Okay, the question in the title of this article isn’t as easy or even as clear as it sounds. I’m sure everyone would take a job for more money if there was nothing different between the two jobs.
My question today though is a little different.
Would you follow your passion if it meant you were to make less money? Or would you rather work in a position that you really hate so that you can earn more money?
When I decided on my college major, I decided on something that I thought would bring me to a corporate job so that I could make money. I really had nothing else on my mind. I thought having a “safe” major would make me happy enough in life.
Boy, was I wrong! Yes, I had a comfortable job, but I wasn’t happy.
After three years of working as a financial analyst, I knew it just wasn’t for me. Yes, even though I make a very comfortable income right now, my last job was much “safer.”
I was on track to become President at the company, I had a good salary, I received good benefits, and I knew the job and the company weren’t going anywhere.
However, even with all that safety, I wasn’t happy. Instead, I wanted something that I actually enjoyed. I also wanted to do something that would allow me to have a flexible schedule and do other things that I enjoy outside of work.
Even though I love working as a financial blogger and freelancer, I don’t think I could ever go back to a financial firm as an analyst (or any position at a firm). It’s just not what I enjoy. In fact, yesterday I received an email from a headhunter asking me if I would like to take a senior level position at a local financial firm (it’s a big firm with over 100 employees). I had to laugh and file the email away because even though they were offering a hefty salary and even a signup bonus, I knew I was not interested.
Not everyone is the same, and I know many people who are pursuing jobs with a higher income. I also know of many people who are pursuing jobs that they love that pay less.
Below are a few positives and negatives for each side of the argument.
Less money may mean a delay in reaching financial goals.
If your main goal right now is to pay off debt as quickly as you can, then you may be interested in working towards making as much money as you can. That may mean working a job you hate, working long hours, working multiple jobs, and so on.
When I wanted to get rid of my student loans as quickly as possible, I wasn’t interested in pursuing my passion. I was interested in eliminating my debt as quickly as possible so that my life could actually “begin” on my debt payoff date.
I was working 100 hour weeks for years. I was going to college, working my day job, and working my side hustles for what seemed like forever. In the end, it all paid off. Luckily, I didn’t have too much student loan debt, so I didn’t have to struggle for a very long time.
However, if you are interested in pursuing your passion, then it may mean that you have to delay your financial goals or even put them on hold. It may take you a little bit longer to reach your goal, but you have to weigh the positives and negatives and you may find it worthwhile (or not).
A lesser paying job may mean more time.
Following your passion can also mean that you take a job that allows you to pursue your passion in your free time. Even if it’s not a job that you absolutely love, you might decide to take a job for less money because you are able to pursue your passion outside of your normal work hours.
You might have more vacation time, a better and/or more flexible schedule, a less stressful job, or something else.
For me, I’m all about having a flexible schedule. That is one of the biggest positives for me of the freelancing that I do right now. I love freelancing, but I also love that it allows me to be in control of my day.
If I want to ride my bike on a beautiful trail at noon, I can. If I want to go out to lunch with my friends, I can. I am no longer bound by my work day.
Following your passion may mean that can’t retire until later.
If you are wanting to retire quickly, then choosing a job with less money will not get you there as quickly. I’ve heard of many people taking a job that they absolutely hated, working it to death and then retiring very early.
I don’t think that route is for me, but I can understand why others would choose it. If you “only” have to suffer for a decade or two and then you get to have the time of your life, that would be very tempting.
If you decide to work your passion, you may find yourself working for much longer. Following your passion doesn’t always equal less money, but in many cases it does.
This leads to…
You may never have to work a day in your life though.
Following your passion might mean that you never actually work a day in your life.
If you truly love what you are doing, is it actually work? Or are you just having a great time?
Following your passion can be great because you are doing what you love to do, and you actually look forward to work. If you are going to spend one-third of your life working, then why not do something that you love?
What would you rather do? Take a job you hate for more money, or take a job you love for less money?
