To look for a new job that pays more money?

[leapfrog77]

I left university and found a job in the media industry which was pretty poorly paid but I enjoyed and there was scope for progression. I'm still in the same employment and over the years I have progressed up the ladder and had pay rises but I'm still earning less than what other people I graduated with started on (they mostly went in to teaching and public sector jobs).

I do enjoy my job, I get on with my managers and others that I work with. It's not very stressful so I think that when I've compared my wage to that of my friends I've always had in mind the mentality that my job isn't stressful and "at least I don't have the hassle of taking work home with/super busy days like they do" etc to justify it.

In terms of my disposable income- I manage. I was lucky in that I received my deposit for my flat from my inheritance from my Grandfather and I'm so grateful for that. Overall I live within my means and manage to pay my mortgage and bills, run (an old) car and enjoy a (cheapish) holiday abroad every year for a week with friends. I make my own lunch and take it work rather than buy it every day and am careful with what I buy, my phone is on a sim only £5 per month contract, I go to Aldi for my food, I only go on nights out if it's a friends birthday or wedding. If I was earning more however I'd have enough to pay in to a pension and treat myself to some clothes rather than scouring the sale rail in my local tesco.

I realise that my situation isn't dire. It's comfortable and I think that's why I've become content to just sail along and think "so many people are worse off than me.....I should be grateful that I am able to support myself etc".

Should I think about leaving a job I 'like' to potentially earn more.

Thoughts would be appreciated. Be brutal. I am prepared for the worst. Am I being a spoilt brat or am I just lacking in ambition? Or both?

[LoveTap1664]

To get more money you need to be looking at changing employers every couple of years. While it's possible to stay at a company for years and work your way up the greasy pole it's far, far easier to get more money by changing company.

These days it's the norm to move around all the time and where I work in The City if we get a CV from a 'lifer' that's only been at one firm, unless they've made it to the stratosphere, it's seen as lacking ambition.

[leapfrog77]

Thanks for the reply lovetap. At a bit of crossroads in my life i think and your advice is very helpful

[JsOtherHalf]

Many of my friends or relatives who move firms regularly, always do so for a significant pay rise. They don't fall out with the previous employer as they may well work for them again in the future.

You have outgrown your current role, and to do something you enjoy for more money you will probably have to move jobs.

Good luck.

[Babycham1979]

No offence, Leapfrog, but it does sound as if you've opted for the easy life. There's nothing wrong with that; we all have different priorities. So far, it sounds like you've gone for less challenging options in your life, and it's taken you to where you are now.

It's easy to look in on others' lives and envy what they have, but you might not enjoy the reality of years of additional training, unpaid overtime, high pressure and thankless tasks. Getting a job that pays more money might not be as easy as it looks.

Lots of people want to work in the media and, as a result, wages are generally lower than in other less 'glamorous' industries. You might well be able to do the same kind of role in a much less desirable sector and get more money as there's less compatition for the role, but you may like the job a lot less.

I agree with Lovetap though; I made it to Director level by 35 due to a combination of factors, not least my willingness to take advantage of new opportunites and move onwards and upwards. If you're competent and convincing, then being flexible, open minded and ambitious will open a surprising number of doors for you.

[leapfrog77]

Thanks all, all very helpful and telling me what I already knew but didn't want to admit to myself. Onwards and upwards

[CuriouSir]

Do you want to earn more for yourself or to keep pace with others in your circle? Personally, I think it sounds like you have a good life.