Kim Connor Streich
This post was written by an external contributor. Sascha Gill discusses why we should consider our financial as well as emotional needs when it comes to our careers.
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that young people want a change of pace when it comes to their careers. We’re all going to be working until we’re at least 67 and a lot more of us are trying to find jobs that are meaningful and we love. Gone are the days of getting one graduate job at the age of 21 and sticking at it until the day you retire.
A few months ago, I wrote an article telling everyone that you should take risks in your twenties. Whilst it’s great that so many people resonated and were inspired by my story, adult life has been teaching me quite a lot about the working world.
What “Millennials” want
It’s no secret that young people have been shaking up the workplace status quo since entering full-time employment. Whilst our parents and grandparents may have been solely focused on salary when they first started working, we apparently value company culture more than any generation that has come before.
Young employees are choosing job satisfaction over money – with many willing to make a large sacrifice in salary in exchange for a healthier working environment. As an anxiety prone generation, it’s no wonder we are putting our health and happiness at the top of our priority list.
In an ideal world, job satisfaction would be the top priority on everyone’s list. Most of us spend more time at work than we do with our own families and friends. So if you aren’t happy in your job, then life could get quite stressful!
What young people need
On the other hand, it’s also vital that we still think about our financial stability just as much as our happiness. Money funds the daily needs and necessities that keep you ticking along. For example, you may love having your avocado on toast for breakfast. However, you do need some money to buy those avocados in the first place!
Amongst our generation, there is a constant struggle between wanting to do a job you love and having enough money to pay the rent. I always used to live by the motto, “If you want to do something, then do it now, because life is short and you never know if you’ll get the chance to do it again.”
Whilst that is still very true, sometimes it’s just not possible. It can take time for the ‘perfect’ job to come along, and sometimes you may need to something to keep you afloat for a short while. I’m not saying abandon your dreams completely, I’m just saying it’s OK to put them on hold for a while.
For example, your goal may be to become a musician. However, if you have to work a few years somewhere else to pay the bills, there’s nothing wrong with that. Many people who are striving towards an artistic or creative profession work other jobs in the short term whilst pursuing their dream on the side, be it in the corporate world, the hospitality sector or retail.
If you live in London and have an extortionate rent to pay, it’s probably not a good idea to take a large pay cut before you have everything figured out. If you do want to wholeheartedly pursue your dreams, that’s cool too; but it’s probably a good idea to put some kind of financial plan in place beforehand.
It comes down to your own priorities
I’m not saying work a job you hate until you become too old to work any longer. However, there’s a lot to be said for taking your time in pursuing your goals. When it comes to the working world and financial stability, a little sensibility can go a long way.
Working a full-time job and pursuing your passions during the evenings and weekends may seem like a tough ask, but if you have enough drive and determination, you’ll be able to make it happen. The world is your oyster, so go forth and conquer it!…sensibly and with some money in the bank, of course.
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