Comments on: There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Job

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 11:19:19 +0000

I definitely agree that it’s better to be doing something that pays well whether or not you actually love the work. One of my favorite articles that discusses this idea comes from Derek Sivers: https://sivers.org/balance Basically, he suggests that people pursue a day job that pays well and use the time outside of the job to pursue your interests, passions, true art, etc. I like this idea because I think it applies nicely to people who are trying to reach financial flexibility relatively quickly – make the best of the journey by earning a decent income at your day job and still do what you enjoy outside of work.

Glad you found this post helpful, Emilie! I’m excited to see where your journey takes you 🙂

By: Emilie @ Wise Mind Money

Emilie @ Wise Mind Money — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 18:13:43 +0000

“You can choose a profession that pays well or you can choose a profession that doesn’t, but either way you’re going to work hard. Why not get paid well for your hard work?!”

I LOVE THIS and it’s something I’ve been thinking about a ton lately. I definitely work hard for pay that isn’t great, and knowing I could be working hard for much better pay weighs heavy. Just have to figure out what that might mean.

I’ve also come to the conclusion recently that NO job is totally perfect, and it’s made me reflect on whether my jobs in my field have really been as terrible as I’ve made them out to be in my mind sometimes or if they are just regular jobs. It’s a lot to think about but some version of that quote about a profession that pays well or one that doesn’t keeps ringing in my head – Ultimately I’d rather do something different that pays well, even if I don’t like it either, than keep doing something I don’t like that doesn’t pay well either. Awesome post, Zach!

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:57:20 +0000

In reply to Arbo. Glad you found this article helpful, Arbo! Best of luck with your interviews :)

By: Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom

Zach @ Four Pillar Freedom — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:56:39 +0000

In reply to Church. It's always good to be learning new skills, growing, developing etc. and if your current job doesn't offer that, it could be a good idea to move on. Job hopping can also be one of the fastest ways to increase income, which I have experienced myself firsthand. I just think there's a tendency to believe the grass is always greener elsewhere. It's rarely true.

By: Angela @ Tread Lightly Retire Early

Angela @ Tread Lightly Retire Early — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 15:43:46 +0000

This is true – to a degree. Though there are definitely jobs that you’ll like more than others. I like my job at least 80% of the time, which is pretty damn good. Hobbies are the same way as well, so even “retiring” from regular work won’t escape from the don’t like parts of work entirely.

By: Frieda | The Frugal Freeway

Frieda | The Frugal Freeway — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:55:51 +0000

I feel the same. When I think about leaving, I consider the good (not great) salary and flexibility I’ve achieved by being at my job for a while. The things I don’t like — pointless meetings, office politics, occasional micro-managing — probably exist everywhere. Also, interviewing eager applicants for the same position I currently hold has given me perspective on the positive aspects of my job. While on the hiring committee, I often say, “there’s no perfect person.” On the flip side, there’s no perfect job.

By: Your Money Blueprint

Your Money Blueprint — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 23:04:44 +0000

Good post Zach. The more you don’t enjoy your job the more important savings rate becomes. Especially if you have a high income, otherwise it is just a waste of your time and effort.

By: Steveark

Steveark — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 18:18:09 +0000

I worked years past financial independence because my job was a lot of fun. I know that is sort of rare and of course not every day was perfect but a lot of them were and most of the time when I woke up on Monday morning I felt good about going to work, and excited about what I’d be doing that day. I listened to that podcast, I love Paula Pant, she’s so smart and funny, and I thought that was very good advice. However I do question staying in a meh job if there is any chance that you could find your dream job. I was lucky, the first and only job I had after college was my dream one. I have part time consulting side gigs now to stay entertained and challenged and they are also a lot of fun.

By: Arbo

Arbo — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 16:47:09 +0000

I’m reading this while waiting in the parking lot for an interview and I really needed to hear this.

I’ve been on a bunch of interviews this week and I’m mentally nitpicking all the jobs on my way home. It’s good to have a reminder that I won’t find a perfect fit.

By: Church

Church — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 16:40:39 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. I don’t think there is a perfect job out there for anyone. Some say the pay is great but the work sucks. Other are happy with their work and boss, but the pay could be better.

To quote your post, “A job is a job. You should at least get paid well for your hard work.” A job with the least amount of bull to put up with and good pay is a keeper (temporarily). But does it beg the question: “Will your career get stale?” “Are you developing new skills?” “Are you challenged or limiting yourself?”

I have a good days and bad days with my job and my managing director is an acquired taste (<= best words I have), but it pays well. My income is the single greatest wealth driver right now, so I just deal with it because I know it will buy back time in the future.

Thanks for posting this. We all can relate.