Which Life Would You Choose?

[KingEleven]

1. Work for someone else that is in no danger of having cut backs, going out of business, etc. Work 40 to 50 hours per week doing something you do not love but do not hate. This job would be somewhere you do not hate(where you currently live), but you would prefer to live in different area. Job pays well including some great perks (free food, trips, sports tickets, etc) and benefits (health, etc)

2. Work for yourself in a place you want to live, doing something you love, about 40 hours per week...much less stress (other than paying the bills)

Scenario 1 would pay 2.5 times (maybe a bit more) the amount, PLUS perks

No this is not my exact life scenario, but I am talking about some things w/ a good friend and my Wife about a few things that are going on and want other people's thoughts (especially people older than I, as I believe alot in wisdom as people age and have more life experience) What say you?

*and no GB, I am NOT asking for directions home, just curious what those at THERX think @)

 

[jamesbong]

Is said person currently doing either option? If not, will boths option be there down the line if not chosen now? Or if you don't choose a path now, you'll lose the opportunity?

 

[boss415]

I opt for more free time instead of more money. Busted my balls earlier in life to keep up with the joneses. You can always get things but you cant get your time back.

 

[KingEleven]

Is said person currently doing either option? If not, will boths option be there down the line if not chosen now? Or if you don't choose a path now, you'll lose the opportunity?

said person has to decide SOON which option he/she is going to do and once you pick one, the other option is gone....they are currently doing neither of these exact scenarios (more like a combo of them)

 

[NBAcapper08]

im currently living scenario 1. While free golf at a private course does save me a lot of money, id rather make enough to live happily in a rancher and fish every single day

 

[KingEleven]

I opt for more free time instead of more money. Busted my balls earlier in life to keep up with the joneses. You can always get things but you cant get your time back.

I may have overstated the time as I believe both would require the same amount of hours (or close enuff anyway)...I guess more comes down to more money for less freedom and not enjoying your work as much

 

[Willie99]

Loving your job is a great thing.

Lots of unknown variables in your hypothetical situation. Going out on your own can lead to financial struggles at first, but it's often a risk worth taking as long as you're not taking on significant overhead (elaboration more critical if you are)

But after a few years, you're usually making more money doing something you love

 

[KingEleven]

im currently living scenario 1. While free golf at a private course does save me a lot of money, id rather make enough to live happily in a rancher and fish every single day

so if available to you, you would select #2?

 

[NBAcapper08]

so if available to you, you would select #2?

in a heart beat. if i could make enough to support my son and myself, then that would be the ideal situation. life happens too fast in scenario 1. im working 13 hour shifts there are some days that don't even exist to me.

 

[weezyfbaby]

Option 2 for me. I'm in option 1 but don't have real prospects to get in option 2. Would be great to hear the perspective of someone that's been in both situations.

 

[DNoonan]

if it was just me....sign me up for #2

i stick with #1 for the family/kids

but wife and I talk about bouncing from the states to somewhere in south/central america once the ninos are both 18 and hopefully in college

unfortunately/or fortunately my #1 pays a lot more than 2.5x my alternatives

but I realized a long time ago that you don't get happier with more money once a baseline level of needs are met

just means your wife will spend more money haaaaa

my "1.5" strategy would be to grind at current job while living out of my sprinter RV for like 4-5 years saving all kinds of cash and then moving overseas where the living is cheap and the waves are good.....

 

[Willie99]

I did just that in 1995, and we struggled financially for several years. My wife used to scream at me "get a job". I would respond "relax, I got this".

Now she works for me full-time, and I wouldn't do it any other way.

I love my job, can never turn back. Can't imagine how I would be able to answer to other people

 

[Defying]

So many factors... Work Life balance matters... I think a lot of people wold say #2 without understanding the struggles and stresses that come with it. I think the fact you are asking tells me you do know...

It really depends what you want from your life. Consistency and less stress, I'd take #1.
But regardless, good luck!

 

[KingEleven]

Option 2 for me. I'm in option 1 but don't have real prospects to get in option 2. Would be great to hear the perspective of someone that's been in both situations.

I am in a similiar situation, but the original post was truly about someone else. For me, I live in CT, own a business and am very happy and I answer to myself (I do have biz partner) BUT i AM moving to "just because that's what I think my family and I should do" ....I have been bought out by my partner.....I am moving to NC and will be working for him through until May 1st (I'll be working from home) At this time either one of us can part ways (I can part ways anytime with 2 weeks, he cannot) or we can continue to work together. I have a very lucrative job offer here, more money than I have ever made in one year would be my salary plus lots of perks and I mean lots. I thought about it, I have to admit, but cannot shake the feeling that I will not be happy. 'gotta do my own thing, be myself.......I've worked at places "I didn't belong" for good pay an was not happy, so why would that change now?

 

[Knightrofins]

Option #2 easily. Choosing your hours and not having a boss is awesome!! However, your work BETTER get done or you can waive bye bye to option #2

 

[$tinky]

Well the saying is if you love what you do its not really work. I think option 2 is the best option. I'll add a warning though. I've had two jobs since I graduated from college. I loved doing both jobs but got burned out on each. I think even when you "love" doing something you're never gonna really love the idea that you "have" to do it.

 

[MattyMatt]

if it was just me....sign me up for #2

i stick with #1 for the family/kids

but wife and I talk about bouncing from the states to somewhere in south/central america once the ninos are both 18 and hopefully in college

unfortunately/or fortunately my #1 pays a lot more than 2.5x my alternatives

but I realized a long time ago that you don't get happier with more money once a baseline level of needs are met

just means your wife will spend more money haaaaa

my "1.5" strategy would be to grind at current job while living out of my sprinter RV for like 4-5 years saving all kinds of cash and then moving overseas where the living is cheap and the waves are good.....

Like the sounds of this...

don't forget about me!

 

[KingEleven]

Like the sounds of this...

don't forget about me!

rich guys like you can survive anywhere Matty in any situation....lol

 

[VIEJODINOSAUR]

Scenario one....

If you work hard and provide for your family scenario two is just around the corner....