Job question for you & how much money is enough?

[KingOfBBN]

I always find these particular questions interesting because it varies per person.

Would you take a job/promotion that you hated because it paid significantly more money over a job you enjoyed that probably pays half that?

Also, what salary is "good enough?" Most studies show $75k is the magic number while one study said $50k is when you're the most happiest (disagree with that one).

Curious on the answers because it's obviously subjective.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

I had a job where I made quite a bit more than I make now (almost $2000 more a month) and hated every second of it. When i quit I went back to being broke and was much happier.

 

[dgtatu01]

I had a job I hated making $42,000 a year. Went back to school for 15 months and now I have a job I love making $65,000, plus I should be at $100,000 within 4 years. The money is fine, but quality of life is most important.

 

[Joey Rupption]

Double salary for a job I hate: Yes.

I can't think of a job (and its average salary) that I would enjoy enough to stick around for half money as much as a job I hate. This assumes that time spent working is equal for both jobs. Time is money but money is not time, etc.

I think I'd be "good enough" with ~180k here in NKY at the moment. I make nowhere near that, obviously.

 

[krazykats]

I was making 50K+ in accounting when I decided to change paths 3 years ago. I was miserable already and was being offered more money for more travel basically but with a 2/3 yr old at home I refused. Once I did my role took on more and more until I was burnt out enough to essentially quit on the job.

After bouncing around a few years I'm at a place I am very happy. Not making a lot yet, maybe 42K this year, but with just 3 of the customers I pulled in over the past 2 months next year I should be closer to 55K. I truly love most of what I do and I'm geared for it. Family is happier, I'm happier, and most of all I'm also paying the bills and rebuilding my retirement again.

As far as more money, I control that myself now based on whether I want more customers or not. For example I picked up a customer today at work that does quite a bit of small stuff but is extremely low maintenance and will be a small bump in money for me and absolutely no chance of a headache. Maybe they add 2K to my annual take home........most people would love to get that per year as a raise and I may land 2-3 of those over the course of a month.

 

[shockdaddy19]

Interesting question. I've been fortunate and have made really good money but have had to deal with a lot of stressors to make that kind of cash. And as typical with any kind of high paying job, there is usually a lot of stress. But there's certainly a monetary line that if I slipped below, I would absolutely look elsewhere as the headaches would no longer be worth it.

Having a family, the answer isn't an easy one. Lot of responsibilities that all need to be covered. But if I were a single man, I would do something I really love and sacrifice the earnings. So in a sense, I'm that guy who doesn't love his job (albeit, I don't hate it either) but does it because it provides a nice living for my family.

 

[rodgerblue]

Interesting question. I've been fortunate and have made really good money but have had to deal with a lot of stressors to make that kind of cash. And as typical with any kind of high paying job, there is usually a lot of stress. But there's certainly a monetary line that if I slipped below, I would absolutely look elsewhere as the headaches would no longer be worth it.

Having a family, the answer isn't an easy one. Lot of responsibilities that all need to be covered. But if I were a single man, I would do something I really love and sacrifice the earnings. So in a sense, I'm that guy who doesn't love his job (albeit, I don't hate it either) but does it because it provides a nice living for my family.

^^Bingo.

 

[wildcatsboston1984]

My current job is mediocre at best (mostly because of who the employer and boss is) and pays poorly, so I would definitely take a job that I hated for a hell of a lot more money if that was the only other option.

 

[B Rax]

gotta find the job that balances your personal life needs with your financial responsibilities. Don't go all in on one or the other because you'll find yourself neck deep in stress. Just my 2 cents hope this helps

 

[Joey Rupption]

gotta find the job that balances your personal life needs with your financial responsibilities. Don't go all in on one or the other because you'll find yourself neck deep in stress. Just my 2 cents hope this helps

Wut if you're J-O-B is a stress-reliefer?

Casing-point; A job where you get to knock down the houses of people whoeve just lost all of their worlds possesins and possibly pets and/or fammly membrs to Force Mazhjore?

#jussayinghaha

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I'd be happy with 50K a year, but if I can move up and make more I won't complain either.

 

[kyboy1998]

I was salaried at 105,000 to 115,00 from 05-09. Market changes and the loss of give a shit from divorce got me in the "fresh start" mind set.

Found a job making 65,000 that was ok for a while. After settling in I realized all that "new beginnings stuff" wasn't as fun and nice as having more money.

Moved up another notch in 80,000 to 90,000 range and since have been promoted again to the grade level I was accustomed to in yesteryear.

All positions have some sort of stress. Money gives security if managed correctly. My biggest stress is knowing many people want my job and regardless of how good I am I'm replaceable.

So basically...as much as I can make is what I prefer.

 

[Strokin_Bandit]

I think a lot of the $$$$ aspect depends on where you live and cost of living.

