Leaving a job you enjoy for more money

[Anitawiglit12]

I work in a minimum wage role in a care home which I enjoy. I have grown very attached to the residents and I enjoy the actual work.sadly it’s minimum wage 24h a day 365 days a year. I also do some TA cover work which is minimum wage too. I do a 44 hour week in order to make it up to 21k per year but I don’t actually get that much because I don’t get paid in full if I’m off sick or on holiday.

I’ve got another interview tomorrow for a school based role on 24k actual salary, 37.5 hours.

Living on minimum wage is possible, but not easy. I am 30 and have a degree and a master’s, I feel a bit like I am selling myself short even though care work is an incredibly underpaid and demanding job. It’s a shame it’s so under valued in society.

I feel guilty though about leaving and I know I’d miss the residents a lot. Life isn’t all about money but it does help when you’re comfortable.

What would you do?

I'd take the better paid job.

Yes, money isn't the be all and end all. But, I think that's only after a certain point, ie when you're salary is above average. Below that, life is stressful.

Yeah, you’re right. We’re told to only spend 30% of our salary on rent, if that were my case I could only afford a house share on my own, luckily I share with my partner.

Go for the other job. Good luck!

Thank you. I may not get it but I’ve applied for a few on that salary. I think 44 hours a week is too much as well.

Definitely go for the other job. Also, you sound like a lovely person. Best of luck .

Please be kind to yourself and follow the dream. Life awaits you

Go for the better job
You could always visit residents in some of your new-found spare time!

Go for the other job. Don't even think in terms of how much you like the job, there are decent jobs out there that you might enjoy and don't pay a pittance. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. It’s helped me to make the decision.

Good luck @Anitawiglit12. Hope your interview goes well. Sounds like, if you are offered/accept it that you would could have a better quality of life too. The boring bit... don't forget to allocate a set amount to pay into an additional pension for your future financial security. 🌹

Thanks very much!

Good luck Anita

Thank you!