Money or passion?

[Sm412]

Hi all. I'm in a tough spot right now. Need some input.

Currently I am working for a mental health agency and I absolutely LOVE it. Best job I've ever had. I get to work with people who are really struggling, offering hope and strength and helping them achieve their goals. I find it immensely rewarding. I am someone who has suffered from mental health/addictions, and I can really draw on my experiences to help others. I have a high degree of passion for the work. Right now I am gaining experience in the field and working toward my peer support certification.

There is one problem: the pay. I currently make 12.75 to 13.50 an hour depending on the shift (graveyard pays more, day less). Much of this goes toward personal debts. DUI fines, student loans, credit card debts, etc. I'm on a really tight budget and making it month to month is difficult. Once I get my peer support cert I expect to make anywhere from 16-18 an hour, which will give me some breathing room and more disposable income. Peer support tops out at 20 depending on the agency and your experience.

There is an issue with these wages. I plan to one day start a family, and taking care of said family on less than 20 is very daunting. Also, I will likely never own a home on these wages, nor will I get to travel or have a hefty retirement.

There is one other thing: My former college major was accounting. I am VERY good at it. I "get" it, and I was able to pass the 3 class basic accounting sequence with A's no problem. The issue is, I don't have much passion for it. Don't get me wrong; it's fun, challenging, and interesting, however it does not feed my soul the way my current work does. That said, accounting would be an excellent way to secure my financial future. Pay is great, close to 70,000 per year on average, and up to 100,000 for experienced senior accountants. I'd be able to own a home, take care of my future kids, travel, and have a hefty retirement package.

Going to school for human services (social work) is also an option, however, to make any money doing it, one must have a Master's degree, and even then, pay is still fairly limited. A friend of mine who works for the same company is earning 40,000 per year with a masters. Not bad, but one must of course consider the costs in both student loans and lost wages in going to school for that long. Is it worth it?

Any input would be great. Do what I love, or do what pays? Feed my soul, or feed my wallet? Also, if any of you have experience raising a family on a limited income, advice on how to do so would be awesome.

Thanks!

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Hi all. I'm in a tough spot right now. Need some input.

Currently I am working for a mental health agency and I absolutely LOVE it. Best job I've ever had. I get to work with people who are really struggling, offering hope and strength and helping them achieve their goals. I find it immensely rewarding. I am someone who has suffered from mental health/addictions, and I can really draw on my experiences to help others. I have a high degree of passion for the work. Right now I am gaining experience in the field and working toward my peer support certification.

There is one problem: the pay. I currently make 12.75 to 13.50 an hour depending on the shift (graveyard pays more, day less). Much of this goes toward personal debts. DUI fines, student loans, credit card debts, etc. I'm on a really tight budget and making it month to month is difficult. Once I get my peer support cert I expect to make anywhere from 16-18 an hour, which will give me some breathing room and more disposable income. Peer support tops out at 20 depending on the agency and your experience.

There is an issue with these wages. I plan to one day start a family, and taking care of said family on less than 20 is very daunting. Also, I will likely never own a home on these wages, nor will I get to travel or have a hefty retirement.

There is one other thing: My former college major was accounting. I am VERY good at it. I "get" it, and I was able to pass the 3 class basic accounting sequence with A's no problem. The issue is, I don't have much passion for it. Don't get me wrong; it's fun, challenging, and interesting, however it does not feed my soul the way my current work does. That said, accounting would be an excellent way to secure my financial future. Pay is great, close to 70,000 per year on average, and up to 100,000 for experienced senior accountants. I'd be able to own a home, take care of my future kids, travel, and have a hefty retirement package.

Going to school for human services (social work) is also an option, however, to make any money doing it, one must have a Master's degree, and even then, pay is still fairly limited. A friend of mine who works for the same company is earning 40,000 per year with a masters. Not bad, but one must of course consider the costs in both student loans and lost wages in going to school for that long. Is it worth it?

Any input would be great. Do what I love, or do what pays? Feed my soul, or feed my wallet? Also, if any of you have experience raising a family on a limited income, advice on how to do so would be awesome.

Thanks!

I would say go with your passion, not your head. Money can not make you happy. As for starting a family, a family is made up of two, and often two incomes, so I would not worry about getting a high paying job. With what job to go for, such decisions in the end come down to your personal preference.

 

[Sketcher]

How long have you been at your current job?

 

[maintenance man]

My former college major was accounting. I am VERY good at it. I "get" it, and I was able to pass the 3 class basic accounting sequence with A's no problem. The issue is, I don't have much passion for it.

Have you considered becoming an accountant with the intention to help those struggling with debt. This is an enormous problem in the US and someone with the right skills could make a big impact on the lives of many.

 

[Haydee]

Hi all. I'm in a tough spot right now. Need some input.

Currently I am working for a mental health agency and I absolutely LOVE it. Best job I've ever had. I get to work with people who are really struggling, offering hope and strength and helping them achieve their goals. I find it immensely rewarding. I am someone who has suffered from mental health/addictions, and I can really draw on my experiences to help others. I have a high degree of passion for the work. Right now I am gaining experience in the field and working toward my peer support certification.

There is one problem: the pay. I currently make 12.75 to 13.50 an hour depending on the shift (graveyard pays more, day less). Much of this goes toward personal debts. DUI fines, student loans, credit card debts, etc. I'm on a really tight budget and making it month to month is difficult. Once I get my peer support cert I expect to make anywhere from 16-18 an hour, which will give me some breathing room and more disposable income. Peer support tops out at 20 depending on the agency and your experience.

There is an issue with these wages. I plan to one day start a family, and taking care of said family on less than 20 is very daunting. Also, I will likely never own a home on these wages, nor will I get to travel or have a hefty retirement.

There is one other thing: My former college major was accounting. I am VERY good at it. I "get" it, and I was able to pass the 3 class basic accounting sequence with A's no problem. The issue is, I don't have much passion for it. Don't get me wrong; it's fun, challenging, and interesting, however it does not feed my soul the way my current work does. That said, accounting would be an excellent way to secure my financial future. Pay is great, close to 70,000 per year on average, and up to 100,000 for experienced senior accountants. I'd be able to own a home, take care of my future kids, travel, and have a hefty retirement package.

Going to school for human services (social work) is also an option, however, to make any money doing it, one must have a Master's degree, and even then, pay is still fairly limited. A friend of mine who works for the same company is earning 40,000 per year with a masters. Not bad, but one must of course consider the costs in both student loans and lost wages in going to school for that long. Is it worth it?

Any input would be great. Do what I love, or do what pays? Feed my soul, or feed my wallet? Also, if any of you have experience raising a family on a limited income, advice on how to do so would be awesome.

Thanks!

I would get your peer support certificate and go from there. Your not going to start a family straight away are you? Loving what you do is really important, however we still need money to survive! It's just a balance of the two. Accounting is great, I work in the field, however you have to be passionate about what you do or you'll chuck it in even if it's good money.

 

[Joined2krist]

I would say, go for accounting. You might not have passion for it but God has blesses you with knowledge in it. Also what you'll gain by practicing it, will add to your happiness e.g travel, financial benefit etc