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Liquid says
Definitely follow your passion and make less money because life is too short to spend 40 hours a week doing something you don’t like. I think if you have a passion for something, then being able to do that is worth more than a big pay check. I’m currently working as an artist and I don’t regret my career decision at all 😀 Actor Jim Carrey once said “you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love” 🙂
Michelle S. says
I had no idea you were working as an artist. That is awesome!
Ricky Willis says
For me it’s a slightly difficult decision. Our current situation is that my fiancée works full time while I stay at home looking after the children and at the same time try and build up a decent income from blogging.
I love it. I’m not earning a huge amount but I can feel it’s slowly changing and the more I’m putting into it, the more the business is growing. I really can’t see myself doing anything else.
On the other hand, if something happened and my other half lost her job; I would take a job I hate just so I could provide for my family.
Hopefully this won’t happen and everything will go as planned. Our overall goal is to build up the blogging business to a point where we can both work on it full time. That’s the dream.
– Ricky
Christine Berry - Wealth Way Online says
Can I correct your goal a little?
“Our overall goal is to build up the blogging business to a point where we can both work on it full time. ” ->
Our overall goal is to build up the blogging business to a point where we can both work on it part time and earn a full time income.
😀
Michelle S. says
Haha I like this better Christine! 🙂
Michelle S. says
Yes, when it comes to family and drastic circumstances, taking a job that pays that bills might be needed.
Income Surfer says
Definitely rather follow my passion, provided I wasn’t starving and my family is safe. I’m actually at this crossroads right now. Let’s see how it turns out
-Bryan
Michelle S. says
I hope it all turns out well for you Bryan. I’m rooting for you!
Retired by 40 says
I love the last part about pursuing your passion means you may never work a day in your life! What amazes me is how you found your passion so soon in life…for most people it takes years! And about the headhunter – isn’t it nice to know you have options, even if you’re not necessarily interested in them?
Michelle S. says
Yes, that’s why I didn’t delete the email from the headhunter. It makes me happy to receive emails like those even though I’m not interested haha!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
But, can’t I have a job I like for more money??? =)
I wouldn’t work a job I really hated for any amount of money. Life is too short to do something you despise 40 hours per week. The only way I would live that was is if it was the only way to provide for my family.
Michelle S. says
Yes, that’s the only way I would do it as well (if it was the only way to provide).
Christine Berry - Wealth Way Online says
Hmmm… I don’t know. Right not what I do isn’t 100% my passion, it’s the best job I’ve ever had and the best paying job I’ve ever had, but I probably wouldn’t continue doing it forever if I wasn’t paid.
I would probably temporarily take a crappy job for a year or two if I could earn a crapload of money… but it’s hard to say because right now I do alright 🙂
Michelle S. says
Haha you are doing great Christine 🙂
Michelle S. says
That is great that you both like your jobs. Good job!
kammi says
It would have to be a substantial (underlined) amount more, and it would only have to be part time, and I”m sorry to say I wouldn’t mind doing the crappy job that pays a lot part time. If it teaches me a skill I need to learn, I’d do it; right now I”m doing a class in a subject that used to be PAINFUL to me to study, but it has gotten easier and now I actually enjoy it and the applications are ENDLESS.
To me, it’s called sacrifice, but I wouldn’t do it long term, and it would only be able to take up a fraction of my day. There is a guy who became a multi-millionaire in my country by doing a job no one wanted to do; garbage collecting. Hey, someone has to do some jobs and there are a lot of jobs that people don’t want to do, and therefore there is a high demand for them. And of course there are lots of jobs people all want to do, and the competition is very very stiff so you have to be very very good to make a living off of it (NFL player, etc). In any case, my goal is to not have a job anyways, but to be totally free eventually of having to even concern myself of a ‘job’, so to me a job is a job is a job. A cage is still a cage, right? That’s just my opinion, of course 🙂
Michelle S. says
A crappy job that pays well and is only part-time is great because it can still allow you to do what you like outside of work. Thanks Kammi for sharing!
kammi says
There is a great book called Open by Agassi where he talks about how painful Tennis was for him and how he hates it, but he is one of the best. Lang Lang talks about how painful playing the piano was for him growing up, too. Even the things that look like fun took a LOT of hard work at some point in time, too, and weren’t the most enjoyable. I remember reading about Phelps’ routine and how many laps he does swimming day after day. I’m sure a lot of people would like to have Michael Phelps’ life, but not a lot would want to do or have the discipline it takes to be him.
