I got 2 offers. Do I choose $$$ or happiness?

[Coin Toss]

I have 2 job offers. One pays a LOT LOT LOT more than the other, but the stress level would be tremendous, even though I would be able to afford a life of ease.

The other job pays very little, but would actually be fun, allow me to travel, and would almost be like hanging out with buddies-it is a really pleasant environment.

Both are attractive, but I am torn.

Has anyone else been in such a situation? What did you do or WISH that you had done.

I need serious advice. $$$ or FUN?

[Another side]

If your choices truly come down to taking the money or hanging out with your buddies, take the money.

It will make it easier and more enjoyable to - some day - hang out with your mate and kids. Take the money.

[Coin Toss]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Another side:
If your choices truly come down to taking the money or hanging out with your buddies, take the money.

It will make it easier and more enjoyable to - some day - hang out with your mate and kids. Take the money.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would not be hanging out with buddies. I meant that this job would be so enjoyable that I could almost liken it to hanging out with buddies.

This is the kind of job that would motivate me to wake up an hour earlier-just out of sheer anticipation of the day.

On the other hand, the big bucks job could easily become stressful and boring-but I would be richer.

[Mom]

No question. Take the job in which you'll have fun. So what if it doesn't pay a lot of money. You'll be doing what you want. In the other job you'll be stressed out 5 days out of the week and spending all that money on the weekend trying to un-stress before going back to work on Monday. Making a lot of money isn't even remotely about being happier in life. Doing what you want and enjoying what you do is how you stay happy and productive. Years ago I turned down what some would call a dream job. It was managing a restaurant/lounge in the brand new Caesar's World in Atlantic City. It would have paid mega bucks and I was only 24 years old. I wanted to go to graduate school. That's what I did. I don't make a lot of money now but I'm wise enough to know that making big bucks in Atlantic City was not for me. I don't regret that decision...ever. I celebrate the choices I made. They were right for me.

[Aaron Gilchrist]

Yeah, take the fun job. And give me the one with the money. I'm not a baby, I can handle stress.

[No $$]

I had to make this decision not to long ago. I took the money. I worked there about a year and was miserable. I realized that I needed a change or I would end up drunk and depressed. I ended up going back to the lesser paying job I was offered in the first place. I am much happier now, but it is very tough to take that pay cut. Take the lower paying job now, be happy and when you do a good job, you'll get a raise. Good luck to you!

[Another side]

Mom: I don't disagree with you ... but I'd point out he's talking about two choices in his chosen career, as opposed to one in his career field and another outside of it.

It seems to me, once you know what career it is that makes you happy, you take advantage of those opportunities to be paid more while doing it.

Take the money, kid. A little stress never hurt anybody.

[Gil]

Money is nice, but not if you don't enjoy what you are doing. My old boss, Vince DeLuca, once told a group of graduating seniors:

"Remember two things as you look for work. First, work for a good company. If you don't, no matter how good you are, you may fail. Second, work for someone you respect. If you don't, eventually you will not respect yourself."

That's the best job advice I ever heard, and it's been true in my own career. I earn less now than I used to, but I am so much happier working for a great company.

[ToughChoice]

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind which job you'd PREFER to take! You know you want to take the job that's going to be much more enjoyable...just do it!

Money is the sole reason you're considering the other job. That's always appealing, but you'll likely be extremely miserable and money-driven most of the time...and salary can't fix that.

Take the job with less pay, and ENJOY!

[Another side]

Gil ... you apparently ignored that advice earlier in your career, but presumably earned more money in the process.

And because you give me the idea that you're a reasonable, responsible guy, can I further presume you were able to stick some of that extra money away ... and it's assisting you to lead an enjoyable life today ... for a better company at a smaller salary?

Or, at least, help get you to a point where you could afford to live cheaper but happier (i.e., kids through college, house paid for,no major medical bills hnaging over your head) all because you were able to address those things on your higher salary?

Take the money, kid. You, your wife and kids, are going to need it. Embrace stress.

[Diplomat]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Another side:
Gil ... you apparently ignored that advice earlier in your career, but presumably earned more money in the process.

And because you give me the idea that you're a reasonable, responsible guy, can I further presume you were able to stick some of that extra money away ... and it's assisting you to lead an enjoyable life today ... for a better company at a smaller salary?

Or, at least, help get you to a point where you could afford to live cheaper but happier (i.e., kids through college, house paid for,no major medical bills hnaging over your head) all because you were able to address those things on your higher salary?

Take the money, kid. You, your wife and kids, are going to need it. Embrace stress.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Embrace stress? Are you a consultant or something?

