A Job You Love vs. A Job That Pays Well

[Buzzbaiter]

I’m at that stage where I have to start thinking about colleges and what I want to do with my life. Which would you guys say is more important in a career: paying well, or being enjoyable? Is it a ratio of both?

 

I hear some people say that if you have a job you love, you never work a day in your life. On the other hand, I also hear people tell me not to mix my hobbies with my work. Which is it?

[A-Jay]

Job satisfaction Can Not be over stated.

One's "Pay" may or might not compensate for a lack of it.

So much of that happens on a personal level and can & does vary wildly from person to person.

Some folks get their identity from their employment.

Is it what you do or  is it who you are ?

Again, a personal deal.

As a young person with limited experience, it can be hard to 'select' a long term path for yourself.

My advice is to pick something and go for it.

But keep your eyes and your ears open to other opportunities.

If you fall in love with the first deal - great.

If not, CHANGE LANES - early.

IMO - "I hate my Job" is a supremely bad place to live your life.

Regardless of the pay. 

Good Luck

btw - the military is always looking for a few good men.

A-Jay

[flyfisher]

You are young, it will change anyways lol. You ideally want something does both.  I kind of fell into a process engineering career path and after ten years I decided to go with what I was led to do and that is come a teacher.  I took a substantial pay cut in the process but I still love going to work every day.  Not that I didn't like working as a process engineer but it wasn't fulfilling.  If you want to read a good book on motivation look up the book Drive by David Pink.  It goes into detail about motivations for success and while money is there it has been proven time and time again to not be the long term motivator that people think it may be.  

[Mike L]

When talking to my kids and grandkids about career choices I always tell them that no matter what path they take..

“Jobs are given, careers are made”

 

To make a long term career you must be willing to sacrifice. 
What and for how long  only you can answer. 
 

There’s nothing wrong with mixing hobbies and work. 
As long as you learn to set and follow through with the priorities you set for yourself, you’ll have success with your life choices. 
And not only in a chosen career  

 

Best of luck to you 

 

 

Mike

[Koz]

5 hours ago, Buzzbaiter said:

 Which would you guys say is more important in a career: paying well, or being enjoyable?

None of the above.

 

It's not about a job that pays well, it's about a job that will pay your bills and afford you a reasonable lifestyle to live. Let me explain.

 

One of the topics we hear a lot about today is people can't pay their student loans and live the lifestyle that they want to live. The truth is, these are things they should have thought about before taking out the loans. So here are some things to keep in mind:

 

1.  Determine how much you will need to borrow, then get an amortization schedule (I cannot emphasize this enough) to see how much you need to pay off each month, how much interest you are paying, and how long it will take to pay off the loans with the payment plan. Make sure that you understand the terms of the loan. As a real banker to help you. There are also a billion websites on the internet to explain the fine print.

2. Make sure any additional amounts you pay each month are applied to the principle and not the interest. This will allow you to pay off the loan sooner if your income permits.

3. Of the majors that interest you, find out what the STARTING pay is for the average graduate. Then look at what the AVERAGE pay for that degree.

4. What is the employment/unemployment rate for that degree? Are there more applicants than jobs available? A French Literature degree may be appealing to some, but are there enough jobs out there?

5. Is the job / industry scalable or a dead end? For example, technology is rapidly changing the current job market and things like neural networks and AI are going to have a dramatic impact on a lot of sectors.

6. You probably have an idea of where you want to live after graduation. Find out how much it costs to rent or buy there. Research the cost of living index for that area. Determine costs for property and car insurance, health insurance, groceries, utilities, streaming services and subscriptions, gas to commute to work, and miscellaneous expenses (entertainment, grooming, clothes, etc.). Whatever you come up with for miscellaneous expenses, double that.

7. Now subtract all of your expenses and student loans from your starting pay. Is it enough to survive with that degree?

8. Then factor in additional big purchases and life events. For example, will you need a new car in the next few years? Are you planning to buy a house? Get married? Have kids?

9. Of course, factor in your bait and tackle costs. You may have to put off that new boat or kayak.

 

If I was going to college today, I'd look to enter an industry that was scalable. In other words, and industry that will progress in the future with the possibility of branching off to many industries. Things that come to mind for me are things like AI and colonizing Mars. Green technologies seem hot, but there's also some uncertainty as to which direction that will go.

 

What I'm getting at is that a job you like might not be able to pay the bills or there might not be many opportunities in that field now and in the future. Or you might find a job with great salary potential, but limited available jobs.

 

You need to find a balance, and you definitely need to plan ahead for your future expenses immediately after you graduate and down the road. I can just about guarantee that teh people complaining about their student loans did not plan ahead nor did they understand teh terms of the loan.

