Job dilemma. What’s more important? Salary or liking what you do?

[Whenyoureanaddams]

I don’t want this to be too outing but I’d love some guidance here.

I’ve worked for the same organisation for many years. I worked in one dept for the majority of the time. The job became so boring and there were a lot of parts of it that were very dry (document control, auditing) which I really dreaded doing but I worked with great people.

I eventually moved to another dept to a much more interesting job, more money but I find the people not so nice.

Now original manager is back in touch, new role has arisen back in my old team but almost exclusively doing what I previously disliked but it’s a 5k payrise and back working with a great team and hours that suit me better.

I keep reading the job description and sighing as none of it excites me (all document control, audits) it’s a new job as nobody could motivate themselves to do it before! It’s always the last thing anyone wants to do.

what’s more important? Liking the job or the team/ money/ hours?

I wouldn’t do it. It’s hard to be happy at work if you don’t have any interest in it and you don’t feel enthused or inspired about even a small part of the role. I’d put my energy into trying to find a different job that was more suited to my skills and interests (and ideally with a higher salary too)

For me liking the job is better than money because all the reasons you disliked the job last time will still be there, on the other hand you have to work with people and working with people you like is always more pleasant than working with people who you dont get on with do a pros and cons list on each job and see which one wins

It depends.

if you are struggling to pay the rent/mortgage and need money to stay afloat, then go for the money.

if money is OK then you have the luxury of going for the job you enjoy.

Whichever I don't have.

Unless you desperately need it, the extra money won't be worth the mind numbing effect of the job but how much do you miss the people and the atmosphere?

How much, with the extra £5k, will the salaries compare? The ideal is liking your colleagues, having an interesting job and earning a good enough salary for you. But most people probably have to compromise a bit on one or more of these. What matters most to you?

I was was a similar position last year , i did a fair bit of admin which I didn't like at all so when the chance came up I opted to step town from that role and go back to the job I use to do ( within the same company) its,a pay cut and a few less hours so money wise I am worse off but it means I like going to work and when I clock out I am done , rather than been expected to answer calls / emails etc .

Are you good at admin and don't really enjoy it, or is it that you're not good at it and avoid it ?

If it's the former, I'd be tempted to go back to your old team. £5000 payrise, good hours and good team mates are all very positive. Are there any other side aspects you could get involved in or company wide initiatives you could also be involved in to relieve the tedium?

Thanks all. I’m very good at admin, that’s not the issue. I just don’t enjoy auditing, planning audits. Part of it is carrying out Gap Analysis (I’ve never done this) so there are parts of the job I wouldn’t have a clue where to start with. Creating registers of legislation etc. It all sounds so….dry.

what’s your long term career goal?

the new job is a role no one wants - why? Can you bring efficiencies to the process? You already know the drawbacks, can you think of ways to improve it?

personally I am in my 20s so I would take the higher paying job by default. I’d only take a lower paying job if it’s a job that will accelerate my career. Ultimately though, there are 100s of jobs out there so these 2 roles don’t have to be your only options - neither sound suitable frankly

there is always a risk of leaving a job/team then returning btw - things might not pick up where you left, dynamics might have changed, some people may think they’re more senior than you, some people may think you’ve come crawling back etc.

I don't think either of these are the right job. Stick with the one you have and look for another. In this instance I would move forwards not back.

Alternatively if you need the money I'd play on the fact that no one else wants the job and they probably can't easily hire in the expertise. Unlikely they could recruit externally for 5k more. I'd reply saying you would return to try it for 10k per year more. Call their bluff. Make your move from there.

In your circumstances I wouldn't take that job. I moved roles in October and I really dislike what I'm doing - it sounds a little similar to that one in fact, all checking and rechecking and making sure everything is present and correct. That wasn't what I applied for. It's an aspect in this team I wasn't expecting to become my sole purpose.

The money is great and if I can find a similar role for the same pay I'll go for it. I don't have the luxury of completely dismissing the financial aide of things!