Would i be mad to give up my high paying job?

Lamps

Is it worth staying in a job for the money? Im 24, finsihed college last year, arsed about a bit and then landed a 44k a year job. Im in it 6 months now and hate it and have hated it from day 1. i just feel totally inadeqaute, have got no training and havent got a clue what im doing. This then makes me dread going to work and seriously stresses me out.

I would way prefer an average 27k a year job that let me enjoy life a bit better. but i'd feel such guilt for giving up such a well paying job and it would wreck me head.

I just dont know what to do

pyramuid man

Do whatever feels right.
Many would kill to be faced with this dilemma

AARRRGH

I would say give up the job, but as I have gotten older (I'm 29) I have realised the value of money. It's not as obvious when you're young (e.g. you don't have a mortgage.)

Saying all that... if you reckon you can build a good career in another area (and you probably can) I would quit and start over.

I've jumped around between different careers - financial controller, software developer, entrepreneur - and I have no regrets.

Silly philosophy of mine: every decision I make is based on me being an old man, dying in bed - looking back on my life, will I regret making that decision?

AARRRGH

pyramuid man wrote:

Many would kill to be faced with this dilemma

Very true.

99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the world would love to have your dilemma.

PeakOutput

before you decide to leave you should voice your concerns to the company and see what they say.

i assume your on probation so maybe wait and see if you pass your probation that would be a good indicator of how well you are doing.........if they extend it they will tell you why and you can then ask them to help you get better in whatever areas you feel you are lacking

Lamps

Its not just the financial aspect really, theres lifestyle choices associated.
Either way im good with money and dont waste it so i dont think i'll ever be really tight on cash (we'll hopefully).

I reckon i could land another 30k job and the difference between that and a 44k job after tax isnt that massive...or am i just kidding myself!

I know i wont regret leaving, its what i really want, i cant stand getting up in the mornings and the dread of another day

PeakOutput

Lamps wrote:

Its not just the financial aspect really, theres lifestyle choices associated.
Either way im good with money and dont waste it so i dont think i'll ever be really tight on cash (we'll hopefully).

I reckon i could land another 30k job and the difference between that and a 44k job after tax isnt that massive...or am i just kidding myself!

I know i wont regret leaving, its what i really want, i cant stand getting up in the mornings and the dread of another day

if you hate the actual work then get out of there

if you dont mind the actual work but hate everything around it pressure not knowing exactly whats going on etc etc then make sure that what is forcing you out cannot be solved before you leave.

once you leave your gone but if you ask for help advice or whatever and still want to leave then what have you lost?

Triangle

No matter what i'd always put someone on the path of enjoyment over pay.
Currently i know a few people who are on pretty good pay but at the same time not happy with their jobs. And going home after work (and being able to leave it behind you) is an incredible bonus.

The big things (imo) are:
1) continuous education (make sure you are on a path you want and the business needs/supports)
2) are enjoying it or at least not hating it!!!!!

Money is important, but saying that i have had alot more enjoyment out of earning small amounts in Ecuadorial countries as opposed to 65K+ in first world countries.

It's all about preference.........

Nody

Lamps wrote:

I reckon i could land another 30k job and the difference between that and a 44k job after tax isnt that massive...or am i just kidding myself!

Around 600 to 650 euro per month after tax.

ArthurDent

If you can afford to live of less and not have your head melted - no contest imo.

Tom Dunne

Triangle wrote:

No matter what i'd always put someone on the path of enjoyment over pay.

Couldn't agree more.

I was in a job I utterly detested - leaving it was the best thing I ever did. Your happiness and sanity are more important than having loads of money.

fret_wimp

Happiness and contentment over money all the time. One of the worst things you can do, at this age, so im told is follow the money over the job.

And besides all that. you spend well over half your day at work. if you dont like your job this means you spend well over half your day miserable. thats no way to live. That's a downward spiral that can get very difficult to pull yourself out of ( i was there , trust me).

Your young enough to get a nice job that will more than pay the rent and allow you to have a good time and still be happy. Follow the happiness dude. 100%

jester77

I'd quit if I was you. Just think 5 years down the line. You are now in a job you don't like and not performing in. Chances are you'll probably be still on around 44k in 5 years and going nowhere career wise. Take a 30k job where you are happy and you'll excel and you'll probably be on more than 44k in 5 years with good prospects ahead of you. Think of it as taking 1 step back to make 2 steps forward.

fatboypee

As was said before, if you hate wot you're doin' get out of there. If its a confidence thing whereby you don't feel up to the task at hand, then the employer has a hand in this so put it to them, explain the situation you're in (in terms that don't reflect badly on what you're currently doing (if poss)) and see what happens.

In the positive light, doing this and explaining that you like it there bla bla bla but you're not sure of yourself/need training etc etc, it will show your employer you are committed and maybe change things around for you.

Give yourself a deadline, still hate it/no training ,no improvement, then go....

As an old git, one thing I've come to realise is to control your own destiny, give yourself a plan and decide based upon the outcome.

As I said, thats if you like the work.....

FBP.

eclectichoney

I have just made a very similar decision a few weeks ago - I was unhappy in my current, well-paid job but I decided to go and do what i wanted to do, even though it means falling back to €20k for a year and doing a masters the following year. After that i should bit hitting the late 30ks again, close enough to where I am at the minute. It was a very difficult decision, as you feel like a failure for giving up a well-paid job (and some 'friends' seem to enjoy telling you what a mistake you're making, giving up such a 'great' job). What crystalised it for me was thinking, 'is being a couple of years further back the pay scale a good swap for 40 years doing a job you actually feel happy in'? I think it answers itself....

Good luck

A Random Walk

You shouldn't be saying to yourself that you will have to take a paycut to move. Try to leverage your current job to move sideways somewhere more enjoyable if you can. This may mean hanging on a little while longer.

e.g. at the interview your opening line will be
"I was Head of Widgit operations at XYZ ltd and I enjoyed the job, but I feel that the Head of Bottle washing position you're offering uses more of the skills I was hoping to develop over my career".

Dundhoone

GIve it a few more months. Six months is still settling in, you cant have relaxed into it yet!!!
That said, even though 44k is great money, sanity and quality of life should come first. You'll have opportunity to make big bucks again occasionally!

carl_

You must have done something right to land a job like that, so I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to find another job with good money *and* to your liking. You'll spend most of your life working so if there's a chance to go after something you're interested in, I think you should take it.

What area of work is this by the way? I'm curious and, honestly, a little jealous that you are earning 44k at 24.