 

 

[Scott F]

In so many cases, people say that they didn’t choose their career, it chose them. When you are young, you don’t have enough experience to know what you are going to love doing. I found my career by accident. I needed a job and got hired as a service tech. I had no idea that I would be good at it or even considered it before I got hired. Keep your options and your eyes open to the possibilities. If you are good with your hands, there are a lot of jobs in tech fields that don’t require a degree, provide steady employment, good income  and won’t require huge loans. 
  As far as don’t turn your hobby into a job. I agree. Take fishing for example. You may love the outdoors and fishing but having to take people fishing every day and watch them fish while you operate the boat isn’t the same. Many jobs come with high amounts of stress. Mine did. Having a hobby to do away from your job is a great stress reliever. 
 

[Zippo Guy]

Don't let money be your driving force. I wanted to teach at the elementary level. I had completed my Masters Degree in Administration during my first year of teaching. I was only making $9200 a year as a teacher and the GI bill helped make ends meet with a wife a new daughter. I was given the job as Principal my third year on the job at a small school. I liked the money but soon realized I really was experienced in the profession to really be as successful as I needed to be. I changed school districts and went back to teaching. 

 

That initial experience as an administrator told me I liked it and wanted it, but I was lacking maturity and skills. I started asking lots of questions and found successful administrators that were willing to teach and mentor me. I eventually took a job as a Principal and retired as the Superintendent.

 

What I am suggesting is that you need to find something you like, learn the basics, find a mentor and move up as far as you can without moving beyond your abilities. Don't let money take you to a level were you will fail or be unhappy. The right job in the right field will be your happy place. Trust me, I've seen way too many teachers that thought teaching children coupled with June, July and August was where they wanted to be. It is a tough career choice and too many should not be doing it for a living. 

[DitchPanda]

 Alot of factors have to go into this decision because its your life and nobody here knows you, your personality, your resilience or your wants\needs. I think that balance is necessary to an extent...I believe you need to at least tolerate if not somewhat enjoy or believe in what you do but also need to be able to live a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. No time in life for taking a job you love but end up starving to death..on the flipside what's even worse is having a great paying job that makes you hate your life.

 All this said your young and have time on your side. Its perfectly acceptable to take a job your unsure of and try it. If you find out it sucks or won't pay your bills switch to something else. I'm not advocating jumping jobs..but there is a difference in having a new job every 6 months and trying a few things out to see what's your style.

 In my full time career (20 years) I've tried factory work(sucked), meat cutting ( loved it but was poor), working for a contractor( fun but inconsistent) and my current job- lead plant technician at a bio processing plant( we make ethanol and ethanol co products). Is this my final career that ill stick with? I'm not sure but I will say that while there are things I hate like every job this job is challenging, interesting and financially solid.

[Captain Phil]

Lots of good advice.  Here's mine.   If you like what you do, you will be good at it.   Try to figure out what you are good at first.  I started working right out of high school.  I was a good student, but not very focused.  I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. My parents wanted me to go to college.  I tried to make them happy, but college wasn't for me.  I loved anything mechanical, but my parents didn't want me to be a car mechanic.  By pure luck, I was hired by a major business machine company to repair office equipment.  It was similar to being an auto mechanic except it was much cleaner.  I was happy in that job for awhile.  I learned all I could and opened my own business.   That business eventually turned into a computer software company that I sold in 2000 to retire when I was 53.  You don't want a job, you want an opportunity.    If you work hard for someone else, you will make the owners and or stockholders rich.  If you work hard for yourself and like what you do, you will be happy when you are old like me.  Don't follow someone else's plan, follow your own.  

[TOXIC]

There is no right answer to this question.  Me personally, I feel that the consideration should be on a career that affords you the lifestyle you want to live.  Benefits, family, free time, job security, advancement opportunities, company size, and on and on.  Realistically, how many do you feel are working in their “dream jobs”?  I’d bet not many or at least a majority are not.  I’m sure someone’s dream job is to be, for example, an accountant but I’d bet most accountants are in the field for the money.  Now that’s not to overlook those that have “a calling” like teachers, military, law enforcement, etc.  I think people who have a calling don’t do it for the money.  Good luck in whatever path you choose.  

[BassNJake]

I had a very good paying job, that literally broke my back.

I had the easiest job in the world and it paid barely above the poverty line.

 

I would choose the higher paying job every time.

That is what makes it easiest to take care of my family and set them up for a better future.

 

If I was young and without a family, I'd still choose the higher paying job

 

 

[fishwizzard]

You have to find a balance, but I would lean more towards something you like.  Working will take up most of you waking hours so if you are miserable that entire time it's going to poison everything else in your life.  

[TnRiver46]

As long as you’ve got a job, show up and be thankful . The rest can go all kind of different directions 

[BrianMDTX]

It’s easy-peasy. Find a career that pays well…that you love. See? It’s not hard! ?

[slonezp]

Both

 

I'm probably the last person anyone should take life advice from. All my poor decisions in the past made me the man I am today, and I'm good with that. 