Michelle S. says
I will have to read that book. Sounds like a good one. My dad loved watching him play!
MomCents says
I left a job a ABSOLUTELY HATED and it cost me a $20K pay cut in salary. I have not regretted the decision…fortunately even with the paycut, there was enough to pay the mortgage etc. In hindsight, that means if I was more disciplined I should have been able to save much more….
Now, my hubby is in a position where he comes home exhausted every day….it was a pay increase, but I already told him to start looking for something else because this isn’t living.
I’m in a unique position now because I am comfortable in my job, but I know there are opportunities for me to make more. I have a low aversion to risk, so it is hard for me to leave….I *may* leave if the right position comes along with a $30K increase…but I’m leary of jumping out of something safe into something I won’t like.
Michelle S. says
That is awesome that you haven’t regretted the decision. Happiness is important! 🙂
MJA says
I would rather take a job I loved for less money, hands down.
Michelle S. says
🙂
Debt Free Guys says
I think that the primary issue for most people is that they don’t work at a job they hate. They have a job that they are complacent about. It’s one that gives them slightly less than what they want, but they are comfortable not putting forth the extra effort. We have talked about it a number of times recently since we started blogging and have written 2 1/2 books. The additional effort to switch to something you love can be a hinderance if you are comfortable or just slightly uncomfortable. The reality though is that you will never achieve the success you want without making the change as you point out.
Get up and do something different if you want success and don’t have it now!
Michelle S. says
Thank you! 🙂
Sarah Hirsch says
What would you rather do? Take a job you hate for more money, or take a job you love for less money?
I would work for less money in a job I enjoyed more IF I was still making a nice salary.
Michelle S. says
Thanks Sara for taking part 🙂
Elena says
I would prefer a job I love and less money than the job I hate with more money.
Michelle S. says
Same here 🙂
Andrew@LivingRichCheaply says
If you have a job that you are passionate about, then you never have to work a day in your life. I think it’s great if you can earn a living doing something you’re passionate about. But for the “starving artists” out there…you can only live that life for a certain amount of time. If you can’t pay your bills then sometimes you do have to suck it up and get a job you may not enjoy. I have a stable decent paying job…I’m not passionate about it but can’t say I despise it. I have a family to support now so it makes plans of chasing my passion harder…
Michelle S. says
Yes, I think it’s different when a person has a family to support. But it is still possible! You just have to work extra hard 🙂
E.M. says
Honestly, going into college, I knew my major wasn’t going to net me a lot of money, and I was okay with that. It’s never been a goal of mine to make millions. I would much rather do something that has meaning for a lower salary as opposed to being miserable but banking a lot. I’m just glad my wants and needs don’t dictate having a higher paying job. Being happy is more important to me – as others have said, life is too short!
Michelle S. says
Yes, I’m glad I finally realized that. Luckily my degrees still help me with what I’m doing now!
Michelle S. says
Enjoying it 90% of the time is pretty awesome! 🙂
Nicola says
I don’t think I could do a job I hated for more money. You spend so many hours of your life at work so it needs to be something you enjoy!
Michelle S. says
I agree! I think it would be crazy to spend so much time doing something you hated.
Kayla @ Shoeaholicnomore says
Right now I’m in a job that pays pretty well, but I don’t enjoy it at all. I’m hoping to only be here long enough to pay down my debts. At that point, I’d like to pursue something I actually like, even though it may pay less.
Michelle S. says
Sounds like you have a good plan Kayla! 🙂
Lisa E. @ Lisa vs. the Loans says
I think it’s really easy to say “follow your passion” and take the lesser paying job. But I do think there is some merit to sticking with a higher paying job. For me, I’m taking advantage of the security of my current job so that one day, I can have the luxury to quit and actually work on my passions.
