Work-Life Balance Or Higher Pay: What Matters More?

Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 06:17 am

Let’s say you have received 2 job offers. One is offering $1,000 a month for 5 days a week, fixed work of 8 hours a day with no stress of commute as the office is not that far from your home.

The other job offers $1,500 a month (a figure you deeply desire) for 6 days a week and requires you to spend a couple of hours each day commuting to work.

Essentially, you have been asked to choose between work-life balance and higher pay. Ending up in such a situation may put you in a dilemma, but there is a solution.

First of all, understand there is no simple yes or no answer to resolve this crisis. We have listed a few factors you must consider before picking one over the other.

1. Set Your Priorities Straight

What truly made you leave your last job? Was it hectic commute, exhausting work hours or the low pay structure? Weigh your experiences and expectations to make a wise decision.

Asking yourself such a question will further bring clarity to what is absolutely non-negotiable for you and what you can adjust with in the long run.

If money has been a source of concern, it won’t hurt commuting that extra mile. However, if you know long work hours will meddle with your mental peace, reject the offer at once.

2. Put Yourself In Hypothetical Situations

This is another way to ensure you don’t regret your decision. Take all the possible “what ifs” into consideration by putting yourself in hypothetical situations.

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Suppose you take up the lower-paying job as it promised flexibility, but later realise money is a huge motivator. Your choice can affect your mental health over time.

Similarly, after taking the higher-paying role, what if you start experiencing burnout and start seeing the lines between your professional and personal life blurring away?

3. Seek A Fresh Perspective

Discuss the matter with your family members as your decision will directly impact their lives as well. Seeking a fresh perspective helps to take a better decision.

You can also ask for your friends’ opinions as they might have faced a similar situation and will likely save you from committing the same mistake.

However, do take note: the opinion of your loved ones may not align well with your career goals. So consider approaching a mentor, career coach or an industry leader.

4. Look For A Job That Can Offer Both

Finally, if you are extremely confused between the two job offers, why not leave both and search for an opportunity that meets all your preferences?

Sounds crazy, right? It shouldn’t though. Because you can find many organisations that promote the overall well-being of their employees. All you have to do is improve your search process.

Remember, it is not necessary to sacrifice one to enjoy the other. There are organizations that greatly value their employees’ skills and promote better work-life balance.