I'm just an old public educator and coach. I love what I do and make enough money to live comfortably here in south central Ky. Throw in retirement and other benefits and I think it's a pretty good profession.

If I did the same thing living on the East Coast . . . (?)

 

[anon_l8pbkn96tg3j6]

I'm willing to take a pretty big income hit if I think another position will make me happier or be generally better long term. I don't know what number to assign to that hit though. My expenses are intentionally low, so that floor would be pretty low if it was the perfect opportunity.

 

[Cawood86]

I think you have to look at whole picture. Benefits to me is the main thing. Especially insurance. Obamacare really changed that. Thankful for the package I have.

I'm good with my pay and benefits plus I am five minutes from work. Add all of that up and I'm pretty satisfied.

 

[ymmot31]

gotta find the job that balances your personal life needs with your financial responsibilities. Don't go all in on one or the other because you'll find yourself neck deep in stress. Just my 2 cents hope this helps

Exactly wrong. You've got to find a life that fits with your financial abilities. One is absolute, the other is variable. When you do it backwards, as you suggest, you will always have stress.

Take your money and build your life around it. Don't build your life and then try to make your money fit.

 

[WayneDougan]

I always find these particular questions interesting because it varies per person.

Would you take a job/promotion that you hated because it paid significantly more money over a job you enjoyed that probably pays half that?

Also, what salary is "good enough?" Most studies show $75k is the magic number while one study said $50k is when you're the most happiest (disagree with that one).

Curious on the answers because it's obviously subjective.

Here's a more intriguing question. If someone offered you a locked in salary until you were 65, what would that number have to be. What that means is, you'll make that salary with no hope of increase until you are 65 (ignore inflation). But you can't be fired either, although the workload would align with the salary. So if you pick $450K, know that you're going to have a lot of pressure.

 

[KyCatFan]

My best paying job was the one I hated the most. It was long hours and extremely hard work and pretty much screwed up my back. I left it because I was miserable and the money wasn't worth it anymore. I haven't really had a job I enjoyed yet, but none have been as bad as that one and the less pay is worth not being as miserable. I would definitely keep working for less pay if it made me happier doing it. Nothing worse than bringing the stress from your job home with you.

 

[We-Todd-Did]

I've seen people bringing home $50k a year who live in beautiful homes and have their financial lives under control. I've also seen people bring home $100k a year who live in a rented home who can't buy gas 2 days after payday.

 

[Willy4UK]

Billion a year. That's my happy number.

 

[WildcatfaninOhio]

I love the people I work with. Co-workers have been together for a long time, they're all friendly and warm, all are hard workers and very good at what they do, and it feels like a family. I never have to work evenings, weekends or holidays and I get three weeks paid vacation. I feel that my salary is right about where it should be considering I only have a HS diploma, but have 25 years experience in my field.

Having said all that, I would not leave for more money. I've worked at other companies where the situation was very different and co-workers were a pain in the ass, or worthless and lazy, or both. It's not worth it!

 

[ram1955]

I know people that are content making 25K. I know people that are miserable making 100K. Ym had it right about building life(posessions) around the amount you make and not the other way around. Most of the miserable ones are those that are in debt up to their eyeballs and couldn't leave a miserable job if they wanted. THAT'S the big thing for me. When I knew I could leave my job, the stress decreased immensely. Over the years I've learned (for me) that it's better to drive a paid-for Chevette, than a Corvette I owe 40K for.....to live in a 75 K house with a house payment that is a relatively small % of take home pay vs a McMansion with payments so high you can't afford to put furniture in it.

Money is important, but peace and contentment are the real "pearls". So....( I guess I'm a hypocrit)................I took the 3x as much salary and was miserable, so I could provide for my family when I was young. The 3x allowed my wife to stay home with the 4 kids. Yeah I was stressed and miserable, but when sacrifices have to be made, it's dad's responsibility to make them. The pay-off is no debt, a great retirement and well adjusted adult children.

 

[krazykats]

Here's a more intriguing question. If someone offered you a locked in salary until you were 65, what would that number have to be. What that means is, you'll make that salary with no hope of increase until you are 65 (ignore inflation). But you can't be fired either, although the workload would align with the salary. So if you pick $450K, know that you're going to have a lot of pressure.

Can't be fired = a lot of pressure? Let me think about this one for awhile.

 

[ram1955]

Can't be fired = a lot of pressure? Let me think about this one for awhile.

The greatest pressure on a lot of people, though a declining number, is the pressure they put on themselves to perform at a high level. The best employees I ever had put more pressure on themselves than I did. The fear of being fired is not the only source of pressure.

 

[-LEK-]

If you had a job where you made a difference in people's lives? Would you take less money to make the world a better place? Work at a non-profit, or protect abused children, or become a police officer/firefighter? Sacrificing your gain for societies greater goods? Not talking socialism, but one where people make less pay in the private sector, but when they leave for the day, they can be satisfied that their work made a difference in the world, that you became the element of change you always wanted to be?