Michelle S. says
Sounds like you have a great plan Lisa 🙂
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
Being 43, I could not imagine in a million years taking a job I hate for the money. You start to realize just how precious and short life is. Now if you asked me at 22….well, there might be a million reasons I’d be interested in taking job I didn’t like to make money, even if I didn’t have student loans. You’re right in that the answer is not as clear cut as it would seem, because struggling financially is no picnic either. Both are a form of major stress. I think you won the lotto, you make a ton of money AND it’s your passion! That’s awesome!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Tonya! Yes, I am very lucky in that I love what I do and I make a good living 🙂 I’m so grateful!
spectre phang says
I rather take a job that pay less rather than job that pay more but make my life extremely miserable because life is short like candle
Michelle S. says
Yes, life is short! 🙂
DC @ Young Adult Money says
I think it’s not quite as black and white or extreme as “hate” and “love.” I think it’s typically more along the lines of “would you rather continue working in a job that pays pretty well but you don’t love” OR “would you be willing to switch to a different job that pays less but you are pretty sure you will like a lot.” I definitely don’t LOVE my job, but for where I’m at in life the finances, training, background, experience, etc. are really valuable so I don’t see myself leaving it anytime in the foreseeable future. With that being said, if I had the option to run my own business that brought in over $100k profit and had growth prospects…now that’s something I would love to do!
Michelle S. says
Even though you don’t love your job, it sounds like it’s a good fit for you right now. That’s good!
Melissa says
Ha, Michelle, do I work at your old job now? 😉 I have the same work set up you had – on track for management, in finance(ish), good salary, stable… I think the questions you raised are what keep me at my job though. Right now, I’m the only one bringing in a salary, although my bf starts work soon. However, I’m the one with lots of student loan debt, plus I’d like to buy a house that we can rent out one day for passive income (he owns a house that we live in now).
Basically, that means I’m keeping my job for now while looking at other ways to earn (or save) extra money and sock it away towards my student loan debt. I have a long term plan (8 years), but I’d love to pursue my passion sooner than that if I can pay off my debt! 🙂
Michelle S. says
Haha sounds like we have pretty similar jobs!
Joe @ Budget Breakaway says
I faced this question as I finished university in June last year. I was waiting on results for my degree and received two job offers already; one was for a digital agency (I really wanted to work in an agency!) and one was for a big brand.
However, the agency were offering a very low salary and even though I’d negotiated up it was still £5000 ($8.5k) below the position for the brand. I shot aside the salary and went for the job I was more passionate about; it’s took me 12 months to raise my pay by £5k to match the initial offer but the experience gained is invaluable; I wouldn’t go back and change it if I could!
Michelle S. says
That’s awesome that you were able to match the initial offer and stay at a job that you like instead. Good job Joe!
Will, First Quarter Finance says
I have to do something I’m passionate about.
I once wrote this down and it sits right next to my computer: The key to a good life is this: if you’re not going to talk about something during the last hour of your life, then don’t make it a top priority during your lifetime. It reminds me to keep my shiz in line so I don’t have regrets when I die.
Michelle S. says
Love this Will! Yes, this is something I always try to remember. My dad passed away 6 years ago, and since then I have been trying to do what I want to do and live with no regrets.
ginette4 says
Very good question, I have often thought about this and I’ve seen many people working in a job that they hated but loved the money, I believe it’s not worth it if in the end it makes you unhappy, because unhappy brings on so many health problems makes you snappy and unpleasant to be around,,make yourself and others that you live with happy and pursue a job that will better you mentally
Michelle S. says
Thank you! I agree with you. Happiness is more important to me 🙂
Dagmar I says
I would take a job I loved for less money. I think if you had a job you hated then your attitude would change and you would be a different person than if you had a job you loved. I know someone who had a job which payed really, really good money, but he hated it. He became depressed! He was let go recently and now he’s as happy as a clam.
Michelle S. says
Thanks for sharing. I agree with you 🙂
Wesley Travels says
Yes, when it comes to family and drastic circumstances, taking a job that pays that bills might be needed.
