I make a lot of money, but I absolutely HATE what I do. I used to be able to "leave it at the office", but after 22 years, it is just eating me alive and I want OUT. Is it selfish for me to change jobs although my salary will take a huge hit?

There`s some stuff I wouldn`t do for all the money in the world, my happiness is too important.

You only live once! Why spend it miserable? It's like that Billy Ray Cyrus song goes, you know... "Did you ever see a headstone with these words...'I only wish I'd spent more time at work'?"

I don't think it is selfish of you, why stay miserable. :)

Follow your passion. Those who love you will realize it's the best idea not just for you but them them as well. If you're concerned about your children, the best thing you can do for them is show them how wonderful it is to love your work. Isn't that what you'd want for them? How can you accept any less for yourself?

It's not selfish at all!! You know what they say: Find something that you love to do and you will never work a day in your life.

No, because if you don't, your family will suffer the consequences. Better to keep the same car for ten years than have a new one you drive to your shrink's office.

You're at work most of you're life. Best to be happy through those times.

Do what is best for you. It might be hard at 1st but it will be worth it.

Sure it's selfish.

So what?

You have to ask yourself what matters more to you now...

...money or peace of mind?

Sounds like it might be a matter of life or death...if your job is making you unhappy and unsatisfied why continue if you can find an out. Go for it and enjoy life!!!

I've known a lot of people who have done that. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You might extend your life if you take care of yourself.

Work out a budget to reflect what changes will work for you and go for it.

First figure our how your going to live with less money. What you will cut out, what parts of your life style can be toned down. If you said your children would starve that would be different. But if they wont get all the things they want that is where charactor comes from. Working a job for 22 years isnt exactly quiting. But we all get older and know what it is we should have done, if you have the oportunity to do what ever it is for you...go do it. This is after all the only life you get!

Welcome to the club. Most of us probably do what we do just for the money

I switched careers so I could enjoy going to work every day. After only 3 years I still love what I do, but I took a HUGE pay cut. I worry that I cannot support myself on this salary (and all I want is to be able to live on my own)

Why are you thinking it is selfish to switch careers? Are you supporting a family? Is the money not just for you? Talk over your feelings with someone that will be affected with this change of lifestyle. It is more important you can go to work proud of what you do everyday. However when you take a huge salary hit you have to be prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with it. Have you fully thought this out? Can you see yourself happy this way? If you can - give your two weeks notice already!

Don't worry - be happy :)

Key questons:

1. Who else will be affected?

2. Will you be able to pay your bills?

3. Will your quality of life improve because you are less stressed.

I've been through this before and it can be traumatic or liberating, dependind upon how it's handled.

Can you work a sideways shift? Change to something else in the same organisation or field that uses your talents but doesn't go against your grain or numb your brain?

So long as you can still provide for your family's necessities, then I'd say switch professions! I'm sure your family would much prefer to give up some luxuries to be able to spend more time with a healthier, happier dad and husband!

Not at all. You should do what makes you happy. I would rather have a job I liked that didn't pay much than a high paying, stressful job that I couldn't stand. As long as your okay with taking the huge salary hit, I say go for it! Life is too short anyways.

I think you have to look at all aspects; most importantly, can you afford it. If you can afford it, then wake up knowing you're going to be happy making that continuous trek. It really can make a difference in your life when it's happy vs. miserable. When you say OUT, you're the only one that has the power to change things. Go for it.

If you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. If you and your family can sustain the change in lifestyle commensurate with the reduction in your income then you should get out. You can successfully change careers with careful planning.

I make gooood money and hate the peolple I work with, it's small little office, and for the past 8 years I have decided to stay and suffer the emotional abuse, because I don't want to start over at a new place with less money. By chosing this, it has affected my emotional well being, and physical wellness. Get out if you can.

Life's too short to be miserable for money. If you can't do this anymore, find something that will make you happy. Unless you have a huge family that you're actively supporting, and people depending on every penny- I'd say you deserve to be happy! Or, you could find something that earns about as much as you make now. Good luck, and go for happy!

It's not selfish to want to be happy. Teaching your children to chose wisely in their careers is important too. Maybe there is a related field you'd enjoy more that you can apply your experience to and inject some joy into your career?

Sounds like you should definately change your job... You need to be happy with what you are doing... You'll be happier doing something you love with less money than doing something you hate with more money... You are NOT being selfish... This is your life!! Live it like you want to!!

do what makes u happy. what do u do btw?

What about your pension and benefits?

I wouldn't chance it unless you already have another job lined up that will pay more or the same as your current job. Being the way the economy is i wouldn't get rid of a good job like that because unless you have a good backup plan then you are going to be in the hole with the millions of americans that are looking for work,since it pays so much then that would be compensating for the shit i put up there.

If you were to sell me your happiness, how much would you sell it for? Answer: whatever your current salary is. The question is do you value your happiness for more than your selling it? To me, happiness is priceless. Further, if you do what you love and are gifted to do, not only will you be happier but you'll make much more of a difference to others as well. You'll be RICH in more important ways and you may even be surprised what happens with your money as well.

Hardly selfish

NO if you are happier then your family will be happier and you all can thorw away the prozac and zoloft!

Sorry, but are you living to work? Or working to live? If the point of your life has become to make that same money at the cost of your happiness, then hopefully you have enough money to buy your way out of misery.

If you've supported your family for this long, then they should be supporting you now with this very important decision.

Most people at the 22 years stage have obligations that make it hard to quit. Some would do well in their chosen profession but have some "down" times with the up times.
Maybe you can get fired or laid off, forcing a rest, and after a time decide if it is time to go back to what you are already proficient with.

If you were to sell me your happiness, how much would you sell it for? Answer: whatever your current salary is. The question is do you value your happiness for more than your selling it? To me, happiness is priceless. Further, if you do what you love and are gifted to do, not only will you be happier but you'll make much more of a difference to others as well. You'll be RICH in more important ways and you may even be surprised what happens with your money as well.