WWYD- Job Search/Budget related

[puffkin]

WWYD- work in a job/industry you enjoy but earn well below your potential or work in a job/industry that you tolerate but are closer to your earning potential?

Background- I have an accounting degree/CPA license. I went a pretty traditional route the first 5 years of my career (public 2 years, corporate 3). I got compensated well (not great, but there was room to advance), but I hated the hours and stress. It was not very condusive to being a mom or doing any of the hobbies I enjoy (coaching field hockey, cake decorating, etc).

2 years ago I left that position for another opportunity. The pay/flexibility was GREAT, but the job was so boring. The position was eventually eliminated due to a merger and now I am working in a temp accounting position. Horrible pay and BORING job, but it pays the bills (just barely) for now.

I have begun searching in earnest for a permanent position and am unsure what to do. If I continue down the corporate accounting path, the pay and advancement opportunities will be there eventually, but also all the stuff I hated before. I have seen some other "office manager" type positions that seem more interesting to me personally but I am over qualified. The pay would be liveable but not comfortable, but I might be able to live a more normal life, be there for my child and have more time to pursue my other interests. I just don't know what direction to direct my job search! WWYD?

 

[minnie1928]

I've been in accounting too, so I know your pain. My experience tells me that a job that makes you happy pays in many ways that are beyond financial. I did some cost accounting and loved it, but I also worked less hours in that position. Worked full time on Sarbanes Oxley implementation and wanted to poke my eyes out! Go with what makes you happy!

 

[Kitzka]

hands down, go with what makes you happy, provided you are getting paid a liveable wage. nothing sucks more than not being able to enjoy your flexibility and beautiful child because you are stressed about putting food on the table.

I worked for years at a job that paid very well but was not at all flexible with my schedule. i like what i did but it was boring. I left that job for something that was exciting and paid a bit less. I LOVED it but once my daugther was a preteen not making a lot was really wearing on me.

Now, i am at a job that pays very well, has some flexibility and i LOVE my boss and mostly love what i do. But it took 10 years to get here.

good luck

Lara

 

[Gr8t Fan]

As I can tell from your post, you realize that a job that pays well but keeps you from the things you love will not make you happy long-term.

I know how you feel and I feel the same way. I could pursue a more demanding job, but that would leave me less time with my family. I'm happy with my job that pays the bills, leaves a little extra for fun stuff, and still allows me to spend time with my family. It may not be the most glamorous job, or even the most challenging, but I'm happy with the choice I've made (most days).

My sister who has no children just can't understand because I was such a driven person before, but how can you explain it to someone who doesn't have children? I have a plaque above my desk that reads: 100 years from now it will not matter what sort of house I lived in, what my bank account was, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. That sums it up perfectly for me.

And I may just pursue that demanding career after my children are grown and don't need me at home so often, or I may just stay where I am, but I'll decide when the time is right.

 

[savannahcat]

I can empathize too. I have an accounting degree and worked for more than 10 years in corporate accounting. I despised nearly every minute of it. I left the field to be a SAHM when my first child was born and I cannot imagine going back to it.

I am fortunate that I am in a situation where I'm able to return to school. I begin work on a Physical Therapy Assistant program two weeks from today.
When finished, I'll be qualified to work in the field of home health with a very flexible schedule (working only while the kids are in school). Even if it were possible to have found a job in accounting with that kind of flexibility, the money would have been no where near as good.

In the end, I think you have to follow your heart and not your wallet, as long as you can meet your obligations in the process.

 

[StephMK]

No question, I'd choose happiness over salary. Actually, DH & I both did and have always made choices that support that in our family. He was working at a place that paid really well and offered advancement. However, he was often working 15 hr days during the busy season, plus weekends and a long commute. He now makes much less working banking hours, no OT, no holidays or weekends - and we're all much happier.

I'm also back in school to change careers. I tried to go back to the corporate thing when DS started FT school but decided I didn't want to spend another 20+ yrs doing it. I hated being stuck at a computer, the constant deadlines & no fulfillment. The pay was good but I was sooo unhappy.

It would be nice to have a career making really good money but the sacrifices to the family were not worth it to us. Good luck, I know that is a tough decision to make!

 

[indimom]

Now, I'll be honest and say I've never had a high paying job, but I have had a "higher" paying job and it just wasn't worth it. I was working over 60 hours a week, then coming home to a lot of housework, two children, etc., etc. It just wasn't something I could keep up with, I was constantly stressed out and it was hard on the family as well.
I work in the same field, and about the same number of hours, but at home now and life is so much simpler. I'm here when the kids get off the bus, I can throw in a load of laundry or sweep the floor during the day (or chat on the internet a bit) and still make a decent living. I don't think I'd consider going back until the kids are off to college, then I might get a little bored and enjoy a challenge. Right now, I've got enough challenges.

 

[meanser]

I could have written this post! I too am a CPA, and I am doing the accounting grunt work because it affords me to be part-time so I only work when my kids are in school. But it is so boring! It is hard to do it all, I know that for me, this is what I am doing now to pay some bills and yet be there for my kids. When they get older, the skys the limit!

Good luck!

 

[ILUVPOOH1]

I would never sacrifice happiness for money. Did that once, hated my job, so guess what...in October I quit! Now I stay home (even though my DS is 16). I love it, always wanted to be a housewife. I would rather work for no $$ than ever be unhappy in a job again.

 

[brymolmom]

I have a job I don't love (love the people, but the work - NOPE) but it is flexible and part time and pays very well for part-time work. So I stick with it. Sometimes I wish I was in a position to have to start over. I would DEFINITELY take something I would love.

For now, I'm sticking this out cuz it works best for my family. And THAT part of it keeps me happy.