Michelle S. says
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
ISA VAL says
think that passion for job move ALL!!!
Michelle S. says
I agree! 🙂
femmefrugality says
I’ve chosen the make less, love what you do route. I make a decent amount, but I’m not rolling in it. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. It’s an amazing feeling to be excited to go into work.
Michelle S. says
Yes, being excited to work is great.
Bianca Antonissen says
I am a teacher, I think that answers the question… I never met a teacher who was in it for the money!
But in all honesty: I would be even more happy if I could run my own business, from home, and spend more time with my kids. I could work my own schedule and my heart would be completely in it. But it would have to pay me at least what I’m earning as a (part time) teacher…
Michelle S. says
Hello Bianca! Thanks for stopping by. Are you currently working on starting a business right now? 🙂
Bianca Antonissen says
I have had a website for over 10 years, but only expanded my income during the last year or two. It is difficult though, in my niche and on the Dutch ‘market’…
Michelle S. says
I hope it becomes easier for you soon! 🙂
Jorge Granda says
If I really hated the position, I would much rather follow my passion and work in a field that I actually liked. I think that in the long run, that would be a lot better for my health. Working a job that you really hate, day in and day out, is not really good for you.
Michelle S. says
I agree Jorge. If I worked a job I hated for an extended amount of time, I know that I wouldn’t be a very pleasant person to be around. I would be so stressed and upset!
nikki robak says
I would much rather have a job I love because it’s not like work then and u can deal with money problems when you are happy
Michelle S. says
Thanks Nikki! 🙂
Margarida says
I don’t care how much money I make because if I do something I love it will make my life richer, but of course there are situations where you have to do something you don’t like that much but it pays the bills.
Michelle S. says
Yes, there are definitely situations where you have to work a job you don’t like because bills need to be paid.
Orcan Tiryakioglu says
i want to take a job you love for less money
Michelle S. says
🙂
Karen S. says
I’m a finance major in University–almost done–and when I entered the program at the height of the financial crisis I would tell people I was doing it because we needed more people in finance who weren’t in it for the money. My first BA was in English, which, to some, might explain the mindset. But seriously, the one thing no one can buy is time. As a consequence, whenever I consider doing something, my primary concern is whether or not the endeavour is worth my time. Money is just money–beyond an ability to meet basic needs, it doesn’t really matter. I need whatever I choose to do to matter to me.
Michelle S. says
Thank you Karen. I love everything you said, and I definitely agree with you. Congrats on almost being done with your finance major! 🙂
Karen S. says
lol, and when I finish studying finance, I’ll probably just write about it (to take this back to the English degree)! Basically, I want to help people, in some way. To make some tiny difference in the grand scheme of things. :).
Varun Narula says
I can never work just for money or take a job which I don’t like but gives more money.
Michelle S. says
Same here 🙂
Ryen Hincelois says
article and your question is very amazing !! i like <33
take a job I love for less money. useless to take jobs that earn more money if we hate and are not happy. money is not everything. but everything needs money. physical condition is more important than money. got more money but exposed to inner pressure and stress. better be happy with taking what we love. if we love the work and we are doing well, eventually we may even money that will multiply. everything need a process
Michelle S. says
Thank you for reading 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Mario Adventuresinfrugal says
There are so many dimensions at play here that I’m nowhere near any sort of all-else-equal solution. I would say, however, that I think I have a pretty low elasticity when it comes to trading work I love for money.
Michelle S. says
Hey Mario!
Yes, there are a lot of different things that go into this question, and it’s not a clear-cut yes or no answer.
Pam / Hey, Miss Adventures! says
I’d go for less money with a job I love – a big plus if I can do it from home so I could have more time with my daughter! Besides, it isn’t always what you earn, right? But instead what you keep.
Michelle S. says
Yes, it’s what you keep! 🙂
James Salmons says
Once I encountered a statement that caused me to realize that making money and loving your work are not at odds with each other. The point made was that for every job that someone does for money, someone else does for free, and for every job that someone does for free, someone else does for money.
