Question

You make $45,000 per year at your current job with Whiz Kids Consultants. You are considering a job offer from Brainiacs, Inc., which would pay you $50,000 per year. Which of the following are elements of the opportunity cost of accepting the new job at Brainiacs, Inc.? Answer yes or no, and explain your answer.
A. the increased time spent commuting to your new job
B. the $45,000 salary from your old job
C. the more spacious office at your new job

Answer 1

Answer:

(A) Yes. The increased time spent commuting to your new job is a cost that will incur if you accept the offer. The additional time devoted to the new job, or equivalently utilized that time somewhere else and get a benefit is an opportunity cost of accepting the new job.

(B) Yes. If you accept the new job offer then the money income or salary you were earned from the old job is foregone. Therefore, the $45,000 salary from your old job is an opportunity cost of accepting the new job.

(C) No. It is a benefit received from the new job. Hence, it is not an opportunity cost.