Student Q: Have you ever had to make the choice between making more money or being happy?

I’ve been fortunate enough that with every career move there’s been a salary increase. However, from my perspective, I think happiness is way more important than money. The money will come.

– Charnele

I turned down another job offer that was more money when I came to work at SLU. I chose SLU because the people here are just amazing and I didn’t feel that connection at the other university. Furthermore, I knew I would have more opportunities for growth (e.g., teaching new classes, collaborating across disciplines, etc.) at SLU. Ultimately, my happiness is worth more than $9,000. If you end up dreading going to work, is that money going to be motivation enough to get you out of bed every morning? You won’t be doing your best work if you’re miserable. ALWAYS choose happiness… life is too short 🙂

-Jessica Siersk

Absolutely! I don’t think it’s a good decision to pick one over the other necessarily, but to find a nice balance or harmony between the two. We need to make money in order to live, yes, but you also need to be happy in order to live well. This is a decision that’s different for everyone and something each person needs to reflect on for themselves. If you are having difficulty doing this on your own, use a mentor to talk through the process with. It’s always nice to bounce ideas and opinions off someone else who you trust to figure out what is going to work best for you.

-Maverick

Yes. And as long as I can make a living, happiness will win every time. But you need to be able to house and feed yourself, so there are times you may need to prioritize money over happiness, at least in our current economic structure. 

-Jess Prody

Yes,  I chose being happy.  Works for me.  Money isn’t everything in life.  Sure it helps pay the bills or lead a lifestyle you may think you want but in the end, being happy, being content with your life, yourself is most important.

-Ann Pedersen

I worked at a job that I was miserable at, I pushed through until a more favorable opportunity came available. There are options. You are young, everything is temporary, utilize the misery as a teaching tool. Speak with your supervisor about what is making you unhappy, perhaps there are improvements that can be made. What makes you happy, what doesn’t? New jobs, new challenges, are around the corner be patient, better days are coming. Money can’t buy happiness, trust me.

-Suzy Noble