“Should you take a job with less pay?”
Money shouldn’t be your only reason when deciding on your career, and taking a job solely based on pay might not be a good idea.
Your potential employer can sense if you are passionate about your role, and if you are not, you won’t get far in your career.
“During a interview, if the candidate is only concern about the pay. It can have negative long-term implication to the team. This will be a big red flag during hiring.”
A.C.
Why You Should Not Work Just For Money?
When you work just for money, or to determine if you are going to accept a job based on pay alone, no matter how much you earn, it will never be enough.
Even if you get a high-paying job, you will still feel underpaid and dissatisfied with your job, which makes you unfulfilled and unhappy.
Job seekers should be motivated by the opportunities and passion they have in the job, as money can lose its attractiveness rather quickly.
Happiest Jobs In The World
According to studies, here are the 30 happiest jobs ranging from lower-paying jobs earning less than $50,000 per year to upwards of more than $100,000 per year.
| No. | Job Title | Median Salary | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teaching assistant | $26,243 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 2 | Ultrasonography | $33,393 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 3 | Sound engineering technician | $35,401 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 4 | Early childhood education teacher | $35,963 | Associate degree |
| 5 | Esthetician | $36,707 | Associate degree |
| 6 | Event planner | $40,666 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 7 | Contractor | $45,957 | None |
| 8 | Heavy equipment operator | $47,580 | None |
| 9 | Recruiter | $48,925 | Associate degree |
| 10 | Property Manager | $51,229 | Associate degree |
| 11 | Plumber | $51,776 | None |
| 12 | Carpenter | $53,862 | None |
| 13 | Interior designer | $57,369 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 14 | Marketing Consultant | $59,493 | Associate degree |
| 15 | Facilities manager | $62,769 | Associate degree |
| 16 | Executive chef | $63,325 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 17 | HR manager | $69,221 | Associate degree |
| 18 | Aircraft Mechanic | $69,472 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 19 | Surgical technologist | $69,725 | Associate degree |
| 20 | Physical therapist assistant | $70,904 | Associate degree |
| 21 | IT consultant | $75,883 | Associate degree |
| 22 | Accounting manager | $77,979 | Associate degree |
| 23 | Dental hygienist | $78,974 | Associate degree |
| 24 | Real estate agent | $90,687 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 25 | .NET developer | $95,312 | Associate degree |
| 26 | Finance manager | $97,916 | Associate degree |
| 27 | Network Engineer | $98,068 | Associate degree |
| 28 | Software engineer | $108,981 | Associate degree |
| 29 | Chief technology officer | $144,682 | Associate degree |
| 30 | Loan Officer | $176,466 | Associate degree |
9 Reasons Why it is Worth Taking a Job with Lower Pay
Taking a job lower-paying job may be worth it because the new opportunity can sometimes lead to better happiness, higher job satisfaction, and bigger rewards in your career and life.
Below, we will list down a few reasons why it is worth taking a job with lower pay.
1. When the company has better workplace benefits.
Having better benefits is actually very important when considering accepting any job offer. Some jobs can offer rewards beyond monetary benefits.
Types of Workplace Benefits
- Healthcare insurance. Co-paid or fully company subsidized healthcare insurance; medical, dental.
- Paid time off. Days of paid leave you are given to recharge yourself by staying at home or going out for holidays.
- Performance bonus. Bonus paid to the employee based on the company and individual performance at work.
- Paid sick leave. Days where you get paid even when you are not able to perform your work due to medical reasons.
- 401(k) plan, retirement plan. Retirement plan by your employer can help you to plan for your retirement.
- Working Hours. Having the opportunity to work from home, or just having flexible working hours cannot be bought with money alone.
- Office perks. Free breakfast, lunch, dinner, or refreshments provided by the company.
- Employee development programs. Training or development programs that develop employees into more competitive in the industry.
- Gym membership and health wellness programs. Health programs allow the employee to become healthier both physically and mentally.
- Stock, stock options, or equity purchase plans. Stock purchasing plans are provided by the company to allow the employee to purchase the company’s stock at a discount rate.
A survey found that 4 out of 5 employees (79%) will rather have great company benefits than a pay raise.
