The eternal dilemma between money and job satisfaction continues to vex individuals even today. Piyush Bhatia explores the two sides of the debate and narrows in on a common ground
Few are lucky to find a dream job that is enjoyable and also pays well. Most of us are forced to pick between two greatly divergent interests—money and job satisfaction.
At some point in their career, most job seekers are forced to prioritise one over the other. This choice is not an easy one. The big bucks are tempting, but at the risk of being stuck in an uninteresting job. The greatly polarised needs of security and satisfaction are difficult to balance. Countless surveys have been done on the topic, but human psyche is not as predictable.
MONEY MATTERS
Call it pragmatic or just plain practical—but money matters. “The basic requirement of a job is that it should secure you financially. The income should pay the bills and put food on the table. I really doubt anyone can be happy with a satisfying job but an empty bank balance,” opines financial analyst Bhisham Gupta of Zen Solutions.
Money makes the world go round. “Job satisfaction is personal happiness. It cannot be shared. Be it medical bills, education or daily provisions, the family needs money. An individual should secure his or her family first,” adds Gupta. Those at the start of their career mirror similar views. The need to gain independence from their parents and families is great. In the quest for self sufficiency, money becomes a key concern.
Unlike money, which is tangible and finite, satisfaction is a rather ambiguous ideal. “It is foolhardy to chase an ephemeral dream. Job satisfaction is not a constant concept. Hard cash is an assured, while pursuing happiness is usually just a pipe dream,” says Koyal Guha, who picked a cushy finance job with a foreign bank over a free spirited script writing job.
Those prioritising money tend to separate their profession from their passion. “I work to earn money and engage in hobbies for personal satisfaction. The line between the two should remain distinct,” believes Guha.
SATISFACTION SPEAKS
“Most people who take up a job for money do not last. We have observed that they slack off, lose interest and become a liability in the team. Those who work for love of their job are noticeably more dynamic and interested. So our company makes it a point to find recruits who are not joining only for the money,” shares Jeremiah D’Sa, HR manager in a multinational bank. Research analyst Karan Taurani, who works with Pioneer Investment Corp says, “Job satisfaction is a greater priority than money. It directly affects efficiency, motivation and involvement in the job. Money is simply a subset of the same.”
“Most people who take up a job for money do not last. We have observed that they slack off, lose interest and become a liability in the team. Those who work for love of their job are noticeably more dynamic and interested. So our company makes it a point to find recruits who are not joining only for the money,” shares Jeremiah D’Sa, HR manager in a multinational bank. Research analyst Karan Taurani, who works with Pioneer Investment Corp says, “Job satisfaction is a greater priority than money. It directly affects efficiency, motivation and involvement in the job. Money is simply a subset of the same.”
Twenty-nine year old Simran Ahluwalia holds an engineering and MBA qualification. Yet, she is chasing her dreams as a theatre artist. “I spent two years stuck in a job I disliked, for sheer monetary reasons. Ultimately, money can’t hold you to a job. The need for job satisfaction is very great.” Today, she may not be earning the big bucks but is loving her work.
THE COMMON GROUND
“It is not difficult to find a common ground between money and satisfaction. You just need to know where to look. Do your job to the best of your ability. Enjoy it and the money will follow,” shares Shezaan Daya, who works with a reputed chartered accountancy firm.
Psychologist Poonam Mulchandani agrees. “I have seen several cases of patients suffering from stress and anxiety due to inability to prioritise one over another. I always encourage patients to pick personal satisfaction. In cases where the individual is unable to leave a job due to monetary reasons, I encourage him/her to engage in a hobby. Or perhaps find an aspect of their work that complements their personal interest and build on this. However, in most cases, it is lack of confidence that encourages people to pick financial security over satisfaction,” she reveals.
Whether it’s about satiating your soul or lining your pockets, the challenge is to unite these divergent priorities and build on this common ground.
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