Stay For The Money (Day 21)

In a random conversation the talk of money came up - of how much could be made in a particular industry. The advice: Stay for the money, learn as much as you can, you can make $120,000 a year. Is this ever a reason we should stay with an employer if you don't feel fulfilled in your work? I remember the very first job I've ever had - it was working at an optometrists office filing away papers and pulling charts. All day I'd sing the alphabet through my head. I also remember getting my first review. It wasn't necessarily positive - I preferred to talk to the people that worked there - I've always had an interest in people, and I've always enjoyed engaging in conversation. So I got my review and remember feeling like that job just wasn't for me.I actually remember every job I've ever worked. My favorite one as a child was working with children. I was still in high school and I worked at the Urban League in Newark. I have no idea if that place is still around today, but it was a summer daycare/camp for inner city youth. The kids enjoyed our company because we'd talk to them, play cards and uno, and take them outdoors on the play set. Urban League in Newark was my second job.Then I worked at Newark public schools - this was a love hate relationship. I hated working with paper, and I learned that with my first job filing things away. But I enjoyed taking photos - this job I had while still in high school and worked on certain days after class.While in high school I also worked for Girls Scout. I was a recruiter, visiting Newark schools and starting up Girl Scouts for different age groups.I can go on and on about all the jobs I've had but all the ones I've always enjoyed were the ones that didn't require micro management, and allowed me to interact with people while still using my creative skills.

This is what attracted me to industrial design.

So the question comes: Should Someone Stay For The Money? Many people want a yes or no answer but there may be a grey area. My answer: It depends on one's circumstance. If you have a family to feed - don't just quit your "day job". Be responsible and honest with yourself. Search for where you want to go and why you aren't satisfied. Look to build a buffer of income, define the things you like and don't like by taking inventory, then build something and network. When I was younger I jumped from job to job and I wouldn't last for more than three months. Most of the jobs were in retail - then my relative told me its frowned upon and I should think about the money that was invested in me being hired - that I should try to stick it out longer rather than just hop around. I've since learned that work is work and it should challenge you to grow.Personally it should never only be about the money. You hear it time and time again that money doesn't buy happiness. If anything, money gives you options. I remember the cubicles I despised, (this one lady had John Legend on REPLAY all day). And my eyes would water up due to all the paper particles in the air that I had to fold up and send out to schools. The was no window and the office lights were really dim. No I do not want to remain in a cubicle space.I enjoy the open environment, collaborations and bouncing ideas with other people. I enjoy working with my hands, searching for inspiration (surfing the web) and being creative. Personally, I'd rather leave the money and do work I enjoy. As they say, build it and they will come (so long as you market it well).Here's an article I found while doing a quick search of staying or leaving your job.I'm curious to know - would you stay in a job because you knew the amount of money you could make would increase?  You can tweet me or leave a comment below.