What do you prioritise in your career? Money, enjoyment, work/life balance...?

[ladybirdleaf]

I have been thinking a lot about this recently. I've ended up in an office job which pays relatively well for what it is (but hardly megabucks). The work life balance is ok but part time would suit be better. It's not that interesting or enjoyable but it is ok.

It all feels like a bit of a compromise. So with 30+ years left until I retire I feel like I should make a change. But how do I work out what is actually important to me? Should I be going for more money? More job satisfaction in a career that actually interests me? Better hours now my DD is starting school? It all feels like a trade off. What do you/would you prioritise? How do I work out what I should do?

All of those factors in the thread title are important OP.

Can you take on additional projects or get broader experience in your current role? Rather than thinking you have to retrain or get a different job.

For me sanity is the number one. Without it I'll never be able to hold down a job long enough to get any benefit from it! So that means a fairly pleasant working environment with minimum swearing and noise, daylight and being near a window

Hi OP

For me, working full time with 3 kids, my priorities are

1. have enough to live a comfortable life and not having to worry each month about paying for things (essentials).
2. work/life balance allows me to have quality time with my kids and not feel like you don't see your kids in the week 3)excess money after essentials for savings/enjoyment e.g holidays

Work life balance, but DH and I are fortunate to be able to think that way and still cover bills. Then interesting and well paid mixed. It needs to be sufficiently diverting that I'm not chewing my arm off with boredom but I wouldn't necessarily choose more interesting over more money.