Anyone in a job for the money?

PennyPincher · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2005, 12:15 PM

I'm having a bit of an internal conflict right now. I used to be a math teacher, and although it was certainly draining and entailed a great deal of work, I had a passion for it.

Four years ago when I moved for my fiancee, I decided to try different things. Well, I've gone through sales and then almost 8 months ago I took an offer for a position in the real estate business, but I'm not an agent. I'm learning a great deal, but don't feel the same zest for what I'm doing, nor do I feel as confident or that I have the impact I previously did.

In order to go back to teaching, I'd take at least a $25,000 pay cut, which would be very hard to handle. (Especially with my mortgage, etc...)

Is anyone else out there working at something with less passion because of the money?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not UNHAPPY, but I'm not as fulfilled. I think I'll return to teaching when I have kids...

34saving · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2005, 12:29 PM

I guess on some level almost everybody is working for the money, right? (Most of our employers wouldn't bother to pay us if we'd be willing to work for free

) Anyway, on to the real question at hand. I think your plan of going back to teaching later might be a good one. I've been on childcare leave from a physics/chemistry teaching position for about a year and half now. I guarantee that when I go back I'll be a much better teacher just because I've gained perspective from being away from it for awhile. If you get the opportunity to make lots of extra dough while you're learning that perspective . . . all the better!

BTW, while being away from full time teaching I've been able to do some tutoring and now I have two "homebound" students. (They can't go to school because of anxiety disorders so the school pays me to facilitate their educations at home.) I guess my point is that there are ways to stay involved with school/students without going back full time. Best wishes!

PennyPincher · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2005, 12:46 PM

Oh, 34...I do. I tutor several students in math, AND I teach for Princeton Review on the side, helping prep kids for the SAT. That sure kept me busy early this year with the new SAT.

There was an allure of the 'business world' when I was in teaching. Now I realize what I had, and will be excited to return. It seems that for many of us who have taught, there's just something inside. It doesn't go away... I think that's a good thing.

txjman · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2005, 08:15 AM

I am turing down a job for more money this morning. I recently started a new job, and I am really enjoying myself. I also see a bright future ahead with this company. I would hate to throw all that away if there is a chance of being unhappy. I have been there and it is miserable. I think if your finances can handle it, you should do what brings you the most joy.

kashi · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2005, 09:53 AM

txjman said, "I think if your finances can handle it, you should do what brings you the most joy."

I think that is a wonderful, wonderful sentiment.

PennyPincher · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2005, 11:48 AM

It sounds so wonderful to do what brings the most joy, but the reality is that earning $25,000 more per year right now may give us the opportunity to provide more for our kids (that we don't have yet), and bump up savings and retirement. My plan is to continue for a few years ~ after all, an extra $100,000 over 4 years is incredible ~ and go back to the books someday to teach. My fiance is in the Navy now, and doesn't make alot of money ~ When he gets out next year and can earn more than $22K, other things may be possible... Who knows.

newdawn · #7 (**permalink**) 04-11-2005, 02:05 PM

Hi, I think you need to have a plan, and work towards it. That may involve allowing your passion to smolder for a few years while you put your finances in order. It may also mean going for it, find finding something else to do that will bring you more income.

You are on the right path. Aiming to do what you love, ultimately. I'm afraid no one can give you the answers on a plate. Follow your instincts. You will know when you are ready to go for it. If you cannot take it anymore, maybe it is time...

Best wishes

singinjeannie · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 05:56 AM

I work only for the money, as you'll probably find many Mom's in part-time jobs do. I'm leaving what I have a passion for (my kids) so we don't have to file bankrupcy. My DH has a job that he has a passion for and it doesn't pay enough to pay the bills.

His working at a job he has a passion for is kind of a mixed bag of Blessing / Curse. "What a nice job" that gives him Peace and a sense of being fulfilled, and brings us a great deal of financial stress at the same time.

mom-from-missouri · #9 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 06:32 AM

Just dont let yourself get in the same job rut that I have been stuck in for over 20 years. Then you start looking at it different-such as, If I leave now, I wont get a decent retirement and wont be in a new job long enough to get a decent retirement, or I am to old to learn a new job.....

newdawn · #10 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 12:41 PM

Working for money is a sad place to be, if you have paid your dues (say 10 years or so) and there is still no sign of freedom.

The journey to freedom has to do with having a dream, talent and a plan.

There is not short cut to freedom. It is a long hard road. I never said it was easy. You can make it, if you try. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step

Best wishes...