I have two job offers. One is for an organization whose mission and purpose I can get behind. I think I will enjoy the work. However, it pays nearly $30,000 less compared to the other job offer. Do I go with the money or the purpose in choosing the opportunity?

Answer:

Let’s be honest for a second. We all work to make enough money to satisfy our needs and maximize the number of wants we can comfortably afford. Compensation is usually at the top of the list when it comes to determining what job we decide to pursue.

However, what you do every day for that money is vitally important to your longevity on the job and your ongoing mental health and well-being. If you do a job you hate just for the money, there will eventually come a time when the money won’t matter. You will do whatever you can to break free from the bad job situation, regardless of how much money you make. You spend the majority of your time each day at work. If you are unhappy during this time, it will affect you, your family, your everything!

So we say in this situation do your best to balance everything as much as possible. Go to the organization paying less and negotiate. See if they can go up on their salary offer a bit to make the decision not so difficult. Also, see if you can negotiate non-salary benefits that might benefit you. Can you get an additional week or two of vacation? How about other benefits like student loan payments or lower health care costs? If you can find creative ways to save money and minimize the salary difference, the easier it will be for you to make the decision.

As you can probably see, we would encourage you to go with the opportunity you feel will be the best fit for you emotionally first. The option that will challenge you and allow you to enhance your skills secondly. Lastly, what offer provides the best overall compensation (salary, benefits, perks, etc.). If you do what will make you happy and excited about going to work each day, your performance will be at its best, and you will inevitably set yourself up to make more money and enjoy the work even more as you progress in your career.