This or That?

Anonymous

February 24,2022 at 4:46PM UTC

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This or That?

Would you choose a job with high salary and toxic environment or would you choose a job with comparatively low salary and better environment?

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AnonymousFebruary 24,2022 at 5:27PM UTC
Unfortunately I've never had the choice. I had to take the jobs that were offered, toxic or not. Now I'm in a position to be a little more choosy, but so many of us, especially women, don't have that choice.
Melissa Mellor, COOFebruary 24,2022 at 5:28PM UTC
SUCHHH a good question. There used to be a time where I would say higher salary. A higher salary props you up for a higher salary in your next role. But having done a lot of deep healing on worthiness I now would say a better environment. You can always make more money. Healing your confidence, self-esteem and nerves from a toxic workplace is a very different story!
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 4:41PM UTC
It's taken me a long time to come back from a couple of toxic work experiences, I would gladly trade the higher salaries for never having gone through those experiences. You don't realize how much they affect you even outside of the work environment!
Melissa Mellor, COOFebruary 28,2022 at 6:57PM UTC
Absolutely! It's like psychological warfare. I went through that myself. I started using RRT to heal from places that I didn't even realize were toxic until I left.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2022 at 6:04PM UTC
I would always avoid the toxic environment because your mental health is priceless.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2022 at 6:18PM UTC
What people describe as Toxic I personally have never personally experienced in my 45 years of working. So I think I must not experience Toxicity on a personal level. Difficult situation yes but have always figured out a way to shut them down before they escalate or I've left.
So I would always choose a high salary which is what I've always done.
Megan LeasherFebruary 24,2022 at 6:23PM UTC
Low salary; no one can pay for me to sacrifice my mental health.
TracieFebruary 24,2022 at 6:27PM UTC
This is a tough one. The answer depends on your personal situation and definition of 'toxic' in this case. If by toxic you mean you would be subjected to mental or emotional abuse in any way, then its a hard no. However, if its more of a situation of heavy workload /long hours / inflexible schedule, but you would gain valuable experience then maybe it could work for a year or two to add some moxie to your resume. I suggest a good old fashioned pros and cons list. Be honest with yourself on what your boundaries are and what you can handle. Once you have the list side by side, you should get some clarity if the higher pay is actually worth it.
Sabrina CortesFebruary 24,2022 at 6:28PM UTC
Definitely low salary and better environment! I need what little sanity I have left (LOL).
AnonymousFebruary 24,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
I think this depends on personal situation and exactly how toxic the environment is. I think if its a first job I would probably choose the higher salary because it usually sets you up better in the future even if you switch companies. It also depends on need and what the low salary actually is.
Goalsetter244228February 24,2022 at 7:20PM UTC
The second one; peace of mind is more important than a toxic environment.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2022 at 7:25PM UTC
better environment any day. You will have more opportunities to grow and progress to other roles/ higher pay for a good company.
believe me after being in yet another toxic company it is not worth the stress. your happiness/mental health is far more important
tiffany birchFebruary 24,2022 at 7:30PM UTC
Happy and a little lower salary. I am in transition now and happy is most profitable!
Jackie RukaFebruary 24,2022 at 7:47PM UTC
Happy is the new rich.
Laura YinglingFebruary 24,2022 at 8:07PM UTC
I will always choose the better environment! You'll be looking for a job in no time if you choose toxicitiy.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 12:31AM UTC
The lower salaried job! My toxic high-paying jobs cost me so much money in therapy, medical issues, and opportunity costs due to mental exhaustion that they weren't worth it.... but they did help build up a retirement fund & took my social security expected benefit up a bit.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 2:02AM UTC
Depends. I'm a single mom and I've had to put up toxicity at times to feed and clothe my child. To have such a choice is a real privilege and luxury.
CJB62February 26,2022 at 4:46PM UTC
Thank you for saying this and ditto. I have left toxic situations for a lower paying, but healthier, job environment. However, the huge financial stress I was under in trying to support myself and kids made me question whether I made the correct choice.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 5:23AM UTC
I've experienced both. I would choose a comparatively low salary and better environment EVERY SINGLE TIME!
Julie Chatman, MBA, CISMFebruary 25,2022 at 9:35AM UTC
For every dollar earned in a toxic environment, subtract 75 cents.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 9:49AM UTC
low salary, better environment
Jackie GhedineFebruary 25,2022 at 12:43PM UTC
Neither. You're goldilocks, the job market is the best we've seen in decades. Go out there and find the right job. One that pays you what you're worth AND aligns with your values.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 1:12PM UTC
I agree. Money is important but it is not everything.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
today I say better environment
KelleyFebruary 25,2022 at 2:40PM UTC
I would definitely go with environment. No amount of money can keep the stress of a toxic workplace worth it in my opinion.
Me!February 25,2022 at 3:31PM UTC
