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Would you get a job that makes you happy or a job that pays well?
Posted by FeedMyVanity • 9/07/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: careers, jobs, writing
I'm a writer, and everybody knows writing doesn't pay much. Anyway, I'm being offered a job that requires me to travel a lot and attend events, BUT THE PAY IS REALLY REALLY LOW. Then, I'm also being offered a job that requires me to be chained to a desk and write a lot of boring mind-numbing articles BUT PAYS WELL. I'm torn. Help.
User Comments
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A job that pays well, but not a job that forces you to see a shrink. A balance must be reached.-
I hate it when employers ask that! -
What about a job that doesn't pay well and still makes you see a shrink? -
been there, done that...
maybe still doing that
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I'm about to enter that myself =\
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Right now ... I'd just take a job. -
I'd love to do something that was a little more creative and interesting, even if it meant that I had to take a pay-cut. Right now, I'm stuck at a chained-to-my-desk job. But as you've said, it really is mind-numbing. I have all this creativity in me that's just waiting to come out, and, unfortunately, a desk job just isn't the right outlet for me. So I'm currently trying to change that (somehow!).
If you can afford to take the job that will be most interesting to you, you will probably save your sanity in the long-run (especially since work can consume about one-third of our lives).
Either way, I wish you the best in whichever job you choose and congratulations on both offers! -
Always do what makes you happy. Each life is composed of a finite number of moments. You'll never be able to buy back a single one of those moments you wasted doing something you didn't like.-
How very... profound.
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Exactly, nothingprofound.
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Guess it depends on the money your boyfriend/husband makes and/or how rich your parents are...
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Nine months ago, I voluntarily took a $25,000 pay cut to escape a job with unreasonable demands in favor of one I enjoy and where, most importantly, I'm working for people I really like and respect. I've not had a single moment of doubt or regret.-
I am so pleased you are happy and doing what you like. Surrounding yourself with key people who encourage your creative and artistic abilities is so important. Besides your being a published author this will make it easier your you to write your next book. I look forward to finishing the one you so generously sent me, before the dam broke. I will have time by next month to do so. -
That is a significant added bonus--I have one novel finished that needs to be cleaned up and submitted and two others in progress, and they were all at a complete standstill when I was working 90 hours a week.
I'm glad to hear that things are finally settling down for you.
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Take the desk job and while you are writing those boring things keep a notepad close by in order to jot down your exciting ideas. Later when you are at your pad you can continue to express yourself and take mini writing jobs. this way you're covered financially and creatively. Things will break for you if you keep the faith and keep holding on to your dreams. Cheers!
Believe in yourself ... Keep dreaming ... Be sensible.-
That would be my idea in theory, too, Theresa, but I have a good friend who tried to do that years ago and found that writing on demand all day so drained her creativity that she didn't write a single word outside of work in all the years she worked as a writer. It's not that way for me...the more I write, the more I want to write, no matter what the subject matter. But it seems that the impact is different on some people.
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Tiffany, You my darling are brimming and overflowing with ideas that this will never be a problem for you. Everyone who writes will eventually figure out if they will be able to balance work and their passion for the artistic. You do it so well.
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I agree with theresa,I'm fixinna have to go back to being a cocktail waitress,it SUX!!!!! But I think I'm still gonna keep pushing my cause. That's what I'm about. So.....why not both?
Ya gotta pay the bills-
You have such an opportunity here Holly! Write about the in's and outs of this profession. The joys and the highlights. Not so much the complaining side of it, but the realities, and the pros to meeting people from around the country, the locals, and how you view the way you perform the daily rituals. This can be exactly what you need to draw us readers in and even a future book. Golden opportunity. Cheers.
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Life is too short to be doing a job you will not enjoy. You spend a high percentage of your time at work, and when you are miserable about your job, then there's a domino effect with the other aspects of your life. It can affect your disposition and eventually your productivity. The job you like might not pay well but it will make you happy and when you're happy, you're more likely to attract more positive things in your life.-
First: I love your avatar and name, very unique.
Second: Balance is key. Not having enough money to pay bills has a domino effect, too. Read positive and uplifting materials, meditate upon that which you want; we are all authors of our lives.
Third: Exactly! Success does not bring Happiness. Happiness will bring Success. Awesome!
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I think it's important to consider your economic externalities--particularly health. If you take a job you hate, and cram coffee and junk food down your throat just to get through the tensions of the day, it is a bad long term investment of your time. If however, you are able to keep focussed on a goal that keeps your perspective right (and keeps you sane) so that you are able to keep your health, then taking a temporary well-paying job might be worth your while.
