What matters more...larger salary or happy with your job?

Question

would you look for a difficult demanding job with a larger salary in the short term (while younger)....then move into something more enjoyable (and paid less) later in life...or work in a lower salaried job while younger and enjoy it more?

Answer 1

Obviously money matters, however you can't beat having a job you like. To be doing something you like and be paid for it too, it's like being paid to have a permanent holiday!

Answer 2

money

Answer 3

JOb satisfaction.  Ill go for long term satisfaction. YOu spend enough time at work and it can have a massive impact on your life especially health.

And I tell you what in my opinion more and more people I know these days would take satisfaction over pay. So much so myself and friends steer clear of moving up the ladder even tho we have been offered positions without even applying for them.

Answer 4

Get a harder job get more money now when young and energetic and get a lesser paid job but enjoy it more- later in life when energy is going down, ha!

Answer 5

I always think that if you are enjoying your job, it makes life a lot more easier for you to deal with. If you hate doing your job, you will go home in a mood or stressed out, money can't put these things right. so I would say the answer you're looking for is happy not money.

Answer 6

I was always told to figure out what I loved doing and then make that my career because it would never feel like 'work'.

Great dilemna.  Okay, here's an example:

My youngest brother, now 38, was a steam engine nut from the time he was a baby.  He went to college to be a draftsperson and autocad.  He got a job in that field but wasn't crazy about it.

He started to work on weekends at a passenger service steam engine line that is strictly recreation, not a functional service line.  He received his certification, after quite a while, as a steam locomotive engineer.  He was offered a position at the railroad and would need to take a stiff pay cut to do so.  He asked me and my parents what he should do.  We all advised him that, if he thought he could get a roommate or cut his living expenses, that he should take the engineer job.

Okay, fast forward.  Its about 10 years later and around 4 years ago, he was promoted to the Business Operations Manager.  He is making great money, is the boss at the railroad and still is working his hobby!

So that's my input...good luck!