Opportunity costs
John Cassaway owns his own taxi, which he bought an $18,000 permit to operate two years ago. Mr. Cassaway earns $36,000 a year operating as an independent but has the opportunity to sell the taxi and permit for $73,000 and take a position as dispatcher for Sartino Taxi Co. The dispatcher position pays $31,000 a year for a 40 hour week. Driving his own taxi, Mr. Cassaway works approximately 55 hours per week. If he sells his business, he will invest the $73,000 and can earn a 10 percent return.
Required
a. Determine the opportunity cost of owning and operating the independent business.
b. Based solely on financial considerations, should Mr. Cassaway sell the taxi and accept the position as dispatcher?
c. Discuss the qualitative as well as quantitative factors that Mr. Cassaway should consider.