Comments on: Question of the Day 21 - Career Choices http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/ Putting my Financial House in Order Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:23:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Lazy Man and Money http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-1566 Lazy Man and Money Wed, 27 Sep 2006 01:02:10 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-1566 As a software engineer, I had factored the following into the decision: 1) Pay - Software Engineer is a white collar job, so it's going to be in the upper range of pay 2) Effort - I prefer to think rather than lift. That's why I'm the Lazy Man. Give me the desk job any day. 3) Satisfaction - I enjoy solving problems and creating something that helps people do something more efficiently than they did previously. As a software engineer, I had factored the following into the decision:

1) Pay - Software Engineer is a white collar job, so it’s going to be in the upper range of pay
2) Effort - I prefer to think rather than lift. That’s why I’m the Lazy Man. Give me the desk job any day.
3) Satisfaction - I enjoy solving problems and creating something that helps people do something more efficiently than they did previously.

]]> By: Matt http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-719 Matt Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:03:58 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-719 I _chose_ a career in politics. Some ill-timed eventualities and a couple of very ill-advised actions on the internet precluded that notion even before I realized how intrinsically immoral the whole profession is. So I fell back on my hobby instead. So instead of being a politician with a technology hobby, I'm a system administrator with a political hobby. Honestly, money didn't enter into the decision at any point. I mean yeah...I knew I had to do something that I could get paid for, or I wouldn't survive, but I never sat down and thought about how MUCH money I'd make. It really didn't matter to me. Then, as now, I did what I _wanted_ to do, and simply worked to find ways to get people to pay for it. Which is good, because the money I made in the early years would never have indicated that one day I'd be getting rich as quickly as I am now. My standards for career satisfaction are pretty high...if you don't love what you're doing so much that you'd keep doing it in your spare time if there wasn't someone willing to pay you for it, then it's the wrong career for you. I _chose_ a career in politics. Some ill-timed eventualities and a couple of very ill-advised actions on the internet precluded that notion even before I realized how intrinsically immoral the whole profession is. So I fell back on my hobby instead. So instead of being a politician with a technology hobby, I’m a system administrator with a political hobby.

Honestly, money didn’t enter into the decision at any point. I mean yeah…I knew I had to do something that I could get paid for, or I wouldn’t survive, but I never sat down and thought about how MUCH money I’d make. It really didn’t matter to me. Then, as now, I did what I _wanted_ to do, and simply worked to find ways to get people to pay for it. Which is good, because the money I made in the early years would never have indicated that one day I’d be getting rich as quickly as I am now.

My standards for career satisfaction are pretty high…if you don’t love what you’re doing so much that you’d keep doing it in your spare time if there wasn’t someone willing to pay you for it, then it’s the wrong career for you.

]]> By: Financial Freak http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-702 Financial Freak Tue, 05 Sep 2006 18:51:57 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-702 I've had numerous jobs over the years but came back to writing because it was something I was good at, and then I found out I could make money being a technical writer. I love what I do. I learn and I get to write about what I learn, as well as solve problems. And when I get to do web stuff, life is even better. I’ve had numerous jobs over the years but came back to writing because it was something I was good at, and then I found out I could make money being a technical writer. I love what I do. I learn and I get to write about what I learn, as well as solve problems. And when I get to do web stuff, life is even better.

]]> By: saving advice http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-698 saving advice Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:02:29 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-698 I gave up a very nice income to do what I want. While icome now is a bit better, it's not back up to where it once was, but hopefully the love of doing what I'm doing will get me there in the next few years. I gave up a very nice income to do what I want. While icome now is a bit better, it’s not back up to where it once was, but hopefully the love of doing what I’m doing will get me there in the next few years.

]]> By: Pragmatic Finance - Putting my Financial House in Order http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-690 Pragmatic Finance - Putting my Financial House in Order Tue, 05 Sep 2006 11:17:00 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-690 [...] I ask What factors affected the career you chose? Was it purely about pay or were there other aspects that influenced the decision? [...] […] I ask What factors affected the career you chose? Was it purely about pay or were there other aspects that influenced the decision? […]

