What would you pick, money or happiness?

[dmm26]

So I've been confronted by my girlfriend that eventually she would like me to quit my job as a foster parent. I really don't have a problem with it, my problem is now that she's pushing me to get back into the trades. I was a painter for a few years and I liked it alright but it was never totally my cup of tea. So my gf suggests why not become a plumber? But then at the age of 30 I would have to start all the way from the bottom and work my way up and in my mind that's BS!

So I said to her that I think I should play to my strengths and passion and go work in a group home in a few years after I go back to school for a few things and at the same time she'll be done with her schooling. The thing is, is that I would make less money than if I were to go into a trade. About $8000 a year less.

As of right now I'm pulling down pretty good coin and I would ultimately make less than that with switching to a group home not a whole lot less maybe $3000 a year less.

But anyway what would you fine gents here do in this situation? Go for the cash or be happy with the job you have?
I'm already sure of what I want to do I'm just more or less wanting to make sure I'm right!

 

[luvmysuper]

It's been my experience that if I'm not happy with what I'm doing job wise, I'm really not happy with anything else either.
Is that worth 20 bucks a day? - YMMV

 

[DavyRay]

There are too many choices here. First, you are not locked into a career at age 30. I laugh at the thought.

Do what makes you happy. If ***** makes you happy, and your gf supplies it in full, okay. If money makes you happy, go for the money. If other things make you happy, go for them.

Life is short. Grab what you need.

 

[rickboone1]

Quite honestly, if it were me, I would dumb the controlling girl and find someone else. Sorry if that seems harsh and all, but just reading between the lines of what you've written here I'd have to tell you to move on. You have a stable, well-paying and satisfying career and life. Do you need to be unhappy just because some lady friend says so?

 

[Slash McCoy]

So I've been confronted by my girlfriend that eventually she would like me to quit my job as a foster parent. I really don't have a problem with it, my problem is now that she's pushing me to get back into the trades. I was a painter for a few years and I liked it alright but it was never totally my cup of tea. So my gf suggests why not become a plumber? But then at the age of 30 I would have to start all the way from the bottom and work my way up and in my mind that's BS!

So I said to her that I think I should play to my strengths and passion and go work in a group home in a few years after I go back to school for a few things and at the same time she'll be done with her schooling. The thing is, is that I would make less money than if I were to go into a trade. About $8000 a year less.

As of right now I'm pulling down pretty good coin and I would ultimately make less than that with switching to a group home not a whole lot less maybe $3000 a year less.

But anyway what would you fine gents here do in this situation? Go for the cash or be happy with the job you have?
I'm already sure of what I want to do I'm just more or less wanting to make sure I'm right!

The Doctor is <IN>

Follow your gut. The choice you instinctively make is very likely the right one for you and the one that will prove most satisfying in the end.

Five cents, please.

 

[htownmmm]

I would not allow a gf to dictate a life decision; a wife, yes.


marty

 

[Mycon]

As long as it's enough to keep food in the fridge and a roof over your head, then I say go for your passion. That said, if you are perfectly happy where you are and are simply considering a job change because she is pushing the idea, then you should examine the relationship.

 

[Sue]

Happiness and money can't buy it. Search your own heart and do what makes you happy. You either care for another for who they are or you don't.

IMHO no one should dictate what another adult should do with their life, why do you have to change to make her happy? What is next on the list of changes you should make?
Sue

 

[Scott0079]

I would not allow a gf to dictate a life decision; a wife, yes.


marty

+1....and a good wife will not dictate just offer support, emphasis on the good.

 

[dmm26]

She's not dictating, just throwing out suggestions. She's behind me whatever I choose to do! I'm inclined to agree with her about the kids though. After awhile I'll want my house back to the way I want it and not have to tell them not to be or to be doing something all the time. I just needed help deciding what to do. Some people choose money some people choose happiness, I'm more inclined to choose happiness, as so far it seems to be working. When I chased money working on the rigs it just sucked!

 

[Big Kev]

Do what makes you happy. Life is too short to be pissed off every day regretting what you could have done.

I spent some time working at a youth correctional facility. I worked with adults before that and hated the adults. The youth I worked with were 15 to 21 years old. I was able to see progress in their behavior that I rarely saw with the adults. It was so much more satisfying than the adults ever were. And it was good money for what I was doing. I left there for my current job. I am not as happy but I have a better career path with what I am doing now. Lots of room to move up, I did not have that working with the kids.

Now I just need that pesky economy thing to improve so I can start moving up...

 

[mdunn]

people who say money cant buy happiness just dont know where to shop

Spoiler

seriously though, do what you enjoy doing

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd go with happiness. I've had a miserable well-paying job, and it was miserable. Do what makes you happy as long as it makes ends meet. Don't suffer for money, you can always cut back on expenses.

 

[Shave A Buck]

I have to say money is happiness most times. The only thing it can't buy is poverty. Besides, chicks dig it too.

 

[rm71]

Nothing worse than being in a job you hate IMO. Money isn't everything.

 

[ackvil]

There is no easy answer and, no doubt, you will question whether you made the right choice no matter what you choose.

 

[coyotewhisper]

Moneyand the quest to make it will not bring you happiness. You must follow your heart not your wallet. At 30 you have the world by the tail. Do what makes you happy.

 

[HokieGeek]

Nothing sours life more than working a job you hate. What's the point?! Why make so much money to spend most of your day miserable?

Besides, more money simply adds to complications and clutter. This might sound funny coming from an AD stricken fool as myself, but lately I've been trying to reduce the crap in my life. Makes things so much simpler.

 

[tg16]

Go for the happiness. You'll live healthier and longer.

 

[dmm26]

But I find it's easy to say "it's only money" when you have it. When your struggling to make ends meet, money is all you can think about.

Yes money can complicate things, but it can also bring you piece of mind (a.k.a happiness) As in I know I can walk out the door today and buy whatever I want, be it a new watch, or a greasy big mac, or a new cell phone if I choose. I also know I have all my bills paid, food in the fridge, and a roof over my head at night. There are a lot of people that don't have that luxury.

I've lived poor before and I never want to have to go back to that ever! but now looking at the situation I have right now. I think if I make the right moves that I should be able to maintain my standard of living without much sacrifice, other than a little hard work and juggling on my part

Thanks to everyone so far for the re-assurance