Editorial: When does financial compensation outweigh the love of a job?

When does financial compensation outweigh the love of a job? That is a question that is wrestled with every day by several people.

In today’s society, happiness at a job is the primary source why someone sticks to it. A prime example of this are teachers in the school system that stay there because they love the children and people they work with. I think we can all agree that teachers are some of the most underpaid fields in the world. And when teachers are unhappy, what do they do? They can leave to go to another district, but will they receive the joy they have with those kids and coworkers as they did with their original position?

As each day passes by, it is a clear understanding that most people are turning away from corporations in favor of entrepreneurships. Many recent graduates often opt to go into businesses for themselves. From selling paparazzi jewelry to cutting grass to opening their own beauty shop, their passion is triumphing over the financial need to live comfortably day-to-day. Well, that’s the case in some instances.

I faced the very same decision several years ago when I first started working. I was employed as a substitute teacher before I became an instructional aide. I also coached on the side as a way to continue to bring a little more money in because I loved it. But it became a moot point because once I was hired full-time as an instructional aide, I made less money working full-time then I did as a part-time substitute. As a substitute, I worked the days and hours I wanted to, but as an aide, I worked each day, with my paychecks being extremely miniscule to the point where I had to heavily debate if I wanted to remain there. I stayed because I coached, but when that opportunity passed me by, it was no need for me to remain as an instructional aide. The passion was gone.

But that doesn’t mean the passion was gone forever. I came back to fill in a role that I enjoy. As with many positions in the school system, it’s definitely for the love. But at some point, there will be the issue if that is worth it. I love the student-athletes, coaches, and coworkers that I spend time with. I’m blessed to have a flexible job with the Chronicle to have this second job, but I know that the newspaper is also a love for me. I enjoy it thoroughly and I work hard to write stories and be at many events. I’m not perfect with everything I do, but I do it out of passion.

So, as we take each day, make that determination of balance and life. We can love something, but we should be appreciated for everything that we do. Resources can be scarce, but if somebody truly cares for the things you’re doing, they will find a way to support you.

When I know my student-athletes are starting businesses or working jobs, I go out of my way to either support them or recommend them to others. It’s the passion they have that drives me to continue the passion I have. I think many older adults see that as well.

In conclusion, let’s continue to plant the seeds of passion for what we love to do, but remember to nurture it with support. There will be times when appropriate compensation will come, especially when you’re in position to offer it as a boss or employer. Make sure that passion can take of you and keep you happy. If you do that, there will be no need to fear anybody going astray.