The importance of company benefit has been found to be the highest amount the younger employees.
- Age 18-34: 89% Prefer better benefits over pay raise
- Age 35-44: 84% Prefer better benefits over pay raise
- Age 45-54: 70% Prefer better benefits over pay raise
- Age 55-64: 66% Prefer better benefits over pay raise
Why company benefits are important when you are considering a job offer?
Better benefits of a company show that the company invested not only in your overall health but in your future development in your career. A good company benefits package can make you feel more satisfied and happier in your work and life.
Metlife Employee Benefit Trends Study, performed in 2020 shows,
- 61% of the employees feel less stress when the company is providing good quality workplace benefits.
- 53% of the employees find company benefits actually improve their financial well-being.
- 49% of the employees say proper company benefits can help them become more successful in work.
2. When you are exploring a new career.
Entering a new field or a new industry when you have little to no relevant experience will often require you to take up a job with less pay.
The change is taking a job in a different career path can sometimes improve your quality of life and provide more flexible working hours, or even allow you to work remotely. These changes can often be worth more than getting a higher-paying job.
Whatever your motivation for exploring a new career, giving up a high salary for a more satisfying role might be the best career decision you can make.
Furthermore, if your new job is a growing field, often you’ll see your salary grow quickly as well.
3. When you are taking a lower paying job for less stress.
People who report making a higher pay tend to face a higher level of stress, while not necessarily getting a higher level of job satisfaction.
Getting a higher pay don’t always makes you feel more happy.
Many high-paying jobs have a high level of stress and demand, and even the best employee can suffer from burnout.
Monday blues are real, but if you find yourself dreading going to work more than normal, or never feeling as happy as you think when you achieved something at work.
You might be suffering from depression.
A bigger paycheck isn’t worth the exchange for your mental well-being, and your job might be the reason.
When this is the case, you may consider taking up a job with lower pay and a better work-life balance.
Since making less money often means making lifestyle changes, many of us often avoid getting a job that pays too low.
Here are the best low-stress jobs that pay well.
| No. | Job Title | Median Salary | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Landscaper and Groundskeeper | $31,730 | None |
| 2 | Web Developer | $77,200 | Associate degree |
| 3 | Massage Therapist | $43,620 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 4 | Genetic Counselor | $85,700 | Master’s degree |
| 5 | Wind Turbine Technician | $56,230 | Postsecondary certificates |
| 6 | Dental Hygienist | $77,090 | Associate degree |
| 7 | Cartographer | $68,380 | Bachelor’s degree |
| 8 | Orthotist and Prosthetist | $70,190 | Master’s degree |
| 9 | Occupational Therapist | $86,280 | Master’s degree |
| 10 | Physical Therapist Assistant | $59,770 | Associate degree |
Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well
4. When you just need a job.
When you are unemployed and need money to pay your bills, it’s better to take a lower-paying job than not to have any job at all.
You will probably feel happier getting paid, than being broke and jobless.
As long as the pay for the job is reasonable and provides you with the experience you’ll need to grow your career.
You can always look for a job with higher pay while you are working at a lower-paying job.
Having less pay is always better than having no pay at all.
There is no reason why you should only start working when you find a job that pays the highest.
Of course, you should always try to negotiate for higher pay, but often the pay you are offered will be determined by many factors.
Understanding the average pay in relation to factors such as the state you are staying in can be beneficial for your negotiation and allow you to make an informed decision during your job hunt.
Factors that employers consider while determining your salary.
- Relevant skill. Pay is directly proportional to the number of relevant skills you have in bringing to the job.
- Experience. Pay is directly influenced by the years of experience you have in the industry and your job role.
- Education. Educational qualifications and certifications will often determine if you are paid at a certain pay range.
- Management experience. People who have experience managing people are often paid higher.
5. When you are taking a lower paying job but happier.
When making less money brings you a higher level of happiness, it makes sense to take up a lower-paying job.
Taking a lower-paying job can be a bad move if you are staying in the same industry or position.
As not all low-paying jobs mean less work and less stress.
But often a lower-paying job in the right industry gives you more freedom at work and less responsibility which allows you to feel less stress and be happier.
