When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

So-- some of you may remember a month or so ago I posted inquiring about a career change to teaching-- that didn't really work out since I was very specific in what I wanted to teach- and while it is something I may consider in the future, it is not a short-term solution for me.

Anyway-- in the last month, I quit my job and I have been looking for other opportunities. In this job, I was working 12+ hour days in a crazy frenetic and demanding environment. There was no such thing as work/life balance. Also, my previous two jobs I have hated as well-- I work in advertising and the industry has been tough over the last few years- I have been laid off a couple of times and basically have taken jobs just to have a job- knowing they were not the right fit, etc.

Anyway, I have realized at this point in my life- I really need to focus on looking for a job that I know I will love. I have recently been offered another opportunity with a company outside of the city that focuses on what I want to be doing-- what this also means is a guaranteed 8 hour work day, a lot less stress and a lot less money. I can live with the pay cut-- and knew it going in, but now that the offer has been extended- I really feel like I am worth a lot more. Other jobs I have been interviewing for are more in my current salary range, but I am afraid it's going to be the same thing all over again-- getting home at like 9 o clock, restless nights thinking about what I need to do the next day and basically no social life or quality time with DH- but we will be able to afford more dinners on the weekends, more weekend trips, etc.

I am torn although I feel that this current job is the route to go-- I just don't want to feel like I am short changing myself. The pay cut is pretty significant- although I have been upfront with these people that I want a salary & performance review in 6 months and will work hard to be promoted and/or get merit salary increases.

Wondering if anyone else has experienced something like this- and what the outcome has been-- or if you just want to share your opinion.

Thanks!!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Do you think you can get them to come up on their offer? Let them know that you are interested in the job, but you really need a salary of $xxxxx. Tell them you understand that it is a different work environment than what you're used to- and that's why you're so interested- but you just can't take that much of a pay cut. If they're not willing to come up, than you need to weigh out time vs. money, because that's what it comes down to. And also figure out how much you would make per hour at each job. You may find that even though it's less of a salary, your per hour earnings may be higher than what you're used to.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Thanks for responding...

I actually have already done the hourly comparision- and it's bascially the same-- an 11 or so hour day compared to an 8 hour day works out to be the same..

As for asking for more money-- they know what I am making and cannot afford to pay me any more-- but, if I am successful at bringing in more business, or the agency wins more business and there is room for upward mobility and more money, I will get more $$ & responsibility- if I deserve it of course.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I don't have any advice, but I feel like I am in a similar situation. Right now, I feel overworked and unappreciated at my job, with little or NO raise to look foward to. This company does not reward its employees for their hard work. The raise every year is standard 2%, so the "slackers" get the same amount as those who go above and beyond. This gives me no motivation. I also have to travel alot (internationally also) with only a few days notice.
I feel like if I was in another field where my pay depended on my efforts, like sales for example, I would be making so much more money. Howver, I am not sure if sales is for me. I have thought about a career change, but it doesn't seem like it will work out right now with me having to go back to school (because the program I would want to take is only offered Full time for 2 years). I am kinda stuck on what to do also.
Are you planning on TTC soon? Because with the job I have now, I would never be able to work there and be a mom at the same time. It would be WAY TOO much to handle.

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Julz--

Definitely not TTC anytime soon.. Actually the last year went by in a blink cause of my stupid job-- I feel like I have spent no time with DH-- BUT when the time comes to have kids-- this job is totally the way to go- except for the money thing.. but, kids are not going to be in the picture for a few years..

As for you-- there are a TON of jobs out there now.. so perhaps you can look around and see if you can find something else that you are interested in, while you figure out if you want to go to back to school. I have A LOT of experience in looking for a job - I'll be happy to provide any help, etc.!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I have been looking, but with my degree it is hard (Biochemistry) to do a career change.

If I was you, I would take the job. Especially since you think you will enjoy it, and be home earlier. I think being happy is more important than having extra money.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I will preface this by saying that I went back to school to prepare for a career change just before I turned 30 and have not spent one minute regretting it. It was tough, but I love what I do now and would do it all over again.

IMO, if you don't have the time to spend the money you make, and the job is taking away time you could be spending with the people you love, the money isn't worth it. I make enough to live on, save or invest some and take some vacations - that is enough for me. I don't live extravagantly, but don't feel like I go without things I need either and do have enough for occasional treats. For me, it is worth it to make a little less money to have dinner every night with DH and enjoy my weekends, doing things other than cleaning, laundry and errands. JMO. Hope that helps

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

It wasn't important to me, after grad school I decided to move to the non-profit sector for a large paycut.

Good luck, it's a tough decision.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

i haven't experienced this but i think if you can live without the money and you feel your ife is better (with the less hours) than stick with it...
ETA...but i guess rcently i kind was in a similar position

i was asked to takeon some extra work with very little pay increase...
but i know in the long run it will pay off...
so i took it and hope soon bigger things will happen

Message edited 3/20/2006 8:30:02 PM.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

hey randi you know how i feel at this point, i would say trust your gut. if it doesnt work out a few months down the line, you've already established yourself in the ad world and can always go back. but me personally, $ is not everything...and i would try it - once you see how much more time you'll have i am sure you won't look back!!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

If I was offered 20K more but had to work twice the amount of hours I would turn it down in a second. I've actually taken myself out of the running for a promotion for this very reason. I value my time and my family more than money. But that being said, my salary right now is decent enough that I could turn it down and still be comfortable. If we were under a a financial strain, I would feel differently I'm sure.

