Looking for some advice on money vs the elusive "job satisfaction.

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Anonymous

02/17/21 at 4:28PM UTC

Looking for some advice on money vs the elusive "job satisfaction.

" A bit specific to advertising/creative types, but I welcome responses from anyone! A little background: I'm in my 30s, I've got a pile of student loan/credit card debt from grad school that I'm estimated to finish paying off in my 50s at this rate. I work as a creative in advertising, so an important element of my job is building my portfolio over time and feeling creatively engaged in my work. Ultimately, I'd like to get to a point where I can have enough great work in my portfolio that I'll be able to freelance full-time. So here's my conundrum. I've been getting contacted by recruiters for jobs that would pay substantially more than I make now (I'm talking a 30% pay bump), but it would be in positions that probably won't give me any work for my portfolio and I probably would not enjoy what I'm doing on a daily basis. But the money would be enough to make a huge dent in my debt quickly. I wouldn't be making this salary for a few more years at a regular ad agency. So do I consider going for one of these high-paying but low-satisfaction jobs for a year or two to cut down the debt? Or do I play the long game and work up to that salary in a place that will help me grow professionally?

7 Comments

BeaBoss979975

107

02/17/21 at 7:03PM UTC

The student loan debt will smother you. Take a high-paying job and do your portfolio work on your own time. Check out Dave Ramsey's financial advice. It can save you from yourself.

BeaBoss979975

107

02/17/21 at 7:04PM UTC

Pay those loans off in whole before leaving the high-paying job.

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 7:29PM UTC

Don't be so quick to assume you will not enjoy these other types of positions or that they would not add value to your career path. Even if you don't add to your portfolio. I would always choose the more senior positions that pay more. Especially 30% more. I will follow the responses offered by creative in case your advertising space is radically different.

Aly Brine

1.46k

a little corporate a little hippie alotta hustle

02/17/21 at 8:02PM UTC

What feels good to you? Go with that one. From someone who walked away from a six figure job because I hated what I was doing, money isn't always the answer. It helps, yes, but if you're in a position where you can pay your loans, support yourself and create work for your portfolio to accomplish your long term goal, stay where you are. Having student loan debt isn't the end of the world. It's a decision to pay something off over time. Some of the mainstream money teachings are painful. If you're looking for a unique perspective, I recommend Amanda Frances. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC76lfveV7QStZchp0iA6HLg

Rosa Goes

123

02/17/21 at 8:48PM UTC

You still have time for your career long-term. So I recommend taking the high paying job, especially if you calculate the debt pay off to be substantial in 1-2 years. I also recommend creating some sort of reminder as to why you are in that high paying job. It's easy to lose track of decisions and why we do what we do :-) Good luck!

Kathleen Darcy

Graphic Designer

02/17/21 at 10:17PM UTC

I wish I had the same dilemma at your age, I would have jumped at it and paid off my student loans quicker and maybe I would have bought my house sooner. With student debt so much higher these days, I would strongly recommend you take the higher paying job, pay off the student loans as quick as you can, and pick up some freelance work on the side to help fill out the portfolio. And, save as much money as you possibly can for the lean times because, as a creative, there will be lean times as well. I also agree with anonymous when she said not to assume that you won't enjoy a position that seems to be less creative. When I graduated from college I had a Fine Arts degree and no experience. My first job was in a quick print shop that a friend recommended me for. It wasn't what I aspired to and it did not pay a lot, but while I was there I learned a lot. I bought a computer and taught myself how to use it and how to do graphic design. I've done everything from production work and ad layout to software UI design and corporate marketing. Each new job was a step up in pay and a new experience. You never know where your career will eventually take you but if you limit yourself because you don't think that you'll have a chance to do "portfolio worthy" projects, you may miss out on some great learning opportunities.

Abby Ogden

Creative Project Manager

02/18/21 at 3:59PM UTC

I'm in advertising too and I'd say it doesn't have to be one or the other. If you're itching to go freelance, start putting feelers out there for freelance jobs you're interested in. Yes, you have to start somewhere, but the work is out there, you just have to find it! You'll also want to keep in mind that when you go freelance you end up having to set aside about 30% of your paycheck for taxes. I'd suggest doing some research to learn all the pros and cons you can about freelancing before quitting your job. I recently took a free class online about freelancing through Creatively. General Assembly is also a good resource for free workshops/events about taking control of your career. I'm sure you have friends who freelance or have freelanced in the past too, maybe start picking their brains. Best of luck!