[Another side]

*LOL*

Nah ... just having fun with words on this morning's Medialine.

[Gil]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Another side:
Gil ... you apparently ignored that advice earlier in your career, but presumably earned more money in the process.

And because you give me the idea that you're a reasonable, responsible guy, can I further presume you were able to stick some of that extra money away ... and it's assisting you to lead an enjoyable life today ... for a better company at a smaller salary?

Or, at least, help get you to a point where you could afford to live cheaper but happier (i.e., kids through college, house paid for,no major medical bills hnaging over your head) all because you were able to address those things on your higher salary?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's a good assessment. I never sought money, but I was fortunate to be compensated well when I had the opportunity for greater responsibilities.

I also had a major career change long ago, from a reasonably well-paid job as an Air Force pilot to a news reporter at almost two-thirds less pay. I know what it is like to struggle financially, but at the same time, the psychic rewards were wonderful. I still think reporting is the best job in TV.

Yes, it is easy from a relatively secure position to advise someone to take fun over money. It's just my opinion. Each of us has our own way of dealing with such things, and perhaps I'd feel differently at a different stage of life.

I just know that I made such a decision long ago - gave up a shot an an airline pilot job to be a news reporter - and I never regretted it.

[Shun the Mon...]

Take the fun job!
Along the way...you'll get another offer..probably better than the first one with more of what you need. If you are having second thoughts.. listen to your heart.. something's probably not right with that gig.
Why take the fun job? Because scouts and t.v. bosses will see that you're having fun and it will show up in your work!
Believe me.. money will never buy you the happiness you have now!

[dallasphotog]

Just at thought. . .

Money won't buy happiness,

But it sure can take you to more places to try to find it.

I think it all depends on the two jobs. Can you be more specific about what you'll be doing for each one?

Just wondering.

[NewsGuySouth]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Another side:
Mom: I don't disagree with you ... but I'd point out he's talking about two choices in his chosen career, as opposed to one in his career field and another outside of it.

It seems to me, once you know what career it is that makes you happy, you take advantage of those opportunities to be paid more while doing it.

Take the money, kid. A little stress never hurt anybody.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That seems like the best choice but I know too many people who did just that and are miserable. Money can't buy happiness. It's more than a cliche'.

[Live your life]

as if you had a week to go. Would a bigger house mean that much more? A better car? Or would spending time with the people you love and seeing places you have always wanted to go be better?


Think about it.....

[Mom]

It occurs to me that there are a variety of different perceptions of money and material things. Material things mean nothing to me. Really. I don't care what kind of car I drive as long as it gets me where I want to go. Nice things don't make me feel like a more successful person. It doesn't make me better or worse off, it's just how I am. I understand and respect that material things do mean something to others. My perception of money is obviously quite different from many of you. Maybe a year ago there was a thread here about defining success as a parent. It was said that so many parents want their kids to be doctors or some such profession because it pays so well and is indicative of success. At that time I asked why would you want your son or daughter to be a doctor when doctors have to put in ungodly hours which would take them away from their spouse and children, take them away from the activities they really enjoyed. I really don't understand why parents want their children to be "successful" or at least appear "successful" by taking them away from what really matters. Because it reflects well on them? In any event, the original poster knows how important money is to him. If being able to buy nice things is more important than how you spend the time making that money to have nice things, then you know which job to take. If you have a wife and children to consider, consider this. They'll do without the most expensive home entertainment center and big house to have a father and husband who is happy in his day to day life.

[HEAVY SNOW WARNING]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mom:
It occurs to me that there are a variety of different perceptions of money and material things. Material things mean nothing to me. Really. I don't care what kind of car I drive as long as it gets me where I want to go. Nice things don't make me feel like a more successful person. It doesn't make me better or worse off, it's just how I am. I understand and respect that material things do mean something to others. My perception of money is obviously quite different from many of you. Maybe a year ago there was a thread here about defining success as a parent. It was said that so many parents want their kids to be doctors or some such profession because it pays so well and is indicative of success. At that time I asked why would you want your son or daughter to be a doctor when doctors have to put in ungodly hours which would take them away from their spouse and children, take them away from the activities they really enjoyed. I really don't understand why parents want their children to be "successful" or at least appear "successful" by taking them away from what really matters. Because it reflects well on them? In any event, the original poster knows how important money is to him. If being able to buy nice things is more important than how you spend the time making that money to have nice things, then you know which job to take. If you have a wife and children to consider, consider this. They'll do without the most expensive home entertainment center and big house to have a father and husband who is happy in his day to day life. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

WOW!! Great post MOM!( I just don't believe that's the way THIS society works) I just really wish I could find a female that TRULY felt that way. THAT IS NO EASY TASK. Most of the ones I have met seem to be 'groomed into' the material things and such. It’s very troubling to say the least. I see family upbringing and society's obsession with 'success' for this 'flawed' way of thinking.