Happiness is what we often strive for in our career and life.
PS. Less time required for you to commute to work often leads to a higher level of happiness.
6. When you take priority of your personal life over your professional life.
There are many reasons why your personal life takes priority over your professional life.
You may want to move out from your current city to a neighborhood you really like, or you may want to explore an entirely new country and experience the life of living there.
Often jobs that are away from the city, or from less developed countries pay less money. But the cost of your living is often less as well.
Or you are feeling disrupted and sad in some ways and may want some time and space to sort things out. You may want to switch to a job that requires less demand on your time and energy as well
Whichever is your reason, it is perfectly fine for you to find a job that may pay lower.
Nurturing your mind and finding happiness in life are good reasons for you to take a job that pay less.
7. When you have family obligations.
Family is the most important people in your life, and growing a family means you’ll need to shift your priorities.
- You might be a new mom or dad who is preparing for the birth of a new member of your family.
- You might want to stay at home with your children during their early days rather than paying for childcare.
- You might need to work from home to take care of your elderly parents.
Whichever is your reason, taking a job with less money but with fewer hours away from home can be your answer.
Time with family is often irreplaceable.
The choice of the job you take could mean the difference between being able to be there for your family and relying on a care agency to take care of your family.
8. When your new job has a better job title.
Job title will not only explain your role in the company but also define your importance in the company’s hierarchy. Your job title determines your relevance to the company.
The job title that you hold in your new job, gives the hiring manager a general sense of who you are as an employee.
Although you may prefer to have both high pay and a good job title.
An impressive job title can be more important than the pay, it allows you to command more respect in the company. In hindsight, a good job title will allow you to negotiate a higher wage, and ask for higher pay when you look for a new job.
Can you ask for a better job title?
As a job applicant, you can ask whether the position is newly created, or if there are other existing employees with the same position and responsibility in the company.
If it is a newly created role, the job title is likely to be an element of negotiation, and you can probably ask for a better job title.
Better job title in your resume can have a major impact to your future career prospect and salary range, so it can be worthwhile even when you are getting a lower pay.
9. When you need to keep your current job.
Forced between taking a pay cut or losing your job, it is always a tough decision.
Times can be tough for companies and organizations where they will need to reduce expenses for the company to survive.
Often, many companies may not recover from the tough times and end up closing down the business.
But if you think the company may reward or recognize your loyalty to the business, and you need this job badly.
Taking a temporary pay cut might be a logical choice to make.
Even if you want to take the payout and start a job search, often employers prefer hiring someone who is employed to someone who is not.
When Not to Take a Lower-Paying Job?
Taking a lower-paying job can often be a bad move if you are staying in the same industry or position. Often, if you are taking a new job with the same list of responsibilities and required skill set, your amount of work and stress will probably stay the same.
Not all less paying job mean less work and less stress.
Taking a less-paying job does not always lead to a greater level of happiness.
Understanding the industry and knowing what is your primary priority when taking up any job will be essential for you to make the right decision when accepting any job offers.
Optimal Salary For Happiness
Having an optimal salary does improve happiness and having the right amount of money can leave you feeling less stressed and generally more satisfied with life by providing your general basic needs and wants.
| Level | Human Needs | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physiological Needs | Basic needs such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. |
| 2 | Safety Needs | Basic needs such as protection and safe from violence and maintaining the general well-being of life. |
| 3 | Love and Belonging Needs | Physical and emotional intimacy with your loved ones, ranging from emotional bonds with family and friends to sexual relationships with your partner. |
| 4 | Esteem Needs | Self-confidence and acknowledgment from others. |
| 5 | Self-actualization Needs | Highest level of personal actualization by fulfillment of one’s potential as a person. |
Generally, people tend to feel happier the more money they make because they are able to fulfill most of the basic human needs.
Thus, if you are taking a lower-paying job where the salary is within the optimal salary for happiness, you can be pretty sure more money will not make you indefinitely happier.
Because the higher levels of human needs are not always exchangeable with money.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Explained in Video
Question
Are you willing to take a lower-paying job?
Let us know in the comments below!
Up Next… Best high-paying jobs you can get without a degree!
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