Job Satisfaction vs. Pay: How Do You Decide What's More Important for You?

Job Satisfaction vs. Pay: Which is More Important?

I have a deep confusion regarding this topic. What is more important: job satisfaction or pay? What if I have a good job but I don't get paid well (very little)? What if I have good pay but the job is not so interesting?

Regards

Hello Khifah,

That's the basic/fundamental question everyone has at some point in his/her career. It all depends on the priorities that one has at that point in time when such a decision needs to be made. Suppose my priority today is money [for family reasons or just plain greed or anything else], my natural tendency would be to opt for a high-paying job, IRRESPECTIVE of the job role/content. And this is bound to continue UNTIL my focus on financial constraints eases out. Then my priorities will change to something else—when I may choose a job that has higher content than money. For some, it could be a focus on a specific location—where money may not matter highly or even the job role.

Finally, at the end of the day, it all boils down to: the choice is MINE ALONE, which depends [like I said above] on the circumstances I am in right now. When they change, my priorities change too. That's life, I guess. I recollect an old quote here: Change is the ONLY constant in life.

Hope I have answered your query.

Rgds,
TS

Dear Khifah,

I am sharing my personal opinion on the subject.

20-25 years of age - The job becomes important, and pay is relatively less important.

25-35 years of age - You would have learned the subject, so you will now look for monetary benefits as you are also likely to get married in this span.

35-45 years of age - You will look for both monetary benefits and position, but it will be more on the position rather than monetary benefit.

45 till superannuation - Monetary benefits take more importance because the children will be pursuing higher studies.

As you observe, the priority changes from time to time. But at no point of time does one compromise on taking up a job that is uninteresting.

If you always focus on monetary benefits throughout your career, you will end up being a job hopper, a rolling stone that gathers no moss (knowledge). If you don't gain knowledge, then career enhancement in the later part of your career is not certain. If you stay in an organization too long, your learning becomes saturated, and you will end up working monotonously each day.

On the other hand, if you always prioritize designations and care little about your monetary benefit, you may end up in a small organization with a fancy designation. Hence, your learning process will be stunted.

Always weigh your options in your career before making moves. In my opinion, the maximum number of moves in a person's career can be six between 20 years till superannuation.

Regards,

M.V. KANNAN

Money is to feed physically. Career is to feed psychologically. When one goes to work, both matter. The ratio shifts from time to time.

I think at one point, everyone has to settle with their money, and then they have to work for a great legacy, not just for money. However, this will only apply to jobs that one is interested in.

If you read the subject, you will find "Job" first and then "pay." The reply you may find in the subject. A good job will give you the opportunity to learn many things which will help you to grow your career now and then. But good pay will not assure your career. One day, you will become frustrated with your less important job, and then it will be difficult for you to find a good job because your knowledge, experiences, and age will not match with each other.

From my long-time experience, I can say, please accept a good job first; money will surely come if you learn more.

M. Haque

Under motivation, job satisfaction is rated higher than pay. As you know, there is never enough money. It is, therefore, very clear that if money is your number one motivator, then you will certainly settle for any job regardless of its nature, and this will be short-lived. I, therefore, concur with the opinion of Tajsateesh and Kannanmv. Settle for what will motivate you most.

As far as I am concerned, in the initial stages of our careers, a good job is important. Once we acquire the right knowledge and required skills, money will automatically follow us.

Thank you.