Would you give up a job because it takes away your happiness?
By Raymo23
@Raymo23 (463)
Uganda
November 20, 2007 1:08pm CST
I am at University which means that I need as much money as I can. My brother runs a bar, and offered it to me to manage it, making a good amount of money, at least for someone my stage. Accounting and management is part of what I am studying so doing the job would not be such a hassle. However, it had one drawback. It meant me being at the bar at least five times every week, and at night. This was very inconveniencing since the bar is something like 8 km from the University, yet I do a lot of work during day, and need to rest at night.
I wanted my happiness, and some free time for reflection, and hence gave up a job that would offer me a significant amount of money. Would you give up a good job just because it does not bring happiness? Would you reject a well-paying job because you feel it's not going to make you happy,and might stress you?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
20 Nov 07
Any chance of negotiating with your brother about your time schedule? Maybe a few days a week at night and one weekend night instead of 5 nights per week?
I know you need the money and if there was a way to rearrange the schedule so that you both win, and you get time for your happiness on the days off, then that is what I would probably do first before chucking the job altogether. If in the end it doesn't work out, then its back to job hunting again.
It is tough work working in a bar, and i have done it before for two years but it was only Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and the occasional sports function they had on Sundays. I had Mon-Wed to recover LOL
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
20 Nov 07
I feel for you on this one Raymo. Sorry I can't be of much help. I think if it meant so many hours each night, and then during the day your studying etc, you may end up exhausted and it could affect your studies and your happiness.
@citrusemma (508)
•
20 Nov 07
It depends on two things....
Do I need the job? (at the moment, being a student~ yes! a well paying job = no student loan)
and
Is it affecting my studying?
It would also depend on whether I could get another job afterwards^^
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
24 Nov 07
The way I think about it, you spend most of your life at work, so why be unhappy? Even if they are paying out a good wage, is money really worth more than happiness? I would choose happiness over money every time, although I do realize that some people do not have the luxury of choosing because of families and being able to pay bills. But we only get one shot at life, happiness should be the priority.
@muralimn (534)
• United Arab Emirates
20 Nov 07
I will try to find another job if the current job is not that good or is not interesting to me. I will try to change my job as soon as possible because I believe that you can only work with dedication only if you are really happy with your work and it gives you a sense of satisfaction. We work for a living and if we are not happy in our life only because of the job, then we should really leave it.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
22 Nov 07
If a job is causing so much unhappiness and is taking away all of your free time, and school work time, then I'd say it's best to give up the job, even if it's great paying. I'm sure you could find a job that doesn't require so much free time, but only a few hours a week instead of constantly. You'll be sanner and happier.
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
20 Nov 07
I would definitely give up a job if it was making me unhappy. The only time I wouldn't is if it was a matter of survival. If it was the only job I could find that payed enough to live on, I would do it. Especially if it was temporary to get through school.
