Comments on: Comparing Jobs: Why am I switching?

By: Kristy @ Master Your Card

Kristy @ Master Your Card — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:44:37 +0000

What I love about this post is the fact that you compared everything, but ultimately went with what would make you happy as opposed to the money. About 97% of our society goes for the money and that’s why they invented prozac!

For myself, I wish I could just jump into what I want to do. Not that I’m not trying, but screenwriting is a tough industry to break into and it involves more than just interviewing. You have to have scripts. Between everything else I do, it’s hard to get a consistent writing schedule down. I often choose the money over my passion. Sucks, but there are bills to pay and commitments to keep. Eventually I’ll get where I want to be, but it’s a long road for me.

Which is why I like stories like this because I can live vicariously! Congratulations on getting where you want to be in your career. I imagine it’s a great feeling and you’ll be great at it!

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:02:39 +0000

I’m glad that your new job has brighter prospects! I think that people are a lot more willing to make use of employees (based on my dad’s experience as both contractor and employee), so you should get some of the challenge you’re craving.

They also understand that sitting in an office all day with no meaningful work is like mental abuse.

One of the best things I’ve read on your blog. That’s why I left my first job out of college. Even commenting on blogs all day wasn’t mentally fulfilling. This job has lulls and rushes, but I get enough meaningful work that my brain is happy.

By: Clever Dude

Clever Dude — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:47:33 +0000

@J Money, yes it does mean I’ll be IMing less, and twittering less.

@MoneyEnergy, if you’re unhappy somewhere, first you need to figure out what is making you unhappy and try to fix that. In my job, I tried to find satisfaction by asking for responsibility, more work, etc., but was always disappointed. I realized I just needed more challenging work than what they could ever offer on that contract. You need to exhaust your opportunities at your current employer before giving up, but I recommend always having a fallback before quiting a job! I didn’t put in my resignation until I had the firm offer from the new employer. They could always take it back, but you have to trust them at some point.

@enemyofdebt, great insight!

@All, thank you for your well-wishes. I still have tempered enthusiasm because this April and May are the toughest parts of my school semester (3 classes) plus travel 5 out of 6 weekends! I won’t be relieved until my schoolwork is done and traveling is out of the way (only one travel is for work; they’re sending me to Orlando!)

By: Jennifer Rogdakis

Jennifer Rogdakis — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:24:07 +0000

I truly beleive that if you do what you love money will follow either through vertical movements up or lateral movements (with a slant upward). Just some thoughts from the sideline

By: Angie

Angie — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:55:57 +0000

I have to say that you give me hope to eventually move out of my first job, looking forward a few years. As it seems you have done the same out of the same company/location. This is of course once I’m financially stable enough to take a significant paycut. Learning is to take the most out of it as I can with skills and take it with me to do something further and more in my interests in the future.

Congrats on following what fulfills you instead of your wallet.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:36:59 +0000

I’m new too, but I just wanted to add my two cents. I think it was a great move to be willing to take a pay cut in order to be in a job where you will feel happy. Of course, it’s an added bonus that in the end you got a pay raise, but as the old cliche goes “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. Although I do many of the same things in my new(ish) life as a freelancer that I did when I was working for “the man” in project management, I’ve found that the small changes I made have made a world of difference in my life and overall job satisfaction. I’ve never been happier or more fulfilled. It’s a true example of how the power of small can change your life!

By: enemyofdebt

enemyofdebt — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:03:14 +0000

I am new here but wanted to say I think the decision you made was fantastic! Most people choose money which is why most people hate their job. I like the line of thought that says if you love your job it’s less like work. Wise decision and good luck with the transition!

By: MoneyEnergy

MoneyEnergy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Nice, great job (literally!:))! Gives me lots to think about for my own situation. I definitely agree with the part about not being meaningfully challenged… good reason to have an emergency fund in place so that you never have to compromise on job satisfaction. What length of time do you think is good for staying at one job before trying to move up and get better opportunities elsewhere?

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:09:35 +0000

Wow, thanks for the detailed breakdown of your decision. Those kinds of things are always difficult, but it sounds like you’ll be very happy with the new job!
It’s probably a good time to get out of consulting with things slowing down anyway. My company (IT service consulting) seemed to be doing fairly well for awhile, yet myself and 4 others were laid off yesterday! Being an employee is always a completely different feeling, so enjoy!

By: J. Money

J. Money — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:42:54 +0000

Very bueno my friend! Does this mean that you won’t be on IM for a while? who else will send me 35 rapid-fire messages at 9am? *tear*