Job satisfaction vs. Job pay, what's more important?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 02:26:05 -0400

I'm at a cross-roads in my life. I have the unique opportunity of starting fresh in a new part of the US and have several offers and I'm trying to decide between job satisfaction (fun jobs) and more stressful (but higher paying) jobs.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 18 at 2015 3:33 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 18 May 2015 03:33:31 -0400

While it can be very tempting to go for the higher pay, I think you will find that is far better to be making less money and be happy than it is to well-paid and miserable.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 3:52 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 03:52:23 -0400

Going to have to agree. So as long as your career path supports your families needs and your needs etc, you can't really go wrong if you're happy. It should never really be about the money. Some of my old supervisors would always say the time tested saying, "money doesn't always buy happiness". There's a lot of truth to especially if you've already experienced a job you weren't happy with. So if this new jobs will allow you to be happy, then shoot for the stars, but if not. Ask yourself if it is really worth it. One simple thing to do is start an Excel document with all the pros vs cons and weigh it out with short term goals and long term goals to give you a framework to build with. Right now, it sounds like you've got a rock solid happy foundation. A lot of weight to shoulder, if you can take the time and energy to really chew on it, I would do it. Either way, best of luck in all endeavors, SSgt Doody.

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made May 18 at 2015 5:37 AM

MSgt Jamie Lyons — Mon, 18 May 2015 05:37:52 -0400

I was always told to do what I love and I would never work a day in my life.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 5:57 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 05:57:23 -0400

I have learned through experience that while pay is a significant factor, it is less concerning as long as you are happy your job. It really is miserable when you have a job that you really hate, but chose to persevere anyway.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made May 18 at 2015 7:21 AM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:21:08 -0400

By far, job satisfaction. While pay is a fundamental requirement (like for food and such), as long as the amount is viewed as "equal" and "fair", its a minor player relative to satisfaction and enjoying what you do. Just my humble opinion.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 18 at 2015 7:25 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:25:12 -0400

I will take job satisfaction with acceptable pay.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 7:56 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:56:51 -0400

This is question that no one else can answer.

Certainly y0ou need enough pay to take care of yourself and your family at the level you think is right. After that, it is a personal thing.

Certainly you can not make your family happy if you are unhappy with your job. That unhappiness will spill over way too often.

For, me going to work in a job that fulfills me makes life for all around me better.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 8:39 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 08:39:18 -0400

So long as your needs are met, job satisfaction, hands-down.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 18 at 2015 8:41 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 18 May 2015 08:41:51 -0400

As long as you'll be making 75k at the more satisfying job you should be good.
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2010/09/07/the-perfect-salary-for-happiness-75000-a-year/

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 18 at 2015 8:57 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 18 May 2015 08:57:15 -0400

I've been in jobs that make a lot more money. Job satisfaction has always ended up being more important in the long run.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 18 at 2015 9:29 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:29:19 -0400

Do you live to work or work to live? That will tell you where your heart is. That said, this is a short term question. What are your long term goals? Do you need to suck it up because you need the money or can become more free doing it for 3-5 years?

I worked two careers so I could retire and not worry about living a small dream in the country. So what gets you there? Make sure you look at the long game as a priority when making this decision.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 18 at 2015 6:41 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Mon, 18 May 2015 18:41:13 -0400

It depend, if the fun job enough to support my family, i'll take fun job, less stress.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made May 18 at 2015 7:07 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:07:25 -0400

I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Sep 24 at 2016 1:12 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 13:12:13 -0400

Job satisfaction should be first....but those bill are not going to pay themselves...