Would you exchange job satisfaction for more pay?

themaccas

It's been great reading for all your comments, I thought when I put the question on here there would be more that would say to take the money so I am really pleased you all think pretty much the same as I do.

Today I saw my manager and told her 'thanks' for the support and for encouraging me but I would not be applying for the post. I can't put a price on the job satisfaction I have currently. I still earn a good salary considering I am part-time (28 hours) and we'll soon be able to enjoy it - hopefully this time next year! Wow, that will be some celebration, I already have the champagne - I won a magnum from a competition here on the comp board. It'll be MSE all the way:T :T

Bargain_Rzl

I asked myself this question a couple of years ago. I came to the conclusion that there was a certain salary figure I would like. This figure was not hugely higher than what I was earning at the time, but I worked out that if I earned this amount, I would be able to maintain a roof over my head and all that goes along with it, eat well, do pretty much all the things that interest me, and save a bit. This was a figure at which I was prepared to stick, in the name of sideways career progression into more fulfilling jobs etc.

I told various people this, and they said "Oh no, you won't be happy. Your expenditure will expand to fit your means, and you will always want more."

Well, guess what. As of last summer, I earn that amount. And sure enough, it is just the right amount for me to live comfortably! Although I'm still interested in little money making schemes on the side, and I'd like to overpay my mortgage more, etc etc, I no longer feel the need to have more money, and there are far more productive things I could be doing with my time! This evening I'm going to a meeting about doing some charity volunteering, which is something I have been meaning to do for ages; I actually feel that the world has really opened up to me.

LJD1_2

I think you've made the right decision. I used to work in a stressful but well paid job. I worked crazy hours and was always ill. I retrained, left and started my own business. I work very much part time but I'm with my children a lot and I get so much job satisfaction I couldn't have a better job. I missed the money to start with but it was when we had money that we got in debt so once that's paid off we'll have more than enough. Stay happy! xx

mrbadexample

Find a job you love and you'll never do another days work in your life.

(Mind you, 16k is quite a lot. I'd put up with quite a lot of dissatisfaction for that. Trouble is, in 3 years time you'd realise you hated it.)

themaccas

Mr badexample - I agree with the top comment! I think I have the best job in the world but I am biased:D

postingalwaysposting

themaccas through all you posts on this thread you seem to have made your mind up, and i am glad you told your manager your feelings. Yes a job is partly to do with the wage, we wouldnt work in a stressful job for free would we? but everyone must admit if they are in a job the enjoy with lots of satification they wouldnt change, i wouldnt. You have done perfectly well with the wage you are on at the momment and i am sure you feel just fine. Also i dont know if you would do simmiler but that pay rise may just get swallowed up with the 'extras' you buy to give yourself a better life ~ stick with your family hun, they are only young once

Spendi

I would say its nice to be in a postition where you can choose

I really hate my job with a passion, the job itself isnt too hard, what makes my job very hard is office politics, and abnormally large stress levels.

A huge amount of tact and self control is needed, not to mention the tight deadlines im given. For instance youre given the same amount of time to write a simple letter as you are to design and build a 25 page presentation complete with graphics that need to be edited. * anyone seen the devil wears prada ? thats just like my job *

On the whole, im paid well for the actual work that needs to be produced.
Im not paid well, for doing well presented accurate work in the timescales given...

You have to weigh up the good with the bad, but if your in a job you love and can afford to live on your current wage i wouldnt change..

themaccas

postingalwaysposting wrote: »

themaccas through all you posts on this thread you seem to have made your mind up, and i am glad you told your manager your feelings. Yes a job is partly to do with the wage, we wouldnt work in a stressful job for free would we? but everyone must admit if they are in a job the enjoy with lots of satification they wouldnt change, i wouldnt. You have done perfectly well with the wage you are on at the momment and i am sure you feel just fine. Also i dont know if you would do simmiler but that pay rise may just get swallowed up with the 'extras' you buy to give yourself a better life ~ stick with your family hun, they are only young once

Hi PAP
I am sure that the extra money would be frittered:o That was also a factor! At the moment I take home around £1650 a month, (I get extra pay for working unsocial hours) and we cope fine on that and will cope even better this time next year (fingers crossed we'll be DF):T

postingalwaysposting

themaccas wrote: »

Hi PAP
I am sure that the extra money would be frittered:o That was also a factor! At the moment I take home around £1650 a month, (I get extra pay for working unsocial hours) and we cope fine on that and will cope even better this time next year (fingers crossed we'll be DF):T

themaccas if i had a pay rise i know for a fact that it would be frittered (new word for me ) away too, its great you have made the right decision for you and i am ready with my congratulations post for when you are debt free you deserve it so much :A have a great and satisfying debt free year :T

Bambywamby

Job satisfaction is sooooo much more important.
If your happy at work and you love your job...that's priceless.

Well done on getting a promotion though x x