If you are miserable at work and are spending your life there, but are making very good money, is it worth it? While I think it depends on the specifics, for the most part NO, it's not worth it. Work has a huge impact on our lives, our outlook, attitudes, stress level—these things are all affected by our jobs. You need a balance in your life and if you are lucky enough to get an opportunity to do something you love, I think you owe it to yourself to give it a shot, especially if you can afford the pay cut. Re-examine it in a few months, chances are if you are loving what you do, you will excel at it and your bosses will see that. In time, I'm sure it will pay off. Good luck no matter what you decide!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

thanks everyone for your input-- it helps to get some different perspectives..

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

here is my situation:
i went to school for fashion design, got my degree n everything, worked in the fiedl for 3 years, 3 diff companies and i hated it-the hours were TERRIBLE...and the pay wasnt that great either...

well i changed careers to working (now) in an investment banking firm-doin admin work and i like it a lot-i make crappy money, but it beats coming home at 8, 9:00 and running myself down

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I have not read the other responses yet, however, I will say this: I took a HUGE paycut to come to my current job. My previous job was working in a very unsafe environment, teaching kids with severe emotional disturbances. I was attacked physically and basically did crowd control instead of teaching. HOWEVER, I made a sh-t load of money. My job now, I make less than half of what I did in my other job and I thank god everyday that I made the decision to take the lower paying job. I am doing what I love, my hours are shorter, the kids are amazing, the environment is safe and caring, etc. There's not amount of money that could make me take another job that makes me unhappy. And I really, honestly mean that. My happiness is far more valuable than the extra fluff we had when I worked my other job.
But that's what was right for me and my husband. But try not to base your selfworth on a paycheck. There's plenty of miserable people in this world who make more money that all of us combined. In the end, the value of your life is based on your own happiness. You just need to decide where your happiness lies...in all the extras you can afford with a bigger paycheck, or in the more relaxed, less stressful life you'll lead with a lower paying job. Neither decision is right or wrong.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I think its really no contest- naturally when you get paid less than you deserve it makes you wonder if its worth it, BUT if you love what you are doing... Plus have a life.... I would go for it!

Obviously you are very talented so if you find you love this job but want more money down the road, you could make that happen.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I went from accounting to teaching. I presently make less than half of what I was making - but I am 10000x happier!! For me, it was a quality of life issue as opposed to the money. Sure, the money was great - but we never got to enjoy it and I was stressed out 24/7! Even on my worst teaching days, I know there is a definite end at 3pm. With accounting, I was always on.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

First, I think that every single situation is different and you have to figure out what is important to you and your DH and what will work out the best.

I was in a job where I made ALOT of $$$ but I was so miserable. It was in the city so I was gone for at least 12 hours a day and when I did get home I was so cranky and miserable. The first thing I would do when I walked in the door was check my work email and I would go to bed thinking about the stuff I would have to deal with the next day. There was no way that I would be able to have a family under those conditions. We are not planning on having a family anytime soon but I wanted to be set in another career before we even tried.

Soooo....I quit my job and got into real estate (where as you all know is straight commission) We went from having a really great salary coming in to now basically living on one until I get the hang of real estate and build a client base.

Bottom line is - do what is best for you and sometimes you do have to make some lifestyle changes because of less money but if you are going to be happier and be able to enjoy yourself and your DH more sometimes it really is worth it.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

as far as working goes...money means nothing to me. I need enough money to make it, meaning pay my bills, have some extra, afford things without wanting too much and not being broke...But if I couls work anywher ethat made me happy I would take a HUGE pay cut ....

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

thanks everyone for your responses-- it's really so interesting to hear about everyone's situations, however the outcome seems to be unanimous.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Hi Randi, how are those teeth!
welp I was in a similiar situation regarding career change- I was in retail management for 8 yrs and all though it payed very well it consumed my life and I hated it so at 28 I went back to school and my curriculum was only offered for 2 years full time days, so for me it was very difficult to find enough p/t work to pay my bills and study for school and the boards and I struggled for the 2 yrs but in the end I would do it 100 times again. I love my new career, make a heck of a lot more money, the hours are perfect, flexible with TTC, the benefits.
You can def do the career change. As far as the pay cut, you know if you are happy and are ok bill wise with the pay cut too then I would go for it. I feel the most important thing today in a job is being happy and I believe the money will come too. and if this company doesnt work out , its ok, just move on to another. You are bright so I know you will be fine in finding exactly what you want. If this one isnt it, keep looking its out there for you!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I left a job I loved for more money and it was the worst decision of my life! It was a 40% increase and I needed the money. If only DH had proposed a year earlier!! well at least if we had moved in together, I wouldn't have had to worry about paying my rent!

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Only you can decide whats the best direction for you in the long run, but here's my story-

I work in media for a not-for-profit making well below what I could be making elsewhere.
The caveat is, I love what I do, I have a lot of freedoms both creatively and personally, and very rarely work past an 8-hour day. A job like this in media is hard to come by. So, I take the good over the lousy pay.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

I understand how you feel completely as I am in the same situation myself. DH and I recently moved out of state and I have been job hunting. I hated my last job A LOT. I was completely miserable everyday and dreaded going to work each morning. It was the worst feeling.

I am going for a second interview this week for a position that is lower on the org chart than I was at my last job and makes A LOT less money than I was making or can be making if I were stay in a management position. However, I think I will be happier in this position as I am not one that handles the stress of a high responsibility job all that well. The pay cut will hurt us but in the end, being happy and satisfied in my job will matter more (I hope).

I say go with your gut. You can never go wrong that way.

Re: When it comes to your job-- how important is money?? (a little long)

Is there room for negioation? Even if there isn't, I think job happiness is really important...you're there for 1/3 (or more) of your day and a place that acknowledges that you have a life is a good thing (many places in my industry do not recognize it for some reason.)

Perhaps you can meet somewhere in the middle of what you're making now vs. what they're looking to pay you?