Getting a new job is one of the most exhilarating experiences, especially if it happens to be one’s dream job that pays well.
While commitment and passion are integral to doing well in one’s career, people are looking for better positions in more prominent companies because they have a better pay package.
However, sometimes you find that a hefty pay package is not everything. This is especially true for those who have spent quite a few years in the industry and now want to stay at a job they love, regardless of the salary.
And many novices are also accepting jobs that pay less for several reasons of their own.
After all, as Uncle Ben said, with great power comes great responsibility! Similarly, with a bigger paycheck comes a considerable amount of stress.
With every promotion and increment you enjoy, your job responsibilities increase, which could lead to stress, anxiety, and physical problems.
It would be best if you looked into all aspects of your life to make this decision so there are no regrets later. It will be wiser to regulate your thoughts before considering your options in deciding.
Should I Take A Lower Paying Job To Be Happier?
The question of whether one should accept a low-paying job because it is less stressful is purely a subjective one.
Whether one should do that depends on various factors and the lifestyle that an individual wants to lead. Here are some situations when considering taking a low-paying job.
Also Read:- 18 Highest Paying Remote Jobs
1. When You Want to Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Health
Too many people complain that their life is stuck in a rut after spending a few years in the corporate sector. Their well-paying, high-profile jobs often become monotonous when they have to undertake the same routine daily.
Sitting for long stretches in front of the computer or being engaged in hefty physical tasks in unsafe work environments- can be detrimental to one’s health. The physical stress soon starts affecting one’s mental health as well.
You might become irritable and exhausted as you start missing out on your sleep or have to work extra hours to handle last-minute projects.
It can be very debilitating to stay in this stressful environment for an extended period; after a point, even a hefty paycheck loses its charm.
In such instances, taking a low-paying job with a less chaotic work environment and less work pressure is all right. You won’t be around to enjoy all the money you make unless you pay attention to your health, which should always be a priority.
2. When You Want to Move to Be Closer to Your Family
Family is important for many and staying close to family and prioritizing them in a healthy work-life balance is crucial.
You might make much money but might have to stay in another city, away from family and friends, to make that happen.
Suppose you are missing out on precious moments with your family and want to move back. In that case, it is perfectly all right, even if your city does not have equally high-paying jobs. There is no use living a life of regrets, and all the money in the world will not be able to reduce your guilt when that happens.
3. When You are Staying at a Place With a Low Cost of Living
If you are staying at a lower cost of living, it is okay to accept a low-paying job. You won’t have much trouble maintaining the lifestyle you want and will still save some money.
It is a good idea to research the market trends in the neighborhood to figure out the cost of utilities and other living expenses. It will also give you an idea about price appreciation and further price increases in the region so that you can make a more informed decision without putting your finances at risk when you accept a low-paying job.
4. When You Want to Quit an Abusive Work Environment
Working in an abusive work environment for a bigger paycheck is one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Even if you need the money, you can accept a low-paying job to get out of the situation and start looking for better opportunities elsewhere.
You might be forced to work in an environment where the employer refuses to follow OSHA protocols and puts their employees at risk.
Or, you might be facing racial or gender discrimination and feel unsafe being around certain coworkers because of direct bullying or passive-aggressive behavior. In such cases, it is right to accept a low-paying job to get out of the situation.
5. When You Want to Make a Lifestyle Change
More and more people are now opening up to the possibilities of leading a minimalist lifestyle. They are downgrading to two-room apartments from lavish family homes. They are cutting down on consumerism to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Not only does it save money, but it also frees you from the constant pressure of putting up appearances. You no longer want to drive around in your expensive car and have found a new love for biking and hiking.
These lifestyle changes will also result in reduced expenses, and you can settle for a lower-paying job that will lead to less stress. The transformation that you undergo by lowering dependence on material things will have long-term benefits in your life.
6. When You Want to Change Industries and Start Afresh
After spending a few years in the industry, you might feel the need to change sectors to understand your true potential. You might want to figure out your true calling or start afresh because you are gradually becoming disappointed with your present job.
In such cases, you will have to start afresh, and like any junior employee, you will also have a start with a smaller pay package.
However, if this is really what you want and you see it as a learning opportunity, settling for lower pay might be worth it. Recovering money get’s a little easier once you start getting increments in your new job by performing excellently.
You will do what you love, resulting in far more stress and anxiety.
7. When The Other Perks are Better
Sometimes, a job may offer a lower take-home salary, but the other perks and benefits are more than makeup. For example, flexible work hours can leave you ample time to pursue your hobbies.
If you want to take more breaks or work from other locations frequently because you love to ski, surf, or hike, then even a lower paycheck is worth it. Or, it has a wonderful training program, and you can upgrade your skills quickly when you work and train simultaneously.
Maybe your job allows you to travel and bears all the expenses. You can always go back to looking for higher-paying jobs, but on such occasions, even a lower paycheck is worth it.
8. When Your Current Finances are Secure
Once you have ensured your finances are secured and have all the essentials in place, it is outstanding if you want to slow down and accept a lower-paying job with less stress and fewer responsibilities. Maybe you have already paid off your mortgage, or your children are already in college.
Maybe you already have a good pension plan, and your insurance is taken care of. Once all the essentials are met, there is no need to put yourself through the daily grind of rigorous 40 hours work weeks for hefty pay. You can allow yourself to take it easy.
9. When You Want to Work and Study
Accepting a lower-paying job can be worth it if you want to work and study simultaneously. Jobs that pay more also have greater responsibilities, which might leave you with very little time or energy to study at the end of the day.
However, suppose you look at the larger picture and feel that studying and getting an additional degree will help you much more in the long run. In that case, accepting a lower paycheck at present is worth it.
You might have to live on a tight budget for now, but you will have a much better job and lifestyle later, thanks to your extra study hours.
Downsides of Accepting a Low-Paying Job
However, there are certain cases where it might not be okay to accept a low-paying job. Here are some scenarios.
1. You Might Face Salary Discrepancy
When you are being discriminated against then accepting such a low-paying job in not fair.
You and your colleagues might work in similar positions on similar projects and deliver the same quality of work.
And yet, if you are paid less because of gender or racial discrimination, it is not okay. You may ask the hiring managers about it or look for another job.
2. You Might Have to Put Your Life on Hold
Accepting a lower-paying job would also mean that you have to let go of certain lifestyle choices. You will have to admit that you might not be able to upgrade to a bigger house when the baby arrives or would not be able to drive your dream car.
If you are seeing that your friends and colleagues are doing better than you, it will stress you out often. Hence, it would be best to work through these emotions when you accept a low-paying job, or you might end up disgruntled.
3. You Might Have to Work Longer Shifts
Accepting a low-paying job is not okay if you have to work longer hours to make a certain amount of money. That will become counter-productive. Your employer might also exploit you by giving you more work and paying you less. If you do not have any other job and are in need of money, this is acceptable.
If you are already putting in extra time and effort, you might as well get paid for it and look for better-paying jobs instead.
Conclusion
Whether you should accept a lower-paying job or not is purely a matter of choice. It does not matter as long as you are happy with your decision.
Studies have shown that stressful jobs can lead to lower life expectancy, and a point comes when you aren’t inclined to enjoy the fruits of your hard-earned money.
One might have given a good life to their family but missed out on spending time with them. Stress can also lead to diabetes, weight gain, and insomnia, affecting your health.
So, settling for a lower-paying job in a smaller, less-chaotic work setting with fewer responsibilities might not be a bad idea.
