POLL: Money vs. Happiness

MRS.TJB

Ok.  You all know I got offered a job which I was really excited about.  Well...I just got a call from another job I interviewed for and they want to offer me that job as well.  Here is the thing...the 1st job that was offered to me pays less...much less than the 2nd offer.  I know some of you are thinking this should be a no-brainer but when I left the 1st job I was excited, happy, ready to get that call extending the offer.  The 2nd one...not so much.  The fact that they even offered me the job was a shock to me.  I just feel after meeting with both people that the 1st job is more my speed, more what I am looking for, etc.  The 2nd job is a bit more challenging and can take some getting used to...more stressful.  If I was presented with this a few years ago I would definitely go for the higher paying gig but now I have FI we are a team and while money is always an issue its not like I'm a single mother chasing paper like I was in the past.What would you do...KIR...I need all the help I can get on this one.

ladylum

Money pays the bills but if you are in a job that is very stressful and one that you end up hating then it affects you, your home life, etc. It depends on what you are looking for right now. Sometimes more money means more problems.

the cat

I honestly would have to think about this a good while. Off top, here are my thoughts: 1. like u said, you're not really on a paper chase like b/4 FI came along. 2. u may learn to like the challenging job. in fact, you may get bored with the less paying job and wish you would've taken on a bit more of a challenge. 3. sanity and peace of mind account for alot. Money can cover a few sins, but you don't want to be spending all that extra money on counsenling and anit depressants from the stress. 4. will the more challenging job keep you away from FI and son? 5. is the less paying job so much less that it will affect the quality of life for the 3 of you? 6. what does FI say? 7. finally, don't be afraid to challenge yourself. also, trust that God will take care of you. if you go for the challenge and after an honest try feel it's too much, start the search again. at least you tried. So i know i didn't really answer your question, but i hope i've posed some points to make you think and figure out what's best for you. U went from no job to 2 jobs. Look at you, girl!

NELCORP

I would go with the job I liked the best. You will spend most of life at your job so why not make it a place you like. You may get the one with the more $$ and hate the job and everyday will be a struggle. If the first offer was enough for you to say yes..when do I start? then I would go with that job.

EliNick

It sounds like you have already made your choice for job #1.  Do you think you would regret not going with job #2 if you did choose job #1?  How challenging is job #2; is it a good challenge that stimulates your mind or is it a challenge that is a burden?  If job #1 is more your speed and you are excited about it then I would choose job #1.  Money doesn't equal happiness but being fulfilled and excited about your job surely adds to it.  First impressions of jobs (and almost everything else) are usually correct.  I hope I didn't confuse you!  HTH

blue19violet

If I was presented with this a few years ago I would definitely go for the higher paying gig but now I have FI we are a team and while money is always an issue its not like I'm a single mother chasing paper like I was in the past. This seems to be the answer to your question. You have to focus on what is best for the three of you - right now, in the near future, and in the distant future. Are you willing to be a bit more stressful at this time in your life in order to be more stable financially later on? Or can your family afford to live with the amount that you'll be making with the first job in order to keep the stress level down? For ME AND MINE right now, the money would make the most sense. We don't have children, we're done planning the wedding, and we're trying to pay off some debts and grow our savings and investments. However, that's MY situation. I'm also able to "just suck it up" sometimes for a little while in order to benefit in the future. Whatever you decide be sure to do it with your family. They will be affected by this just as much as you will.

MrsW2000

As for the 1st job.  You said that it's more your speed but what are the benefits in the long run?  Is there room for advancement?  How will it benefit you and your family in the future?  If it will benefit you and your family more so than the 2nd job than go for it because sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take two steps forward.    Now as for the 2nd job I would ask my self the same question.  What are the benefits to taking the job? If the only reason you aren't really comfortable with taking the job is because your afraid of the challenge it presents than sometimes you just have to take a chance and step out of your comfort zone.  Especially if it's more benefitial to you in the long run.Whatever your decision, GL! 

bigshow2882

Me personally I like a challenge, but I love to me happy! I think I would go for the Job the higher pay because I really hate to be bored. It drives me crazy. But I think that is just the Nerdy Engineer in me LOL!! I say choose the one your heart tells you. GL on your decision and I pray that you are happy with your choice in the end.

clross01

I would say go with the job that gives a happy median. Trust me when I say when you leave your job want to be able to leave the work there as well. Taking work home after an 8 hr day is no fun for you or your family..

mycicybride

A job that make you happy will help you get out of bed in the morning. One that is stressful will drive you insane. I wa told once by a mentor that some high paying jobs are just platinum hand cuffs.  I vote for happiness and less stress. GL with your decision.

Lovie 129

Follow your bliss.....very true statement. Always do what you like, you'll have all the things you need. Money does not make happiness. Besides, if you take the job you know you can do, you'll thrive and people will notice that about you, which could lead to better opportunities.If you take the job that is more stressful, you may have family issues to contend with, health issues, and discontent. If you have to feel your way through a job, your shortcomings will be noticed more, not your accomplishments.