Would you take a job that paid 25% less if it was more rewarding?
Asked by obxn8v
I am in a dead-end job as an administrative assistant at a Fortune 100 Company. But, I have an opportunity to work for a well-known, well-respected nonprofit organization. Although the nonprofit is not going to pay very well, I will have the opportunity to work in a field I love. Would you make the switch? 1. My bills are minimal....(College Loan + Utilities). 2. I would be able to work from home. 3. I would have full medical coverage and a 401(k) 4. But, I would lose so much money!!!! What are your thoughts? Thanks - OBX

Best Answer:
I did this 10 years ago. I was an Office Manager for a corporate office and switched to a non-profit as a Program Director at less money. I was able to acquire new skills beyond my admin job and later transferred to bigger non profit that paid more (about $15k more). I was then recruited to another bigger non profit for $30k more a year and became senior management. After that I moved back to a for profit company, not as an admin person, but as a manager/senior level and made another $25k more/year. What I learned is that I was able to get promoted a lot faster in a non profit where one has to wear many hats. My resume is impressive. It wouldn't have happened if I played it safe 10 years ago. Follow your heart and if you love your job, no matter if it's nonprofit or for profit, you would be successful in it! And the success usually end up reflecting in your paycheck.

NO!!
Answered by Jeffrey C

no at the end of the day its money to pay my bills that is important
Answered by Paul S

work from home? is this legit? I dunno.........if I did not need the $...then I'd go where my heart leads me....
Answered by carpediemmaster

saves on petrol, and with minimal bills i would definately go for it.
Answered by Fish

i wouldnt do it. money is more important to me.
Answered by dianee

it would depend how much i 'needed' the money, and would i be willing to give up little extra luxuries in exchange for this new job so i dont really know what id do to be honest, sorry
Answered by Lintu

At this point in my life... i have too many bills and I would have no choice. If it was something i could live off of and live comfortably, and especially if it was something I loved... i would do it in a heartbeat
Answered by Jesus Air Freshener

money does not matter.work where you get more job satisfaction
Answered by bijjee

If I was happier with less money at the job..yes. Personal satisfaction is just as important as money
Answered by rivasj27

It is very important to LOVE your job. Most people think of money first, but then are miserable. I would go for loving my job and getting paid less, and getting valuable experience, if my situation allowed, and it sounds like your allows it. Better to be happy than rich in my opinion.
Answered by Soapflake

If you don't have any dependants and you are financially stable, this is an excellent time to try something like this. I actually did take a job for less once ... a lot less. It didn't turn out too well for other reasons, but I did meet my future husband there and we've been married now for 15 years!
Answered by Emily Dew

If you can take this job AND continue to pay your bills on time, I would save up a few thousand dollars (for emergency's) and go for it! Its just money and if you already have everything you need whats the big deal?
Answered by Jess

This is tough. I first started to say take the lower pay but then I know and you know that money can't buy happiness but it sure helps. The way everything is going up in cost today I would probably stay at the higher paying job.
Answered by BOYD H

I would. People work so they can do the things they love. You have the opportunity to work while doing what your love, more people should be so privillaged. You can always use your new experiece in the field you love to find a better job in the field you love later. Congrats and good luck.
Answered by Vpot

I have asked this question to so many people, I have only had one person say that they would rather make more money then have a job that they actually enjoy. I would say go for the nonprofit job if you feel it will be more rewarding in the end.
Answered by ussbanana

Money has never been 1st with me, so I would say yes! As long as your needs are met and you can live comfortable I would say go for it! P.S. The older you get, the more you realize that being happy is more important than money. If you could get paid to do something that you would do for free you are very lucky indeed!
Answered by forthefun_333

DO IT....If you can factor in 25% greater enjoyment via non-profit do it!! even if you can't, if you hate your job now do not stay another second it's your life get out of the fabric covered box. Corporates will always be around and you can always get another admin job. This is a chance to do something great that will be more lasting memorable than all the decks and paper work at your Fortune 500.
Answered by Smtypnts

already did....was a 18 hour a day diesel bus mechanic for M.A.N. German made buses in the USA...made with over time 120k a year...25 years ago. 24 years ago i switched to a eco-friendly Bayman...my income goes up and down : 20k to 60k a year but its "me".
Answered by Dave F

Absolutely yes! I have done that before and I was very happy about it.
Answered by rjandpj2007

if you will love it, then do it. first rule, if you do what you love at work, it won't be like going to work. there is much less stress at a non-profit - often you will get to attend events for free. you are doing something meaningful and rewarding. and in the end, if you do well, an administrative type person becomes the managers (isn't the management function really administrative in nature?? coordination, good at setting things up, and contacting others?) i'd say go for it, especially if you can afford it - besides 25% less and you are in the 20% tax bracket is only 20% less in your check - if you can cut down on gas by working from home......etc..they will probably provide a computer and pay for your internet.... if it doesn't work out, make sure you leave your old company on good terms, you can always go back - even better, see if they have a 'leave or furlough' program for people who want to commit time to a non-profit. perhaps you can take advantage of that? GL
Answered by patrick m

depends on how much you would be making. Since the average admin makes about $50000 a 25% cut would have you making about $37,500 that's not very much to live on. After fed and state taxes you'd be making about $32000 and with rent for a typical one bedroom at $1200 a month that almost half your income.
Answered by wisemancumth

you have minimal bills. you don't need that much money. you can work from home, no need to pay for transport, better for the environment as well =) medical coverage is very good, save money there if you ever get ill. and, most importantly, you have a job which you enjoy! longterm that is much better. It could stop you getting depressed (in the extreme) or bored. I'd go for it. But a good idea perhaps is to check if you could get your current job back if you ever miss having a little extra to go on holiday with etc. It's what I would do! Hope I helped, follow your heart! Well, it's still following your brain a bit, you can relax at home and all the other benefits which are obvious and which I've already said! Good luck xx
Answered by izzy

omigosh! So many "nos" make me sad!!! Don't worry about the money!!!! The money will come. Do what you love. It's not cliche either. Big deal, so you skip the Starbucks and you might have to buy one pair of new shoes each month instead of two and give hugs for birthday gifts instead of cute cards and bubble bath!!! Sheesh. Do you want to work for a living or live to work?
Answered by Melody

yes! in a heartbeat going to work day in and day out at a job i love is more rewarding than any benefit or raise i could ever be given in my opinion people need to stop trying to make a million working 80hrs a week and relax, enjoy life, be happy! you only get one life so why be miserable working at a job you hate for money to buy stuff you dont really need?
Answered by Judge