Though I've known people who never leave that "temporary" job...-
Excellent advice! My job started out as a 6-month contract position. That said, I celebrated my third-year anniversary with the company back in July.
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Here, here @ Agit8r
Congratulations @ JenniferWrites -
speaking from experience on that health bit
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I have been beaten up in the past, too. We are veterans of the working world. Glad you made it out alive!
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so far. lol
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As long as you make enough money to live comfortably with the lower paying job, why even give it a second thought? If you have to balance having an exciting, creative job against accumulating a lot of superfluous money, I don't think there's any doubt what you should do.
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Would you get a job that makes you happy or a job that pays well?
I would take the job that makes me happy and allows me enough free time to have a fulfilling and balanced life. In fact, over 30 years ago my husband and I left our high paying jobs with benefits and pensions, moved and founded our own small business. Today we celebrate making that move, and choosing to live a very simple and frugal life that has allowed us to achieve many personal goals, and to make many long lasting, positive relationships with wonderful people. -
Yup travelocity...but sometimes wealth comes before health...in my situation.
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If one has dependents, that is a whole 'nother matter...
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Yes...
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I would lean towards the job that make me happy, but having said that, short-term realities would influence my decision. For example, while it is great to take on a fun job, if you are buried in bills and debt, you might find it less stressful to take the less attractive job for a while to get yourself out from under a financial rock. Jobs don't have to be forever. Go with whatever job will get you closer to where you ultimately want to be doing.
One more thing. If the higher-paying job would make you totally miserable, it probably isn't worth it no matter how you sugar-coat it on payday. -
It depends on how old you are. If your young enough, take the secure job and establish yourself. Build yourself a background and a strong resume then you can enjoy what life has to offer without having to worry about the financial aspects in the future.
If you go for the fun now and it fizzles, the desk may be occupied when you need it. But freedom is always out there if you can afford it.-
Rozie818 I just never know what your avatar is going to be but keep them coming. I enjoy being kept in suspense.
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I'll take the low paying job I enjoy, if it adds something to my resume that will qualify me for a high paying job in future
You can enjoy a low paying job but not for long -
Theresa111
These people drive me crazy and my moods change, so I have to change my appearance, lol. -
JOB THAT PAYS WELL because i still dont know what makes me happy. -
If I have enough energy, I would do both. After all, if your hobby is writing, there is no barrier to write something during your lunch break, or when you will come home after work to have a nice bath and write something.
Anyway, I would definitely choose the job that pays well and its simple why, because money are necessary to survive -
Choose the job that allows you to travel and attend events, even if the pay is low. By being out and at these events you can network, meet people, and become aware of many, many more opportunities that pay better. Use this job as a stepping-stone to a better opportunity. But be sure to do a GOOD JOB and be valuable to your employer. Stick with the job and give it your all, while at the same time networking and learning about new opportunities.
DO NOT take the boring high-paying job that chains you to a desk. You will be stuck there, or in that kind of work. Though you will always make more money, you will not be personally satisfied. -
Thanks for all the advice guys. I will update you when I finally come to a decision.
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Take the one with higher pay. You'll like it once you start receiving your hard earned money. -
I'd say go with the first option -- have fun and write. I made the decision a number of years ago to go with the pay, and I often wish that I'd gone the other route. -
Hello! I have to agree with those that say do what you enjoy. It's a tough decision because one leaves you better off financially, which is hard to just bat an eye at.
In one of my previous jobs, I made a good amount ($50 an hour). To some that may be nothing, to others it might be a godsend. The job wasn't hard work but it was quite dull most of the time and frustrating the other times due to client request and very, very tedious tasks.
If I had found elsewhere that was far more enjoyable and paid half, I would have taken the other job in a heartbeat. I love it when time flies while you're working and you feel good about being there. I loathe waking up and dreading having to go work. Due to my current circumstances, I've taken the opportunity to attempt to make money solo on my own terms. I've enjoyed what I learned, am still learning and I would hate to have to trade it in for the morning dread once again!
I can't recommend enough that you to do whatever is going to make you wake up peacefully, with a smile. Otherwise it's all about staring at clocks and counting down to the nearest day(s) off.-
Awww... what you said was beautiful Jonyx. It definitely makes me lean more to the "job that makes me happy" option.
Unfortunately, although my mom encourages me to get the "happy" job, I know that the "pays well" job will be a big help to our financial situation. *sigh*. We're not well-off, but we get by. I still have a couple of days to deliberate. Will mull this over a glass of wine and a night out with my favorite humans. hahaha. -
lol well whatever the choice you make is, I hope it makes you cheery. The happy job could always lead to something amazing that the other couldn't hold a candle to, as well. Either way, good luck =)
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I'd simply be thankful for a job of almost any kind right now.
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