Just my thoughts.

[moneyman]

It depends on where you are in life right now. I have TONS and TONS of debt right now so if it were me, I would without a doubt, take the money, pay the debt, get secure in my finances, then take a fun job.
just because you take the stressful money job doesn't mean you have to do it forever. You can't take 2 or 3 years of stress out of your life to pocket some money, then you will be better off to enjoy life.

[Mo' Money oh Mo' Fun]

I just don't know how folks are answering this question without looking into one simple factor: where are you in your life?

How old are you? Are you married? What are your goals? Are you trying to build a retirement portfolio to end a career with enough money to survive, or are you trying to build a resume tape to climb the ladder? More importantly, do you have dependants who will rely on that one paycheck, or will your spouse have to work?

All those are factors in the decision. As for ol' Mo' Money here, I'm in the last half of my career, so I'm working hard and making cash so I can quit at a young age, teach, and enjoy life. If you're 24, you may have a different viewpoint.

[Another side]

Well, Mom, I disagree with you more than I thought.

Your advice to ignore the money seems to be based on a somewhat curious notion that people who make a good living (a) do so at the expense of their families; (b) do so only to spend their money on material things and (c) harbor some ulterior motive in wanting their kids to be successful. Sniff, sniff.

That's pure garbage and totally unworthy coming from a contributer whose numerous past posts frequently enlighten and add measureably to the thread in which they're included.

You don't have to be a member of the working poor to spend and save responsibly, want success for your children and be a formulative part of their and your spouse's lives.

[Money Hungry]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mom:
It occurs to me that there are a variety of different perceptions of money and material things. Material things mean nothing to me.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't give a crap about material things, but I still want as much money as I can get, for two big reasons.

First, some people don't want to buy things with that money, but experiences. I like having more money because I can eat at restaurants and go to the movies. I like having money because I can drive to the beach or the mountains. I like having money because it will pay for scuba lessons or learning to fly. I'd like to have enough money to travel widely throughout the world. I like to learn, and having money will pay for continued education and expanded horizons.

It's not about HAVING things. If you don't have money, it's very difficult to DO things other than work.

Second, getting the money NOW will be important when I'm older, because it will determine in large part what kind of retirement I'll have. I don't really want to sit around and wait to die the way my grandparents did. I'd like to still be DOING things, and doing things costs money.

The original poster needs to answer some tough questions beyond whether he wants to have things. Will the fun job fill your life on its own, or will you need more money to do the things you want to do? If you take the fun job, will you look back in five years and wish you could have done all these things you planned but couldn't because you were poor? Or is your job your life, and you can get all your personal satisfaction out of the job that doesn't pay well and be happy? Do you know already that if you take the higher paying job that the money won't significantly contribute to your life, that you'll just put the money away or buy things you really don't want?

Only you know you, and we can't answer for you.

[Nubian Goddess]

Coin Toss...

Let me just say... I WISH THAT I HAD YOUR PROBLEM.... but since I don't... I'll simply throw in my two cents.

Without looking at the whole money issue... you need to determine which job is going to better prepare you for whatever your "ultimate job" is.

I mean... if the Low Dollar job will further help enhance your skills so that you'll be better prepared to take Brokaw's job in a few years (should that be your 'ultimate goal') then by all means... take it.

I think that every job that you take should be a stepping stone AHEAD into building your future. Don't take the Low dollar job just because it's more fun... if it's not going to help you in the long run.

Know what I mean?

By the way... once you decide on which job to take.... as you're talking to the News Director from the station that you turn down.... slip him my name... and tell him I'll take it!

LOL!

Good luck... and congratulations!!!!

[TV Gal]

When push comes to shove the job you enjoy the most is the job you should consider. Money doesn't buy happiness. Wouldn't you rather make a little less and go home from work everyday in a good mood rather than dreading the next day back in the office? Just a point to consider.

[Mom]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Another side:
Well, Mom, I disagree with you more than I thought.

Your advice to ignore the money seems to be based on a somewhat curious notion that people who make a good living (a) do so at the expense of their families; (b) do so only to spend their money on material things and (c) harbor some ulterior motive in wanting their kids to be successful. Sniff, sniff.

