Should you choose living with passion and purpose, or stability and security?

Do you go for the career path that pays, or the career path that has more meaning?

Or do these two options have to be mutually exclusive?

Our first email from a reader in the ASK PAUL series tackled the five things you should do before you quit your job. Now check out Debbie’s question and my answer below about something I know many of us wrestle with – purpose or profit? 

Is it acceptable that I want to go to a job where I’ll be happier and feel more fulfilled, but for less money? As I write that, it sounds silly, but there are so many people and LinkedIn articles that talk about how changing jobs is your biggest opportunity for a pay raise, etc. and the selfish part of me wants to make as much money as possible (cough, student loans, cough).

Do you have any words of wisdom or guidance on how to handle this big transition- resisting the money, and going for the happy?

Thanks!

Debbie

My Answer:

Well first of all, you are talking to the guy who quit his comfortable job in marketing to go down a crazy career path of writing, speaking, and offering truth, hope, and hilarity for a living. So you probably know where I stand on the issue. 🙂

However, I know we all fight the battle of purpose vs profit. Even me! (who am I kidding… especially me…).

The fear of a lack of money while pursuing something you’re passionate about is very real. For me it comes in many ways. One, I’m still paying student loans! (double cough with a little flem) Then as well, now I have two kids. The question, and reality of the answer, has gotten really real.

But your question, and especially the way you asked it, really intrigues me.

“Is it “acceptable” that I want to go to a job where I’ll be happier and feel more fulfilled but for less money –”

Very interesting you asked is it “acceptable.”

Not is it “wise”. Not is it “foolish.” Is it “right” or is it “wrong”. No, is it acceptable.

I think that right there says a lot about the thought process and fears many of us face when battling the same career path of passion vs stability –  If I choose to go off the beaten career path — “what will people think of me?”

Will my parents, my friends, my current co-workers who talk behind my back about my decision (and they will), will they think I’m crazy?

And the answer is — maybe.

But then my question is — should we let the perceived reactions and the insecurities of others dictate our future and what we know in our heart is right? 

Because I can hear your heart in this email.

And I have even better news. I think in the long-run if you choose a more purpose-full path, you will make more money! Lots more!

When you choose a career path you’re passionate about I don’t think you’re turning away from making money, you are putting in an investment to make your future returns even higher. In every way.

As you engage in work that more aligns with who you are, you will do better work with more energy and creativity.

You will have a higher ceiling for profit and growth because your engagement levels will be so much greater.

Then on another basic, practical level (because I know those loan payments don’t just magically go away) if you are offered this other job and if your current company tries to get you to stay with more money, I say take that info back to your new job offer and say “Hey, here’s what my current company is offering me. Can you match that?” (or word it however you feel is best).

It doesn’t have to feel like hard-nosed negotiation tactic, but just a “hey this is my reality. Can you make this choice even easier for me.”

Thanks Debbie. Hope this helps!

Choose purpose or profit? Why not both? 

(If you have something specific you want to receive input on, please reach out to me at the All Groan Up contact page. I’d love to hear from you and I’d love to help!)