Rather make good money and have boring job, or happy and make less?

Question

I am 36 years old female, I make a little over $100,000 a year as a nurse, but have the most boring job. When I was young my mom told me to become a nurse because it's a good job, but I hate nursing and I have been doing this for 16 years now. I am the breadwinner in the family, supporting my family (hubby makes $50,000 yr) we have a beuatiful house and a beautiful life-

If I wasn't in this financial situation, I would actually go back to school and find another career, but hubby discourages me because I make so much money. I know this sounds crazy but I believe money does not equal happiness- and I believe if work occupies 1/3 of your day, then it should be something that makes you happy!! What do you think?? PS- Please no haters

I have done floor nursing, operating room, blood bank, Doctor's offices, now I have a desk job- yes, I have tried different specialties and hate every single one of them!! BTW- thanks everyone, good advice!

Answer 1

Talk with your spouse about this issue, if your are unhappy make a change. He is probably worried about the bills, if you are going to make a change I would start paying those bills of off and try to not accumlate new debt. So you change make the change, just be smart on how you do it, so you don't ruin your credit. But by all means make the change if you are unhappy. I work with someone who use to be nurse now she works in the computer field.

Answer 2

Lots of money doesn't equal happiness..you are a walking testament to that right? You can take an assessment to see where your interests lie and go from there. That way you know what you want your second career to be.

My husband made over 100,000 a year and he wasn't happy. We downsized our life, got rid of the material things, (changed the kind of cars we drive and everything) that we don't need..(only you know what they are) and now he works a 9 to 5 job and I work as well. But he took up a hobby working on pinball machines. We don't have much money, but we are comfortable. Our children are happier, and we see each other more often. Best of luck in your decision.

Answer 3

"Money can't buy you happiness" (The Beatles)

I have always said, "The day I wake up and DREAD going to my job, is the day I move on." You spend most of your time at work, so if you hate it, that sure takes away from your quality of life.
I will say, though, that every job gets boring sometimes. There's always a pro and a con for every job.
However, I think people should live their most "genuine life", doing what makes them feel whole inside, and yes, even what makes them happy.
Decide what your priority is...not your husband's.
While it's good to include and consider him in your decision, life is too short to live it not content because you did what "someone else wanted" you to do.

Answer 4

Well I'm currently getting paid plenty, 40 hours, and bored out of my mind. So I'd take the less money, relaxed and happy environment.

Answer 5

I'd definately go for a more satisfying job and less money. Unless of course, we get to do this life several times. In that case, you should try it both ways, compare your two lives, and when you do it again you will already know which brought you the most satisfaction.

Answer 6

I definitely think I'd be happier with a rewarding job that pays less. Have you thought about switching hospitals or practices? Maybe if you found a nursing position that you would more fulfillment out of you would be happier. Sometimes it's just the place we work that doen't excite or challenge us.

Answer 7

It would depend where I was in my life.

If you have a family to provide for...then sometimes you just have to do the boring job because you need the money.
But as they say .....a change is as good as a holiday.

However if it were me, I wouldnt go for a lower paying job..........I would be used to my way of living etc and a pay cut, would hurt the bank!

But thats just me, I have always felt a job is a job .............my family come first.

Answer 8

to me i would rather be happy and make less. i have had those jobs were i was making good money but i hated every day. some days when i woke up i would say (oh way dident i die in my sleep) i found there is nothing better then to have joy in your work. i think that is in the bible. in the old testament.

Answer 9

I completely agree with you. If you want to go back to school, then go. No amount of money in the world can buy you happiness. It only buys illusions of happiness for a temporary period of time. Good luck and I hope you find that happiness that your looking for.

Answer 10

Money is not everything. You need to look deep inside and see if it really is the job that is bothering you or something else. Have you considered some counseling to help sort this out?

Good Luck.