That's pure garbage and totally unworthy coming from a contributer whose numerous past posts frequently enlighten and add measureably to the thread in which they're included.

You don't have to be a member of the working poor to spend and save responsibly, want success for your children and be a formulative part of their and your spouse's lives.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


The only thing you and I appear to be in disagreement about is how the word "success" is defined. I don't think "success" is related to money. I think it's more about how you feel about yourself at the end of the day. What do you mean by "make a good living?" Is that defined by the paycheck or the person finding satisfaction in their work? This is not a discussion between being poor or being rich. It's doing what offers rewards other than a paycheck. No one in their right mind would choose the news profession thinking they would be pulling in a paycheck to equal Brokaw or Couric. And in the year 2002, I sure hope most men have come to the realization that they don't have to break their backs or their spirit to take care of the little woman and the little ones, not when the majority of all women are in the work force as well. Some of the previous posters seem to think that "stress" is a manly thing, something for one with testosterone to embrace with macho relish. Yeah, sure.

Nothing in the original poster's words suggests he's choosing between poverty and wealth. So why should how much money he makes be the deciding factor in which job he selects?

[Bippy]

"Success" may not be related to money, I'll give you that, Mom. BUT, if you are new (or a few years into) the biz and clawing it out on ramen noodles and squeeking by monthly to make your student loans (like I did) I would TAKE THE MONEY. The psychic - and material -reward of taking the money is securing your position so you can EVENTUALLY DO THE JOB YOU WANT TO DO. I'm not much of a betting man, but in this case, I'd wager you are not in a plum financial position. Ask yourself, "If I didn't have the sword of Damocles dangling at the end of every month, would I be happier overall?" I'll bet your situation would improve A LOT if you have more positive cash flow. And guess what? You may end up liking this "high-paying" job more than you initially thought! Have an open mind, and a plan for how long you need to squirrel away the nuts to have a more enjoyable life should you hate the buku-bucks gig. Good luck friend, and never lose the joy in your job - attitude is 99%.

[Mom]

I just want to dispel any rumors that I am an old hippie clothed in a peasant dress still living out of a VW bus. I don't hate money. I even buy a lottery ticket now and then just for the momentary thrill of picturing myself being waited on hand and foot. My first full-time job out of graduate school paid me $7,000. I squeaked by on ramen noodles and generic pot pies. I wouldn't return to those days for anything. But I can also look back and say I was doing something I wanted to do and I'm not any worse off for it now.

[consider this]

Regardless of stress or money, take the job that will give you the best future. Chances are the job with more stress will lead to a better job later on. If both have an equal chance of providing upward mobility, pick the fun job. I took a job where I would make less money but have fun. While I love my job and co-workers, I am realizing that my current position might make it difficult for me to move up as fast as I would like. Had I taken a more stressful job to start with, I would be farther along in my career goals...

[Another side]

Geezzz, Mom, just when I thought I had you pegged ... .


Actually, I'm lying. I wouldn't go back to my earlier, revenue-depleted days, either, though I was a mac-and-cheese man who sneered openly at you pot pie and Ramaan noodle devotees.

I even spent a couple of years in Haight-Ashbury in the late 60s, getting $50 a week for editing a book-review magazine for the Haight's stoned, quasi-intellectutals. It was a great time which not only didn't hurt me any, but probably made me a better writer.

And had someone come to me at that time in my life, throwing money, I probably would have rejected it in favor of my then-currrent job, which was absolutely, without question, FUN.

But ... if I knew THEN, what I know NOW ... well, that's my whole point.

[Mom]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Another side:
I even spent a couple of years in Haight-Ashbury in the late 60s, getting $50 a week for editing a book-review magazine for the Haight's stoned, quasi-intellectutals. It was a great time which not only didn't hurt me any, but probably made me a better writer.
But ... if I knew THEN, what I know NOW ... well, that's my whole point.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You're not Cameron Crowe, are you? http://www.medialine.com/ubb/NonCGI/wink.gif

[Another side]

Ha!

Not nearly as sensitive or thoughtful. I'll admit a certain likeness to Jerry McGuire (minus the looks), however.

[GET THE CASH]

TO THE ORIGINAL POSTER -- TAKE THE MONEY.
IF IT'S HAPPINESS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR, JUST READ THE POSTS. I'M NOT SURE IT'S IN THE BUSINESS THESE DAYS..

[over/under]

Choose the money!!!! People sometimes tell me money can't buy happiness. Well, I just tell them I have a little piece of happiness in the parking lot that goes from zero to happiness in about 5.5 seconds. Also, those who don't think money buys happiness have obviously never bought a new set of golf clubs.

