Satisfaction Versus Money!!!!

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The eternal dilemma between money and job satisfaction continues to vex individuals even today.

Few are lucky to find a dream job that is enjoyable and also pays well. Most of us mortal souls are forced to pick between two greatly divergent interests – many and job satisfaction.

At some point in their career most job seekers are forced to prioritize one over the other. This choice is not an easy one. The big bucks are tempting but at the risk of being stuck in an uninteresting job. The greatly polarized needs of security and satisfaction are difficult to balance. Countless surveys have been done on the topic, but human psyche is not as predictable. 

Money matters

Call it pragmatic or just plain practical – but money matters. The basic requirement of a job is that it should secure you financially. The income should pay the bills and put food on the table. It is doubtful anyone can be happy with a satisfying job but an empty bank balance.

Money makes the world go round. Job satisfaction is personal happiness. It cannot be shared. Be it medical bills, education or daily provisions, the family needs money. An individual should secure his or her family first. Those at start of their career mirror similar views. The need to gain independence form their parents and families is great. In the quest for self sufficiency money becomes a key concern. 

Unlike money which is tangible and finite satisfaction is a rather ambiguous ideal. It is foolhardy to chase an ephemeral dream. Job satisfaction is not a constant concept. Hard cash is an assured, while pursuing happiness is usually just a pipe dream. 

Those prioritizing money tend to separate their profession from their passion. I work to earn money, I engage in hobbies for personal satisfaction. The line between two should remain distinct. When people try to satiate their souls through their career the questions of choice erupts.

Satisfaction Speaks

Most people who take up a job for money do not last. We have observed that they slack off lose interest and become a liability in the team. Those who work for love of their job are noticeably more dynamic and interested so our company makes it a point to find recruits who are not joining only for the money. Job satisfaction is a greater priority than money. It directly affects efficiency, motivation and involvement in the job. Money is simply a subset of the same.

Twenty nine year old Engineer and MBA yet this spunky girl is chasing her dreams as a theatre artist. I spent two years stuck in a job I disliked for sheer monetary reasons. Ultimately money can’t hold you to a job. The need for job satisfaction is very great. Today, this spunky girl may not be earning the big bucks but loves her work. I am proud and involved with what I do. Money and success cannot remain elusive.

The Common ground

Perhaps these seemingly divergent concepts aren’t all that dissociated after all. It is not difficult to find a common ground between the money and satisfaction. You just need to know where to look. Do your job to the best of your ability. Enjoy it and the money will follow. 

Psychologist agrees I have seen several cases of patients suffering from stress and anxiety due to inability to priorities one over another. I always encourage patients to pick personal satisfaction. In case where the individual is unable to leave a job due to monetary reasons he is encouraged to engage in a hobby along with work. Or perhaps find an aspect of their work that complements their personal interest and build on this. However, in most cases it is lack of confidence that encourages people to pick money security over satisfaction. 

The challenge is to unite these divergent priorities and build on this common ground.