It may be a mistake to assume that to do something you love you have to earn less money. In fact, I think that if you really love something you have a better than even chance to make more money.
But it does not happen automatically. I had a major turn around in my life when I realized that the way I was doing things did not allow me to do well because I did not have the resources I needed. In other words not enough money. Instead of changing the type of work I did, I found a way to make it pay more money.
Michelle S. says
Yes, I agree. There are many jobs out there that people love that actually make them a ton of money! 🙂
Kimberly Camille Tiu says
take a job you love for less money! if money would be the main objective when getting a job, then you would feel miserable doing your job even if you would get a lot of money our of it.
Michelle S. says
I agree! 🙂 Thanks for reading Kimberly.
VENI KOMNINIDOU says
It depends on your life! If you have a family and many bills to pay you have to leave your dream for a while!At the same time i would try to find a new job that combines both that is a well paid job that i love!
Michelle S. says
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Yes, finding one that combines both is a great situation to be in 🙂
alexandra-elisabet dorofte says
Definitely follow your passion and make less money because life is too short
Michelle S. says
I agree 🙂
Judy Thomas says
I would rather take a job I love for less money because I would rather be happy then miserable.
Michelle S. says
Same here Judy. Happiness is important.
Jenny Williams says
Great question. I have thought about this a lot. See, in college, I chose my major (history), because it was something I was passionate about. I didn’t want to be a history teacher, though, which confused a lot of people. But I was okay with that. I am currently working a job that I am not passionate about, but it is stress-free, and allows me more time to work on what I love at home: writing and blogging. As for retiring “on time”, does it really matter if you are doing what you love? Money brings a level of security that is comforting, and I understand that. But if you have the ability to do what you are excited about, then by all means do it. Life is too short!
Jenericgeneration.com
Michelle S. says
Yes, that is how I feel as well. Retirement is great, but if I love what I’m doing then I’ll probably just do it for as long as I can.
Ksenia says
I would rather earn less money but have a nice and interesting job.
Michelle S. says
Same here!
Cindy Merrill says
I would rather take a job I love for less money. I am a Quiet Prepper, as well as a food historian- my hubby and I live on his SSI. We’re absolutely not rich, not even middle class, but we’re happy.
Michelle S. says
Sounds like you and your husband are doing well 🙂
Rajan says
I’d go for the job I love for less money. However, if the other job which has more money is not much different, then maybe a second thought would have to be given.
Michelle S. says
Thanks Rajan!
Cami says
I have definitely traded flexibility for more money and I’m completely happy. I’m able to keep a good balance between work and the time spent at home with my husband and kids. It’s true that the money would be nice, but when would I enjoy it? When my kids are gone and out of the house? I would much rather enjoy the time with them now. I work about 30 hours/four days a week and it allows me to be home to make dinner from scratch which is something I love to do and it saves us money.
Michelle S. says
Dinner from scratch sounds wonderful. That is one thing I am able to do now as well and we’ve never been healthier!
Irene Newstead says
I am so lucky…..I love the career I chose and am fortunate enough to work for a great company who not only appreciates what I do for them and who doesn’t hesitate to reward it’s employees with bonuses and other perks.
Michelle S. says
Sounds like a great company Irene! 🙂
Marie Moody says
Well, I use to be a paralegal, which was a lot of work all the time. I really didn’t make what I was worth either. Then I had an accident and fell off my brother’s porch, which lead to Spinal Stenosis & 2 operations later, tons of therapy and a life of pain I’m home collecting disability & semi-retirement. I’ve been a blogger five years now & I have been trying to make money with my blog for a very long time. I love doing reviews & give-aways, but I love making the money more, but just don’t know how to go about it. With hubby being laid off since last thanksgiving I have been looking everywhere to making money or getting products for free that normally I would pay for. So yes, I would love to make more money at home.