[dman]

go with happiness...cuz if you find out later that you got in over your head...your gonna quit anyway.

[JAYX]

SURE -- YOU COULD TAKE THE HIGH-PAYING JOB NOW AND SAVE SOME SERIOUS MONEY. BUT WHO'S TO SAY YOU'LL BE AROUND TO ENJOY IT. (NOT TO BE MORBID) BUT YOU COULD KICK THE BUCKET NEXT WEEK, NEXT MONTH, NEXT YEAR. AND THAT CASH WON'T DO YOU A BIT OF GOOD!

TWO YEARS AGO I WENT THROUGH A VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS. ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD COULDN'T HELP ME -- WHAT DID HELP WAS MY FRIENDS STAYING WITH ME AT THE HOSPITAL, CHEERING ME UP, BEING THERE DURING MY RECOVERY.

IF YOU TAKE A STRESSFUL JOB WHERE YOU WORK 60 HOURS A WEEK, YOU DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR ENERGY FOR FRIENDS. HOW FUN IS A SPORTS CAR OR A CONDO ON THE BEACH IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO ENJOY THEM WITH!!!

IF YOU ASK ME, HAVING A LIFE FILLED WITH FRIENDS AND FUN SURE BEATS HAVING PILES OF CASH AND MOUNDS OF STRESS ANY DAY!

[REALITY CHECK 101]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JAYX:
SURE -- YOU COULD TAKE THE HIGH-PAYING JOB NOW AND SAVE SOME SERIOUS MONEY. BUT WHO'S TO SAY YOU'LL BE AROUND TO ENJOY IT. (NOT TO BE MORBID) BUT YOU COULD KICK THE BUCKET NEXT WEEK, NEXT MONTH, NEXT YEAR. AND THAT CASH WON'T DO YOU A BIT OF GOOD!


TWO YEARS AGO I WENT THROUGH A VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS. ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD COULDN'T HELP ME -- WHAT DID HELP WAS MY FRIENDS STAYING WITH ME AT THE HOSPITAL, CHEERING ME UP, BEING THERE DURING MY RECOVERY.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

JAYX :

First, I think that's great that you had friends and family at your side during your illness. You are blessed to be surrounded by people who truly care about you.

I say being happy should be your first choice BUT 'THE REALITY' is that most people really need money and sometimes a lot of it. (especially if you want a family of your own) It’s good to save up money for the future in any LIFE situation. True, you could die this Saturday or Sunday (not likely! But possible). Let's say you believed that you would die this weekend. So why save money? Well then why start a family either? Why do anything except live like this day will be your last! That seems a bit radical to me. Not a smart move for a ‘practical’ thinker.

Yes, money is important. ( just ask anyone starting out in this crazy industry or most any other line of work). Saving is even more important (especially if you never could count on anyone else during your teenage or 20 something years (LIKE YOUR'S TRULY).

The reality of the situation is everyone should keep good friends and make amends with your closest family members. Tell the people that you really care about how much they REALLY mean to you. Having a very good friend(s) and a loving family would seem to be the best situation for anyone.

[happiness!]

Happiness! Think of it this way:
Do you want to dread going to work everyday to a job you dislike, just b/c it pays well?

It's nice to have money, but it's not worth it if you're not doing what you enjoy.

Unless you're the news director, GM or an anchor, the money won't be great.

[Mr. Condo]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JAYX:
HOW FUN IS A SPORTS CAR OR A CONDO ON THE BEACH IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO ENJOY THEM WITH!!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Um, the reason you buy the sports car and the condo is to ATTRACT someone to enjoy in them. And then someone else. And then someone else.

[1opinion]

BE HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's my opinion. I took a job for more money and the shop SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! But it could have gone either way. but you know what they say about opinions.......they are like a$$ holes......everyone has one.

[REALITY CHECK 101]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by moneyman:
It depends on where you are in life right now.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Exactly!

[Gil]

Here is a link to an online article that discusses this subject:
http://editorial.careers.msn.com/articles/paid/

[HEAVY SNOW WARNING]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gil:
Here is a link to an online article that discusses this subject:
http://editorial.careers.msn.com/articles/paid/ <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the link Gil.

[Fun fades]

A point that seems to be accepted without challenge in this debate is that the "fun" job will actually turn out to be -- and remain -- fun. From my experience, every job eventually becomes just a job.

When that happens to the original poster, the "fun" job will just be the job that pays like crap. But, no matter how boring or unfulfulling the high-paying job gets, he'll always have the financial resources to make up for it after the whistle blows.