I guess this is the line where the OP is talking. Satisfaction vs money. I mean, which is better, putting in HVAC units in people's or helping the homeless find shelter and homes and trying to cure those issues? Obviously, its a different perspective. I mean a lawyer who works for the public defenders/legal aid vs high corporate. On one hand, you have made the world better by championing the cause of the poor, on the other hand, its nice to drive a lexus and be able to go on trips anytime you want.

You can probably balance those things. If you make a lot, I hope you volunteer to spread your wealth to others.

 

[gamecockcat]

Great question. There is a certain point along the income scale where incremental (say 15+% or so) increases don't change your lifestyle at all. Thankfully, I'm now at that place. Between my income and my wife's, we live a pretty good life. It certainly wasn't always that way and I had a job or two I hated but felt were necessary to keep the family running. I feel pretty certain I could probably get 15, maybe 20% more if I shopped around for another company to work for but I really like what I do and who I work for/with. No guarantees that the next company or boss won't be a complete a-hole that you dread seeing every morning. While another $1k or so per month would shorten my time frame to reach my retirement goals by a couple of years, the risk just isn't worth it IMO.

Quality of life is key. Personally, I don't ever want to live in a place that gets cold/snow/sleet in the winter. Born and raised in Lexington, lived in Cincinnati for 3 years out of UK and then moved south. Lived no farther north than Greenville, South Carolina since 1989. It would take an enormous raise to get me to move north of Charlotte/Nashville. And, then, as soon as I'd accumulated a bunch of money at the new job, I'd quit and move south again. Houston's not ideal but, man, Xmas Day is supposed to be sunny and 75. I'm definitely OK with that.

 

[Tskware]

Years ago I read an account of a study of incomes, and the result was that once you reach a threshold where your basic needs are met, happiness is really no greater among the wealthy than among the middle class. Study showed that poverty and unhappiness correlate closely, but once you can pay for food, mortgage, clothes, etc., an extra zero in your paycheck is not going to make you any happier.

It has to be true, think of all the movie stars, gorgeous people, who have been married 2, 3, 4 times? Either they are real unhappy or their spouse are, one or the other. I have worked with many wealthy individuals, and they come in all types personality wise, some are the nicest people you could ever meet, and others are the biggest A Holes you will ever meet.

I take great satisfaction in what I do, but now that my kids are raised and I am done paying for college, etc., honestly value my personal and family time a lot more than money these days.

 

[thecatsareback#8]

I make 35k w/company car + commission as a sales engineer at a low voltage company. I sold about 1M in products and I will see 7% of the profit; roughly 20,000. I just graduated college last December so not a bad income coming fresh out of college.

The stress to preform at a high level in sales is very hard as many of you know. It takes drive every day to get up and work 10+ hours. Building a customer base was the hardest challenge for me with no sales background, but backing me in a corner is the best way for me to produce results. My boss took a huge risk hiring me with no background and I am thankful for that opportunity. I gave back 2,000 of my salary to her just for that reason as a "Christmas present".

That is the thing with this jig. Being in Sales I can never "coast" and will always have the fear of being out a job if I do not produce. If i do not get to the point where it is just taking people out for drinks/golf by the time I am 40 I will be stuck in a job where the money is good but the stress outweighs the pay.

So, my biggest fear is uncertainty about my future. As long as I live within my means in the meantime I should be ok. Plus there is always opportunities to move up to a better paying sales job, but I will again be building up another customer base which is hard work.

I could not see myself taking (as of now) taking a job where I couldn't control how much I make. If i am struggling financially, I could always go out there and hustle more. Like Cal says: "scared money don't make no money". I actually find myself studying what Cal does on the recruiting front and how he treats people to make me a better sales man. I hang on to that man's word.

 

[drxman1]

The thing I've found is the more you make, the more you will want to make. You get a bump in lifestyle and are happy, but you get used to it. Then you start seeing things at the next level. It's a natural progression.

 

[Tskware]

Quality of life is key. Personally, I don't ever want to live in a place that gets cold/snow/sleet in the winter. Born and raised in Lexington, lived in Cincinnati for 3 years out of UK and then moved south. Lived no farther north than Greenville, South Carolina since 1989. It would take an enormous raise to get me to move north of Charlotte/Nashville. And, then, as soon as I'd accumulated a bunch of money at the new job, I'd quit and move south again. Houston's not ideal but, man, Xmas Day is supposed to be sunny and 75. I'm definitely OK with that.

Yes, but July 4 is 105 with 99% humidity.

