What would you rather do for work: a job that pays well but doesn't make you happy? Or a job that satisfies you but doesn't pay all that well? The answer to this isn't always straightforward since a person's financial obligations will dictate this in a lot of cases.
If you're interested in this subject, you'll want to check out a Hacker News thread where a reader asks:
Tell me your stories of taking lower paid work to be happier.
Some interesting choices that readers have made include:
- Leaving a job in electronic warfare
- Switching from the software industry to a factory job
- Changing from 5 days per week to 3 days per week
- Leaving a well-paying finance industry job for a small government agency
There are a number of other interesting answers, many that aren't too specific but are more or less focused on the environment that was left behind.
One particular answer sums up how many feel when making such a change:
"When I started my career I worked in an intense role for two years. So intense that I quickly realized such intensity was not sustainable, and I immediately pivoted into a role that I knew I could do with my eyes closed. It's felt like I don't have a job for the past decade. In those ten years I've barely felt any stress, have read hundreds of books, mastered several hobbies, and started a family. Would I trade that for more money? I'll let you guess."
Be sure to check out the rest of the thread. There's certainly lots of inspirational comments in there for those considering sacrificing pay for a less stressful and toxic environment.
Now on to this week's hand-picked productivity links!
