At the moment, I have a couple friends going through the same thing. They are currently at jobs they do not like at all, but the jobs pay them well. They are debating whether to leave said job to follow their passions for a significant pay cut. It’s a big decision and a tough one, at that. And here are my thoughts on the matter (if you care…if you don’t, pop back tomorrow for a home decor related post!).
I feel happiness trumps everything.
When I was younger (i.e. – just out of college), it was more about getting a job that paid the bills. That’s the mindset I had, at least. However, as the years went on, I’ve totally and completely changed my tune on that front.
Of course, you should never work for free (I am clearly not saying that!!), and you do need money to live. However, I feel it is so crucial, so important to wake up happy everyday and looking forward to work. If we’re talking about full time jobs here, you spend the majority of your time at this job. If you’re at a job you hate, it can suck the life out of you (#beenthere).
Even in the most amazing job that you absolutely love, there will still be bad days. That’s life. But if you’re waking up dreading work, hating life, counting down until the weekend every single second, I think you need to make a switch. And I know it’s not that simple. Much easier said than done. It’s scary and a big risk. I get that. I totally and completely get that.
It’s just, life is short. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Do you really want to be 90 years old, looking back on your life, and being like what the fuck was I doing wasting away all those years miserable at my job? I know my answer is a big fat NO.
Look, I’m not saying to go quit your job today without thinking about it. You need to plan for it, figure out how it’ll work financially. Maybe dabble into a job transition by taking up some hobbies and figure out what it is you really love. It’s not something to decide overnight. It’s a big life change, but I think it’s an important one. Happiness is so SO important. I can’t say it enough.
And you’ve heard it before, and I’ll remind you again, MONEY CAN’T BUY HAPPINESS. It doesn’t matter about the fancy car, the designer bag, the expensive shoes. Yes, all those things are nice, but that will not make you happy. It may make you excited for a fleeting moment when you purchase the aforementioned items, but if you’re not happy, deep down, no amount of money will change that.
I know that’s a lot to think about for a Monday morning. #mybad
Image borrowed from Carla Aston
I absolutely I agree with you! I mean there are lots of people who have to work on jobs that they hate because they need to pay the bills but I kind of love the European mentality of working to live instead of living to work and when you find a job that you truely love you don’t work a day in your life 🙂
Agree! Yes, money is obviously crucial, especially for people in certain circumstances, but if you’re working 12-hour days for a boss you hate, no amount of money is worth it!