Ishita says
Follow Passion… I have whole lot of degrees to last for 2 lifetimes I worked for 3 n half years in the career I chose which was “safer” as you referred… I left it all for about 2 years I was just following my bliss (passion) and finally I am starting to see how perfectly I was guided to different things that I was in those 2 years now I am learning new stuff in art to start offering it as a service or something I am still figuring that would be most fun to work on ~ which would be more so fun and I am starting to feel bliss not knowing where I am going even though I am not seeing it clearly… I do still trust following my passion is the only choice and its got to take me where I need to be at the right moment… 🙂 It was a great read for me <3
Dianne says
I would rather have a job I like than one I hated.
Fred says
I’ve actually turned down a job that paid substantially more, but involved a two hour commute each way. I divided the total hours spent on my current job from the time I left my house until the time I returned home (9 hours/day total round trip), and compared the same to the potential job (12 hours/day round trip). This brought my comparison pay down to an hourly basis. Even though the potential job still paid a bit more after that calculation, I decided that the four hour commute was not worth it. Just the physical, mental, and emotional stress of the commute was not worth the additional money.
Poor Student says
I’m still figuring out what I want to do in life, but what I figured from having part time jobs and an internship was I’d prefer something that I actually enjoy doing even though I have to turn down a boring job that pays substantially higher. For me work life balance is important and having more money doesn’t mean you’ll be happier and satisfied in life.
Richard | www.frugalitymagazine.com says
I definitely think this is quite a difficult question to answer as each of us is different and has different priorities. When I was paying off my debt, my focus was on purely maximizing my income so I took a job I loathed purely because it paid more.
The goal was to get out of debt so my outgoings would drop considerably and then I could go into a field that paid less but I was more passionate about.
As it turns out (story to follow on my blog in the next few weeks) I actually lucked out and just landed a new job that I’m passionate about *and* pays the same as my old job – because I managed to leverage the experience I’d gained in the job I hated and applied it to a new field.
I’m happy as can be right now seeing as I seem to have landed on my feet and (finally) after years of working in a job I hate I’ve got both a job I enjoy *and* a decent salary; personally I was only expecting one of those to occur at a time 😉
Sophia,M.,McConnery says
I am computer STUPID!
Peter Jones says
Money talks and bread needs to be on the table so dont see much choice
Fanny @ Living Richly on a Budget says
I’m doing it now. Doing what I’m passionate about for not a lot of money. But I can’t go back to working for someone else for many reasons. I do think that the money will come as I’m focused on creating something that my audience needs and wants. How about having the best of both worlds? Doing what you’re passionate about and making a lot of money, like what you’re doing? =) It is hard to get there but I’m on my way.
Rochelle Baboolal says
At least you guys freaken have a job :-(. I am a new graduate and I don’t know whether to spend a long time looking for my dream job or go into another field that starts paying big bucks. I feel like I might have wasted my years of studying because matric students just finish school and get immediate well paying jobs…it sucks, its so unfair. I don’t even have a car yet. Well, I don’t have bills to pay either…Advice pretty please :-)?
Lucy says
I’m currently in a difficult situation, although I have worked a bit in the field where I wanted to work after graduating from my masters degree in university. However, it was only casual work, so you don’t expect much work. I was introduced to a job that paid a lot. Now I’m in the situation of thinking of whether to choose the new job that has a high pay, which I may not be happy working at, or continue to pursue a career where I have studied so hard for and am passionate and enjoy a lot, but doesn’t pay much as the introduced job. I don’t have a debt, don’t have a car either or pay rent. What should I choose? Please give me some advice.
Drewry says
I once had a remote job where I was making somewhat nice money. The remote work from home job I had allowed me to work from home without regularly attending company meetings. When the company I was working for was merging with another company, I received and employment retention letter from the other company to come on with regular gainful implement. Rather than the other company continue paying me what I was being paid at the current hourly rate, they demoted my pay in the retention letter almost 3 dollars. Additionally, they also switched up the terms and conditions for the sign on bonus payout structure, which I felt they were allegedly “switching up,” so they could pay me less money, humiliate me, then terminate my employment months down the line after the company merger was complete. Rather than stick around and work for less money, I decided to jump ship and quit the job.