I'm 21, make 33k a year. Should I pick money or risky happiness?

Question

I work at a law firm and make 33k a year. They pay for 100% of my health benefits, offer 4% 401k match and it's in a VERY nice area of Dallas. I had no prior experience or any college and have excelled at this job. The drawback though is that it's accounting. Nothing creative or fun. I am a very creative person.

I want to move to Eugene, OR at the end of my lease. I wouldn't have a job lined up, but I am saving plenty to live on for a while. Part of me thinks it would be better to work a job where I don't make as much, and it wouldn't make me feel so old and settled in. I want to move to Eugene because I love the arts, creating and viewing. I also love the outdoors. Dallas doesn't offer me much except a few fun bars and work. I hate living in Dallas, but I make a good living for my age/experience.

It's scary to me that the job I have now I could stay at forever and make a great and easy living! I'm only 21 and I feel like I am settling in.

So my question is: Would I be a complete moron to give up my great job and the pay and benefits to move blindly in search of some new happiness and adventure? Should I let myself be 21 and live it up, or work a job that my Mom would die for?

I'm in a tough spot. Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

Answer 1

your advantage is your age.

i'm 40 and over the years,what i found out is no matter how much money you make, if you hate what you're doing, your life will be miserable.

what i would suggest is to take the time to think about what you really want to do as far as a career and chase after it. but don't wait too long.

when you get older and have a mortgage, bills, kids, and a ton more responsibilities, a career change is much more riskier.

i would rethink moving to oregon.  when i was younger, i hated living in cleveland and moved down to florida thinking it would be exciting and adventurous.

after living there for a month or so, i soon realized that i had no friends, no family, no familiar faces, and i didn't know where anything was and felt totally alone. and worst of all, i learned that no matter where you go, things are basically the same.

the only thing that changes are the faces, names, and scenery, but life itself is no different.

Answer 2

You could be around for another 80 years so you've plenty of time to regret.  But think about this, would you rather spend your life regretting the fact you gave up your job, or spend your life wondering "what if" I had taken the chance all those years ago.

Answer 3

Hmm....

As a friend I'd tell you this.

"Keep in touch." now I would say this cause I want you to be happy.

Now as someone that has no contact with you. I'll say this.

Get something lined up where you want to go and make sure you'd be able to make it there off that salary. Don't jump in head first and find out there's no water in the pool.

Get a job lined up, in the mean time save up more money form this job. Get this work experience as it will help you later in life until you have something else planned. Try to schedule starting this new job when your lease is up so you can move without problems.

Pursue what makes you happy, but don't s***w yourself by doing so. Look at all the people running off to hollywood to pursue a dream that end up working in a dinner and barely scraping by.

Move to where you'd be happy, but don't be stupid about it. Think it all out and plan ahead.

Answer 4

personally, I would stick with what I have, but that is totally up to you.

Answer 5

well, consider this - if you are to die a month later, which would you regret more? considering the situation, that is.

money is everything. a lot of people who are dying regret not pursuing what would make them happy. no one regretted pursuing what makes them happy. =)

Answer 6

You are still young so you can afford  to make some mistakes.  I think you should work until you save enough to live on for about a year.   Then move to Oregon and pursuit your dream.   If nothing good happens by the time you reach 30, than it is time to find something more stable and pursuit your dream part time.   Money is not everything but living on the street or off welfare is worse.  So make your plan and go for it.