Viewing Thread:
"Money or happiness?"

Today I got laid off from my job. I don't know what to think of it really. Maybe it hasn't hit me full-throttle yet? Maybe I'm still in denial? Maybe I just don't really care?? I wonder.. and I just thought I'd share my story.

I was hired on a couple of months ago in a totally different position, but due to the slacking real estate industry and a low volume of work, the "powers that be" transferred me to a different office. Although there was a great deal more volume at this new office, the only position available to transfer me into was as the front desk person.. the receptionist, answering phones and opening orders, which I thought was just fine, I guess, for a little while until something else became available.

Now, I've been a receptionist before..like when I was in my early twenties, but, after obtaining a couple of college degrees, several professional licenses and certifications, and having a great deal of experience under my belt in this escrow industry.. it was a bit of a stretch to go this far backwards. Admittedly, I don't do well as anyone's biatch anymore and I get -my- phone's answered these days.

So, the big guns came by and took me to coffee to break the news. They said that my skill-set was far too advanced and the position was clearly not a good fit. They knew I was unhappy and opposed to continuing on with it all, they decided it was best to severe our relationship. They said they'd definitely keep me in mind if anything opened up, but they did not foresee anything in the near future.

I guess crying would be in order? I wonder why I haven't yet.. I mean, it's been a couple of hours since I've been home. Hm, I suppose the reality has hit me and lead me into deep thought about all of the people I'll be calling on Monday for atleast a temp job somewhere.. I guess underneath the hype of earning the most money I have in my lifetime, working a permanent job with all the excellent benefits, at the largest title and escrow company nationally, it really didn't mean much if I was unhappy in the position they had available.

I think I settled and in hindsight, it appears it is my only regret. Would you have chosen to stay too?

Earned money is happiness for me.

Surely in our great capitalist civilisation Money is Happiness.

... No?
I've been fed a shameless lie!

Glad it worked out well for you, I've just got myself a new job so hopefully I'll be as lucky as well

Well, today was the first day as a Mortgage Specialist! I suppose I'm still getting used to how layed back and casual the folks are here in the North West. You'd think they've just come down the mountain honestly.. Out of every other orientation as a new employee, acclaimating to wearing jeans coming to work at a bank will have to be the biggest change for me. I felt extremely overdressed in my power suit today.

Anyways, I truly believe I'm going to be happy there. I'm still making a good salary with the perks, the people are nice, and there's a tremendous opportunity for advancement. Even if it's a glass enclosed cube life, it's a secure one and I'm finding it.. relieving. Honestly, I'm so glad I don't see those pretentious, pompous, ingrates at my old job anymore. I'm even moreso glad that I only answer my own direct line and make my own coffee. :)

To happiness. *cheers*

I'd choose happiness every time over money. In my last job I was being pushed around and used so I just quit.

It came as a shock to the boss as he was blind to how other people were feeling even though everyone was telling him how bad things were he just carried on as if everything was OK.

Even though I had a mortgage etc in accounting loads of temporary jobs can be found at agencies so I knew I wouldn't be out of work for long if at all.

As it turned around in the end I got a permanent job before I'd served my notice so I wasn't out of work for any period of time.

If the same thing were to occur nowadays I'd do the same.

Ye, I've been slumpin' about this past week and finally I've been offered a position as a mortgage specialist with one of the conglomerate banking institutions here on the West coast. Of course, I jumped on it..even though it's a temp job. I have to pay the rent and such, come the beginning of next month.

The thing is, they needed me to sign papers for a background check that will take a few days to complete, so the earliest I can start is Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Not like I have anything to worry about.. well, do you suppose all my DUI's, assault charges, kiting bad checks and drug possession felony convictions will surface? :P

I sometimes think that the pursuit of happiness is the main cause of unhappiness. You comprehend what will make you happy, then you realize how far away from it you are. Result: Slump.

Happiness without a doubt! - Money doesn't always make you happy, in fact it does quite the opposite frequently!

I'd choose happiness if I could get it, but then I guess it also depends on how you see your job. If mine was more than 35 hours and got in the way of my home life, that's when I'd start worrying. Other than that, I need to pay the bills and look after my family, so I grin and bear it.

If I didn't need the money, I'd still be working, but something I wanted to do instead. Pretty much all the jobs I like are lower paid (and this one isn't exactly the best) and I can't afford to do them and still look after the family.

Anyway, hope you find something else soon and it turns out to be a whole lot more enjoyable while giving you the wages you need at the same time!

Sarrasine wrote:
> - Would you have chosen to stay too?
>
> Did you have a choice. Sounds to me like you were politely
> pushed.

Politely laid off, too. :P I think I'll go raid the fridge now.