Help! Do I choose money over happiness????

Question

I was out of work for 6 mo's and was offered a job finally but the pay was a lot less than I had made before...running out of options, I took the job (been there 3 wks now) & found that although I make like exactly enough to only pay my bills, I love the company! I get a lot of paid time off (apprx 3 wks/yr not incl. holidays) great benefits, relaxed, flexible atmosphere & exciting social "outside-of-work" activities - but I still am completely broke, barely able to make it by. 2 days ago I was offered a position with a company I had previously interviewed with and it pays more than enough to make it by to where I wouldn't be stressing about bills and necessities....but I know the atmosphere would be totally different and not as social or relaxed or enjoyable - not that it would be bad as I can't say for sure since I haven't worked there yet but I am scared to take it because I really love where I'm at...I have one week to decide and I am at a total loss - can anyone give me advice

Answer 1

You know what the secret is? You don't think about money (like mental pictures of actual banknotes) you think about the things money can buy. You don't visualize the banknotes, you visualize the big house the nice car and living the lifestyle you want. The banknotes will follow, it works.

If you visualize intensely on banknotes your subconcious mind will sabotage you and set you up for long days at the office and give you the mindset to work while suffering in misery to get those banknotes.

Answer 2

The first poster has a great response. Listen, I'm a recruiter, and MOST people hate their jobs. It is a sad realization.

If you love what you are doing, respect the company, and you are really happy with it then YOU have figured it out - LOVE WHAT YOU DO, AND YOU NEVER WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE!. This is great and be so thankful because most people are very unahappy with their jobs!

Now, the issue is broke... Listen, I've been there before, and this is what i can recommend, use the weekends or at least two out of a month to earn extra cash, ie write resumes, clean houses, wash cars, work at a retail place, etc ~ you can jump on Craig's List and post an ad for "looking for weekend housecleaning gig, etc" and post anywhere from $14 to $15 an hour. You might be surprised hwo you could earn $60 to $170 dollars a week extra.

I do not recommend leaving this job if you really like it. I always ask "outside" of compensation, what is important to you in next position, and it inevitably always pans out as follows:

1. Do I like what I do? (your actual job)
2. Do I like my boss/company/environment/co-workers?
4. Is it a reasonable commute.
5. Is there a future.

Then there is money becuase it is its own animal. If someone is making $200K a year, but all of the above is NOT right then he/she will look for soemthing else and will take a lower paying job soemtimes without even hesitating (unless he/she just can't afford it then they live a miserable existence). However, look at you... you are digging you new job, but look at how you are handling the increased pay? You are hesitant because you know that what you hae is a good thing.

Besides, after you have proven yourself, put together a proposal to get a raise! You may just get it... work through this, it will be worth it!

Money is in its own separate category

Answer 3

You are not really happy with that company, otherwise you will not looking for a better place. Lets face it, you were trying to have the best job with the best pay, so what's the problem. You love your job if you're satisfied with the package attached to it. The atmosphere within the jobsite is your ability to create what you want it to be. Give it a try....accept the other job.

Answer 4

this totally depends on your definition of happiness! does a relaxed, great work environment with no financial security make you happier than a job with financial security and maybe not an as relaxed atmosphere?? I suggest making a T chart and weighing out the positives and negatives of each option...once you've made decision move forward and don't look back...you'll lose tomorrow looking back at yesterday!.Hope this helps! God Bless!

Answer 5

AMEN to the above post!

I'm in the reverse situation right now. I KNOW that I'll be MUCH happier with the offer that I just received though I'll have to alter my lifestyle a bit to afford the pay cut. Having been on both side of the fence before, I'll probalby take the new offer.

And there's always the chance of a pay raise where you are right now -- it won't hurt to ask!

Answer 6

My dad has a great way of sorting things out when I'm trying to make a decision. Take a piece of paper and divide it down the middle. on one side of the paper write all of the pros (good things) about staying at your current job. on the other side of the paper, write down all of the cons (negatives) about staying with your current employment.
Use another piece of paper to write down all of the pros and cons of accepting the job with the other company.
Usually by the end of this exercise the answer is more obvious. If nothing else, it helps you to make a more informed decision. Hope this helps! :)

Answer 7

im sure u will find ways to make ur ends meet but job satisfaction is everything...u can have all the money u want but if u r not happy...not good..but u hav to also assess this 'happy company' if u have a chance for personal and professional growth, because eventually it will be boring and u will be in trouble too...

Answer 8

Money can be earned. You can't buy happiness!