High-paying professional jobs do not equal happiness

[MillCreek]

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/02/21/magazine/elite-professionals-jobs-happiness.html?mtrref=drudgereport.com

As I have gotten older, the concept of work as doing good and leaving the world a better place has become more important to me.  It was one of the major reasons why I left the law firm and went into healthcare working directly with patients and providers.

[HeroHog]

I have quit a job and taken a pay cut to be less stressed.

WORTH IT!

[brimic]

I have quit a job and taken a pay cut to be less stressed.

WORTH IT!

Almost the same...I got laid off from a former job, and was actually happy about it, the job paid a lot but it was killing me.

[charby]

Yep, I could make a lot more $$$ (2-3x current salary) in the private sector, but I'd be on a plane most Sunday/Monday and Friday/Saturdays or I'd be working 100-120 hour weeks during the growing season.

[BlueStarLizzard]

Now if only you could make a fortune doing what you love. *sigh*

Oh, well. I get kisses from Gus everyday, so 

[Pb]

I have a relatively low paying job.  It is zero stress.  I love it!   

[HeroHog]

I always specified that I wanted a Full-time, non-consulting, type job with as little traveling as was possible. I wanted security and I don't travel well due to back issues. In fact, anything over two to three hours out of a recliner is murder to me now.

[Firethorn]

Have you guys seen the research that shows that money doesn't buy happiness, period?

It is more like it buys off limited forms of unhappiness.  Once you get above 30-60k/year, more money doesn't increase happiness.  Below that, the theory is, increased money reduces stressors.  Not having to worry about making the house payment, for example, leads to less stress and more happiness.

If you're unhappy with your life while pulling in over $100k, you might want to reassess your life rather than reach for that promotion that will increase your pay to $200k.

[grampster]

The last few years before I retired in 2006 I was earning 150,000 a year.  I was not unhappy at all.  No stress.  No worries other than wondering what the corporate executives would do to screw things up.  Most of the time one can work around the dolts in charge.  No debts except a rather low house payment around $500.00 a month.  We lived on a lake.  Low population area.   Had a couple boats.  It's called living at or below your means.  Just because one makes a nice pile of dough is no reason to go crazy and get in over your head.  Most stress and unhappiness is self inflicted.