In my experience toxic environments generally do not pay better. These companies are to disorganized and out of touch with employees to pay them well.
Jacqueline CutlerFebruary 25,2022 at 3:59PM UTC
As long as you can earn what you need, I would avoid toxic environments at all costs. Having survived a couple of them, the experiences were not worth it.
Leader135412February 25,2022 at 5:49PM UTC
High salary and toxic environment. I can handle any type of personality, push past them and get my work done.
Kryssy SantanaFebruary 25,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
I would choose the low pay and better colleagues. Hands down. I experiencec higher pay and toxic environment, and no amount of money is worth the abuse.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 8:56PM UTC
The higher salary for sure, having a great life costs money. I can put up with anything as long as I'm paid very well.
I'm an ass kicker so people do not tend to mess with me. Ever.
Danielle SimonFebruary 25,2022 at 9:46PM UTC
Been there, done that. Have chosen both at various points. Even the environments with low salaries and "better environments" turn on you at some point. I know people love to ask questions like this, but the correct answer is "high salary, better environment"--and there are jobs out there that offer both. If I really had no choice, though, I'd go with the lower pay and would be looking for something that is "the best of all worlds."
BeaBoss750792February 26,2022 at 6:43PM UTC
I agree with this. A re-org or other unexpected managerial change can turn a good environment into a toxic one quickly.
If you’re financially able to, go for the better environment with the understanding that it might not last forever.
Kristen PawcioFebruary 25,2022 at 10:03PM UTC
Better environment! If you choose the toxic environment it will cost you so, so much more in the long run than taking a job with a more positive environment.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2022 at 10:09PM UTC
Low salary and better environment
AnonymousFebruary 26,2022 at 1:27AM UTC
It depends.
1) Besides money, what else can you gain? So possibly yes.
2) Will you have the emotional energy and time to keep looking for a better option so you can cut and run. So possibly yes.
3) Do you need to stay at the job for 5 years because your resume makes you look like a turnstyle? So no.
4) seriously toxic workplaces cause physical illness long-term. So if it’s expected to be so toxic that you won’t be in the headspace to find another job, or you need to be at this next job 3-5 yrs, then no.
Jessica DeSamoranoFebruary 26,2022 at 2:55AM UTC
Low salary and veteran environment. Money can’t buy happiness… It can sure as hell by peace of mind… But it can’t buy happiness.
Teri GibsonFebruary 26,2022 at 4:20AM UTC
I just did this - same salary, longer commute and better work environment, plus work/life balance. I smile now.
Angie ArliaFebruary 26,2022 at 1:27PM UTC
Ideally I would say the job with low salary and a better environment but I know that isn't feasible for everyone if their financial situation isn't stable.
A better environment is the key
منة الله مرادFebruary 26,2022 at 1:45PM UTC
I used to not be able to stat at one job for a long time until I found a place with a really good working environment which cost me a sizable dip in my salary. People around me were not supportive of the move but now I don't see myself leaving because I'm comfortable (but still challenged by the actual work) and less stressed. I have to stress that this comes with the privilege of not having any huge financial commitments.
AnonymousFebruary 26,2022 at 2:45PM UTC
Lower salary and better environment without a doubt - if you are able to afford it!
AnonymousFebruary 26,2022 at 3:25PM UTC
Lower salary better environment without a doubt. Then my amazing boss left and we got a narcissist, and they they enabled a fellow manager to act like a tryant! So now I'm at a lower salary and toxic environment anyway! :(
AnonymousFebruary 26,2022 at 7:31PM UTC
I would prefer a lower salary and friendly work environment to have a more fulfilling overall situation. Unless it's a significant salary that you want to work for a short time and bank that amount, I would rather be happy than stressed all the time.
Liz MilneFebruary 27,2022 at 12:41AM UTC
Low salary, better environment: 100%.
Never - *never* - sacrifice your health for your job, and that includes mental health.
With a lower salary, you can get a side gig to top up income. With a toxic environment, the poison seeps into *every* part of your life: robbing you of sleep, relaxation, your sense of self...
Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LFebruary 27,2022 at 1:20AM UTC
Good leaders even at the lowest level have the ability to change a toxic environment or leave it. Which ever is a better outcome.
Kim CallinanFebruary 27,2022 at 2:41AM UTC
Lower salary and better environment. Money does not bring happiness.
Maura DaneheyFebruary 27,2022 at 11:20AM UTC
I am practical about financial matters, and perhaps might keep looking if neither quite fit criteria; however, if I knew I were entering a toxic culture, unless I had power to adjust it as I leader, I would avoid it.
Chef Lara HollandFebruary 27,2022 at 3:10PM UTC
Well I just experienced this. You are 2X as likely to be fired or loose your job in a toxic environment because they are toxic for a reason- someone is always looking to take you out. In a better environment you'll find everyone seems to work together and it's easier to get the work done.
AnonymousFebruary 28,2022 at 2:29AM UTC
i was let go at a toxic job. I was looking for other jobs to get out but was fired before I could find something.
Wendy ScottFebruary 28,2022 at 8:41PM UTC
If it is a strict either or, I’d pick the better environment. Toxic environments affect your health, your career and your self esteem. I’ve put up with it in the past but I’d you have a choice, go for a more pleasant work life. You are more likely to flourish and get a raise and a promotion in a good environment.