Honestly, I know you are in the majority, but I don't get the weather fixation some people have. There are beautiful days and seasons every place in the world. Last summer vacation I took the family on was in August in Vero Beach, Fla. Lots of people love south Florida. Not me. It is 1000 degrees every day, and you can set your watch for the severe PM thunderstorm that made playing golf in the afternoon impossible. Cannot even go to the driving range and hit balls for more than 20 minutes unless you start at 7:30 AM. I just don't like that smothering heat and humidity very much.

 

[Willy4UK]

My boss took a huge risk hiring me with no background and I am thankful for that opportunity. I gave back 2,000 of my salary to her just for that reason as a "Christmas present".

Your boss hot?

 

[thecatsareback#8]

Your boss hot?

Wood

 

[Joey Rupption]

sales engineer

That is up there with "Tree Surgeon" and "Couch Doctor" for churching up a job title.

 

[thecatsareback#8]

That is up there with "Tree Surgeon" and "Couch Doctor" for churching up a job title.

I'd rather be an account representative. I guess that is what I am now but in the beginning I had to generate customers. I think they though sales engineer had a better ring than sales generator. Idk

 

[BlueRaider22]

When I was an Athletic Trainer I made about 39k/yr. The benefits really made up for it though. Free clothes for days. Getting some per diem money for travel. Most of my meals were paid for. But, the hrs were irregular and long. It was not uncommon to work 60-80 hrs a week depending on the schedule. Also, the amount of travel was quite a bit. I was single and loved it. However I wanted a family and job that's more conducive to one.

So, I went to grad school for Physical Therapy. Started out at 54k/yr and only worked 40-50 hrs/wk. Had potential to make about 5-7k more per yr in bonuses if my productivity is up. Hours were regular and great for a family. Healthcare is about as stable of a job as there is and I've got yearly raises since I started.

Was approached recently to start my own practice. This often means that you make almost twice as much but you often work twice as much so I turned it down.

 

[Joey Rupption]

Misappropriation of professional titles is a pet peeve of mine.

"Salesperson" would cover it, but some marketers have figured out that you need to trick your customers into an inflated title. It's a sad state that it works all around.

 

[ukalumni00]

Very blessed to make well over six figures with a company vehicle and other expenses paid for by my company. My wife makes good money as well so we are able to live a comfortable life. That said, it was not always that way. Grew up very poor, worked two jobs to put myself through school, and had to work my way up the ladder to make the money I do now. The stress level is what you make it, but the job itself is not the most satisfying in the world.

I am torn on the OP's question because having money always trumps struggling financially, but on the other hand some people are very wealthy but live miserable lives. I think I am in the right spot right now where the job is not terrible/ not great. I would say 95% of us are never going to love our jobs, but the name of the game is survival so you do what you have to do to support your family.

 

[thecatsareback#8]

Misappropriation of professional titles is a pet peeve of mine.

"Salesperson" would cover it, but some marketers have figured out that you need to trick your customers into an inflated title. It's a sad state that it works all around.

I certainly agree with you. When I got my cards I said to myself wtf is this shit. It's just a way for the company to feel more important about themselves.

 

[gamecockcat]

Yes, but July 4 is 105 with 99% humidity.

Honestly, I know you are in the majority, but I don't get the weather fixation some people have. There are beautiful days and seasons every place in the world. Last summer vacation I took the family on was in August in Vero Beach, Fla. Lots of people love south Florida. Not me. It is 1000 degrees every day, and you can set your watch for the severe PM thunderstorm that made playing golf in the afternoon impossible. Cannot even go to the driving range and hit balls for more than 20 minutes unless you start at 7:30 AM. I just don't like that smothering heat and humidity very much.

Oh, c'mon, humidity is generally only about 65% in July. Which is awful, let me tell you. However, for me, I just feel a lot better in hotter weather than colder weather. Last 3 or 4 winters I spent in SC (certainly not in the Arctic Circle), I coughed like a damn seal the entire winter. Doctor told me it was a type of cold-related asthma-like condition. Since moving to TX, not so much as a whimper during 'winter'.

Florida in the summer is exactly how you describe: extremely hot and humid with a humidity storm pretty much every day around 5:00 or 5:30. Even if you lived on the beach, it would get pretty miserable. But, my son's soon-to-be in-laws live near Boston and they had to shovel their ROOF twice last year to keep the roof from caving in. Their ROOF!!!! Nope. Not for any amount of money would I live in a place like that. Chicago - cold as hell with 40 mph winds?? Not for 5X the amount of money I'm making now. Just would not be worth it. Weather is not everything but it definitely is a huge factor for me and my wife.

 

[PTI (pti)]

The thing I've found is the more you make, the more you will want to make. You get a bump in lifestyle and are happy, but you get used to it. Then you start seeing things at the next level. It's a natural progression.

that's a really great point. i look back at breaking thru certain income barriers thinking i was hot shit, and now would be pissed if i "only" made that much.

for me, it's about what income/wealth provides. i really look forward to the day where i may still want things, but my needs are very much taken care of.