for spreadsheet support:
  • pandas
  • openpyxl

Setup

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/job-compare.git
cd job-compare

# Install dependencies for spreadsheet support
pip install pandas openpyxl

Usage

The tool can be run from the command line with various options:

cd src/
python main.py [OPTIONS]

Command Line Options

Option	Description
--interactive	Run in interactive mode to manually enter job offer details
--load FILE	Load previously saved job offers from a JSON file
--save FILE	Save entered job offers to a JSON file for future use
--spreadsheet FILE	Import job offers from a spreadsheet (CSV or Excel)
--create-template FILE	Create a template spreadsheet with all required fields

Interactive Mode

Run the tool in interactive mode to manually enter job offer details:

python main.py --interactive

The tool will guide you through entering all relevant information for each job offer. You'll need at least two job offers to generate a comparison.

Using Spreadsheets

Creating a Template

Generate a template spreadsheet with all required fields:

python main.py --create-template job_offers_template.xlsx

Importing Job Offers

After filling in the template with your job offer details:

python main.py --spreadsheet path/to/your/job_offers.xlsx

Combining Methods

You can combine multiple input methods:

# Load from a spreadsheet and add more offers interactively
python main.py --spreadsheet existing_offers.xlsx --interactive

# Load offers from JSON, add more interactively, and save the combined result
python main.py --load saved_offers.json --interactive --save updated_offers.json

Example Usage Scenarios

Basic Comparison

# Enter job offers interactively and see comparison results
python main.py --interactive

Create and Use a Template

# First create a template
python main.py --create-template my_offers.xlsx

# Fill in the template with offer details, then run:
python main.py --spreadsheet my_offers.xlsx

Save and Reuse Offers

# Enter offers and save them for later
python main.py --interactive --save my_offers.json

# Later, load the saved offers
python main.py --load my_offers.json

Combine Multiple Sources

# Load offers from multiple sources
python main.py --load previous_offers.json --spreadsheet new_offers.xlsx --interactive

Comparison Factors

The tool considers these factors when comparing job offers:

1. Compensation

   • Base salary/hourly rate
   • Signing bonuses
   • Performance bonuses
   • Equity/stock options

2. Benefits

   • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
   • Retirement benefits (401k/403b matching)
   • Paid time off (vacation, sick days, holidays)
   • Other perks (education stipends, gym memberships, etc.)

3. Tax Considerations

   • Employment type (W2, 1099, Corp-to-Corp)
   • Tax implications of different structures
   • Self-employment taxes for contractors

4. Work-Life Balance

   • Commute time and costs
   • Remote work options
   • Work schedule flexibility
   • Expected work hours

5. Geographic Adjustments

   • Cost of living differences
   • State tax variations

Notes

• Tax calculations are estimates and should not be considered tax advice
• Benefit valuations are based on approximate market values
• For important financial decisions, consult with a financial advisor or tax professional

Project Structure

job-compare/
├── README.md                # This documentation
├── src/                     # Source code
│   ├── benefits_calculator.py  # Benefits valuation logic
│   ├── commute_calculator.py   # Commute cost/time calculations
│   ├── comparison_engine.py    # Core comparison logic
│   ├── job_offer.py            # Job offer data model
│   ├── main.py                 # Entry point and CLI handling
│   ├── spreadsheet_parser.py   # Import/export functionality
│   ├── tax_calculator.py       # Tax estimation logic
│   └── ui_handler.py           # User interface
└── tests/                   # Test suite
    ├── test_job_comparison.py  # Unit tests
    └── data/                   # Test data files
        ├── test_job_offers.csv
        └── test_job_offers.xlsx