 

Whatever you decide to do in life, do it better than your peers. The money will follow. Never ever strive to be average. 

 

[12poundbass]

19 minutes ago, slonezp said:

Both

 

I'm probably the last person anyone should take life advice from. All my poor decisions in the past made me the man I am today, and I'm good with that. 

 

Whatever you decide to do in life, do it better than your peers. The money will follow. Never ever strive to be average. 

 

I’m with ya. If my son repeats half of the ? I did I’ll probably cry! The things I did made me not do stupid ? **** when I should have been. I want my son to do kid things and learn from experience, but I don’t want him to do half the crap I did, so I’ll be chewing the fingernails sooner than later. 
 

If he does the dumb ? I did I just hope I don’t know about it and he gets as lucky as I did…(and responsible as I was for a lack of better words). 

[Captain Phil]

When I was in business in Miami, I met a man named Wayne Huizenga.  When I knew him in the sixties, he was running a small business hauling garbage.  His business became what is now known as Waste Management.  Later he started a company called Block Buster and owned the Miami Dolphins and the stadium.  He told me he never started out to make a lot of money, he was just trying to serve his customers as best as he knew how.   I asked him to give me one piece of advice.  Here's what he said "Do what others won't do and do more of it than anyone else."  America is full of opportunities like that.  Sometimes they are right under your nose where most people can't see them.

[Catt]

On 12/2/2021 at 3:50 PM, A-Jay said:

btw - the military is always looking for a few good men.

 

I firmly believe everyone should have the opportunity to go to college.

 

I also believe not everyone is college material.

 

I told my kids, grandkids, & students I coached there are 3 options available.

 

College, military, & trade schools 

 

If you're struggling deciding the military is a great option. You're getting training in working as a team, you're taught structure (sorry not structure fishing), & you get room-n-board, & you get paid.

 

Do not let anyone discourage you from considering a trade school.

 

Lot of opportunities there

[gim]

Right now the worker has a lot of leverage. You can be picky and negotiate.

 

It may not always be that way. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.

 

I’ll tell you what I value the most at my job: a steady paycheck, health benefits, and a generous amount of time off.

[Mobasser]

As has been said, college is not for everyone. Lots of kids start school, then drop out. I made my living as a carpenter. It was never easy, but paid well. One thing that I think will always hold true, is that there will always be a need for skilled tradesmen in all trades.

[Tennessee Boy]

A lot of good advice on this thread.  I will add one thing.  The people you work with will play a big part in your job satisfaction.  I’ve made some lifelong friendships at work.   I’ve also encountered some real a$$holes.  I’ve stayed in my current job longer than I should because I like the people.  

[gim]

5 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

The people you work with will play a big part in your job satisfaction.  I’ve made some lifelong friendships at work.   I’ve also encountered some real a$$holes.

 

I have a couple of pretty good friends at work too.  We fish together several times/season.  One of them was primarily a walleye angler before he met me and I've introduced him to the world of bass fishing over the years.  He has definitely taken to it.

[slonezp]

20 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

I’m with ya. If my son repeats half of the ? I did I’ll probably cry! The things I did made me not do stupid ? **** when I should have been. I want my son to do kid things and learn from experience, but I don’t want him to do half the crap I did, so I’ll be chewing the fingernails sooner than later. 
 

If he does the dumb ? I did I just hope I don’t know about it and he gets as lucky as I did…(and responsible as I was for a lack of better words). 

My boy is in his early 30's and as of June 30th of this year, with salary and bonuses, makes more money than dad. I veered him away from the trades when he was looking at colleges for no other reason than my body was shot by the time I was 40, and that was prior to me tearing my shoulder up. 

 

 

 

[Jigfishn10]

2 minutes ago, slonezp said:

My boy is in his early 30's and as of June 30th of this year, with salary and bonuses, makes more money than dad. I veered him away from the trades when he was looking at colleges for no other reason than my body was shot by the time I was 40, and that was prior to me tearing my shoulder up. 

Can’t say as I blame you. I’ve split time between office and field and prefer field, I’m glad my body didn’t take that wear and tear.

I mean no disrespect, slo, I’m not trying to convey that. I see so many guys that are so broken down and look waaaay older than they should be that I don’t want my son going that route. 
I’m 55 with bad knees and degenerative discs, not too mention an impaired eye. He sees me struggling sometimes with every day activities because of those issues. I’m in no way like these guys I speak of. They really have no life after they retire. Their bodies are flat out worn out.
He likes scuba diving and often talks about doing search and rescue. We’ll see where that takes him.

Glad to hear your boy is doing well.

[Bankbeater]

Both, and neither.

Any job you get that you love, you can end up hating in a heartbeat if the management is bad.  Doesn't matter what the pay is.  Best thing to do is get into a job field that is not unique to only one company, or a small number of companies.  Then, while you're young, you can find a place you like and that pays well, and start building a future with them.