There have been a lot of changes going on at the company I work for—mostly people leaving for higher pay elsewhere. A few of my co-workers and I started talking about reasons why we would leave a job that we love and people that we like working with. There were mixed answers, but the most popular one was related to money.
It’s interesting that this was brought up because of all the changes that are going on in my life in terms of moving, finding another job, income etc. The whole topic is related to my move. The question to me is, what would you do to live in a city you love and have the lifestyle you desire? Those two things are more important to me than money—so, I wouldn’t stay in this city even if I made more money, or even found a great job. Those things aren’t at the top of my list for life satisfaction. . .but, I wouldn’t take a terrible job just for money, because I know that working (even part time) takes up a lot of mental energy.
Going back to my question of “what would you do to live in a city you love and have the lifestyle you desire?”, I would definitely live in an area that was not at the very top of my list or work at a crappy job for a while —though I’d work toward finding something more rewarding quickly. Being here, and having moved for reasons that are no longer important to me, I realize the things that are most important to me. I really like my job and I like the friends that I’ve made since working there—but those things aren’t enough. Place is really important to me—making sure I have access to the things I love to do, see and experience. Cost of living is only relative to the value you put on what that price includes. Things are worth what people will pay for them—and yes, I would move to one of the most expensive cities in the world (Vancouver is amongst the 3 most expensive in North America, but is 63rd in the world) if I felt like what it had to offer was worth the cost.
I really want to find a job that I enjoy—and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to find job satisfaction, but I’m not willing to live in a city that I hate to do so.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What would you do to live in a city you love and have the lifestyle you desire? Or – would you compromise, and live in an inexpensive city that didn’t offer as much in terms of your lifestyle? What are your deal breakers for a job or city where you live?
That's an excellent question! There are times in the past where I've held jobs that I didn't dislike, but certainly didn't ~love~ – but the compensation (and not always just financial compensation) made it worth my while. I've always wondered if I could do something I absolutely detested on a day to day basis just to give my family a higher quality of life. I think they would rather me be able to at least tolerate my work and us live an "average" life than for me to be stressed & upset all the time, but for us to live in a 5000 square foot house and have every little luxury we wanted.
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I would do the job for some time to save up money till I could do what I wanted. The trick is not to get too comfortable or afraid of leaving said job, and I definitely wouldn't have that problem. Also, I would counter the miserable job with some form of pleasurable work, volunteering locally.
Always, always what I love — no question. Having been in that 'trap' before. I play to work, not work to play. Thanks for the post. Dawn xx
It depends on what your priorities are. I lived in a big city for many years to make money. During those many years I did take a job in a much smaller town, but returned to the big city. My Dad had advised me to take the job because I would always wonder what it would have been like. It was at a time when I was single so the move did not impact others. Now I am in a small town making money on the internet and loving the surroundings. I have a business in town that allows me to work on the internet. Good luck in your search!
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Such a great set of questions! I would not live somewhere I hated (long term). In the past, I have created a pattern of ending up in jobs that I hated and I realize how awful that is to one's psyche and emotions. I don't want to do that again.
I think you have it right…gotta find what it is that is most important to you and find a way to do that in a city/setting that you want to do it in.
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At this point of time, it is no longer easy to look and search for a stable job and I know that many people have difficulty finding one that will fit them and their needs. If you will be asking me this question, I would really grab the opportunity even though I may not enjoy the job at first. i know I will be enjoying it as time goes by and so long as i have goals and dreams in life.
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Well my goal is to be as far away from cities as possible so I would turn it into what would I do to NOT live in the city. I would never take a job that I hated to live anywhere. I think it is most important to do something you enjoy and then the rest of the things will fall in place.
Tough question!! I think for me I'd rather a job that I loved even if it was in a city I didn't like. Right now I love my job (blogging), but I live in such a small area with literally no services. I used to live closer to family in Ontario and loved the area, but I was an accountant and was miserable getting up every morning to go to work. I remember watching the clock and wishing time would just go faster so I could get out of there each day.
Thanks for your comment Stacie. I think the trick for me is to do blogging full time in a place I could love – in different cities, maybe. I learned that being close to family isn't enough for me.
I think that loving your job means more than loving the pay. You are in a place day in and day out and spend more time with your coworkers than your own family (or so it seems) so why keep going if it's not a passion? There's just no reason.
I agree – it does seem like you spend so much time at work that you should really just do it if you enjoy it.
Hard to answer! I love cities and services but I would never accept a job I don't love. I would end up having a depression.
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I know what you mean!
I think there has to be a balance between the two. I prefer to have a job I love, but I also have to think about providing the best for my family. I'd take a job that I didn't love to be able to give my kids the best life I could, but I wouldn't take one that I hated.