This may seem like a strange blog post. Why on earth would a finance blogger even consider a lesser paying job, and let alone be pleased about it?
Before you start thinking that I have lost my mind you better keep reading. Firstly, note that the new job that I have accepted is only at a 7% lower salary than my current position. This is not too bad although it does certainly impact on my day-to-day savings and financial goals. I did obviously negotiate and discuss things with the company, but in the end I am very happy with the offering and that is what this post is all about.
There are two ideas that I would like to share and hopefully you’ll understand that my decision isn’t as crazy as it sounds.
The Concept of “Zig-Zagging”
Have you ever climbed a really steep mountain and noticed how the path zig-zags up? You obviously want to get to the top, and the zig-zagging path is longer and seems more tiring. Sometimes you even seem to go the wrong way, but in the end you will actually reach the top. Unless you are a super-fit athlete, the zig-zag path is probably very helpful as it allows you to reach your goal at a slightly more manageable pace; sometimes it’s even quicker than the direct route!
Another example is using a GPS to find the quickest route through traffic to reach your destination. It may literally take you in the opposite direction in order to catch a back-road which will then quickly lead you to your destination.
The concept I am trying to bring across is that the most direct and obvious route is not the only route, and sometimes a slight detour can actually help you reach your destination quicker. As long as you know where you are headed!
In my case, the job with lower salary seems like a move in the wrong direction. The experience, environment and opportunity however is something that I am confident will help me reach my goal a lot quicker. So for right now I just need keep focussed on my end goal and use this as a means to get there.
Money doesn’t always have to be the focus of everything, we need to look at the experience and work environment too. As well as the future growth opportunities.
The Happiness Factor
I don’t think that people pay enough attention to their happiness when it comes to their work. So many people are unhappy at work and simply plod along through the day doing what they need to whilst yearning to be somewhere else.
Being happy in ones job is seriously important as the consequences spill over to all spheres of life. Family, relationships, home environment and health are just some of the areas that will be negatively affected if you’re unhappy at work.
Wasting years of your life by being unhappy is really not worth the money – not at all!
I do however need to be honest and say that my current job is really not that bad, but I know that I can be happier with a few changes in the environment and setup and thus I am willing to sacrifice some money in order to increase my happiness.
On the positive side, when you’re feeling happy and motivated at work it also spills over to other areas of life. When you are positive, confident, motivated and happy you will find amazing opportunities that you previously just couldn’t see.
In summary
I may be sacrificing some income which should be going straight towards my investment goals, but I am excited about the new opportunity and environment. There is a lot of room for growth and development which will soon turn into money and place me in a better position.
When looking at a job don’t simply look at the salary, think bout the opportunities and work environment too. You probably spend more time at work than anywhere else; scary thought really! You better be enjoying it! A lesser paying job could make sense in some cases and is not necessary a bad choice.
Know where you want to get to and enjoy the ride; even when it’s a lesser paying job