]]> By: Mighty Bargain Hunter » Questions of the day — a historical retrospective of the past http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-682 Mighty Bargain Hunter » Questions of the day — a historical retrospective of the past Mon, 04 Sep 2006 20:30:36 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-682 [...] The second half of the questions dealt with such varied topics as side income, vices, your money management roots, landmark credit purchases, checking account balances, and unemployment disaster plans, as well as hobbies, values, careers, recent spending, and money and you. [...] […] The second half of the questions dealt with such varied topics as side income, vices, your money management roots, landmark credit purchases, checking account balances, and unemployment disaster plans, as well as hobbies, values, careers, recent spending, and money and you. […]

]]> By: AllFinancialMatters » Blog Archive » Question of the Day Marathon - Day 1 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-669 AllFinancialMatters » Blog Archive » Question of the Day Marathon - Day 1 Mon, 04 Sep 2006 13:04:10 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-669 [...] What factors affected thecareer you chose?Was it purely about the payor were there other aspects thatinfluenced the decision? [...] […] What factors affected thecareer you chose?Was it purely about the payor were there other aspects thatinfluenced the decision? […]

]]> By: mbhunter http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-665 mbhunter Mon, 04 Sep 2006 05:53:20 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-665 Didn't think too much about it -- had an aptitude for math so went into physics. The money is comfortable but not nearly what I thought it would be. Looking for side businesses ;) Didn’t think too much about it — had an aptitude for math so went into physics. The money is comfortable but not nearly what I thought it would be. Looking for side businesses ;)

]]> By: » Question of the Day Marathon on Blueprint for Financial Prosperity http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-654 » Question of the Day Marathon on Blueprint for Financial Prosperity Sun, 03 Sep 2006 14:30:33 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-654 [...] What factors affected thecareer you chose?Was it purely about the payor were there other aspects thatinfluenced the decision? [...] […] What factors affected thecareer you chose?Was it purely about the payor were there other aspects thatinfluenced the decision? […]

]]> By: Free Money Finance http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-607 Free Money Finance Fri, 01 Sep 2006 10:21:16 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-607 <strong>Star Money Articles for the Week of August 28...</strong> Here are interesting posts and news this week from the MoneyBlogNetwork members and beyond: Five Cent Nickel asks how much life insurance do you need? Blueprint for Financial Prosperity lists which closing costs are negotiable. Consumerism Commentary g... Star Money Articles for the Week of August 28…

Here are interesting posts and news this week from the MoneyBlogNetwork members and beyond: Five Cent Nickel asks how much life insurance do you need? Blueprint for Financial Prosperity lists which closing costs are negotiable. Consumerism Commentary g…

]]> By: Tiredbuthappy http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-597 Tiredbuthappy Fri, 01 Sep 2006 03:00:14 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-597 I'm certainly not in it for the money! Although I did choose librarianship because I thought it would be a useful profession--useful in terms of finding jobs, useful in terms of helping other people. I sometimes wish I'd been a journalism major in college, but they make no money either. I also sometimes wish I'd become an accountant, and I may still decide to go that route if I get bored helping freshmen figure out how to buy their textbooks online and fixing printer jams. Despite the aggravations, though, I do love what I do. I’m certainly not in it for the money! Although I did choose librarianship because I thought it would be a useful profession–useful in terms of finding jobs, useful in terms of helping other people. I sometimes wish I’d been a journalism major in college, but they make no money either. I also sometimes wish I’d become an accountant, and I may still decide to go that route if I get bored helping freshmen figure out how to buy their textbooks online and fixing printer jams. Despite the aggravations, though, I do love what I do.

]]> By: Penny Nickel http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-589 Penny Nickel Thu, 31 Aug 2006 22:09:53 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-589 Well, I don't think I really have a "career," per se-- I intend that whatever work I do will always be centered around making a positive difference in society, but I hope to try a wide variety of different experiences toward that end. Suffice it to say that money is pretty low on the list of what I value in a job (after social impact, personal enjoyment, personal growth and development, work hours and flexibility, etc)-- although to be perfectly honest it pops up in my thinking more often than I wish were the case. Well, I don’t think I really have a “career,” per se– I intend that whatever work I do will always be centered around making a positive difference in society, but I hope to try a wide variety of different experiences toward that end. Suffice it to say that money is pretty low on the list of what I value in a job (after social impact, personal enjoyment, personal growth and development, work hours and flexibility, etc)– although to be perfectly honest it pops up in my thinking more often than I wish were the case.

]]> By: » Final Question of the Day on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-583 » Final Question of the Day on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:16:08 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-583 [...] 08/29/2006Pragmatic FinanceWhat factors affected the career you chose? Was it purely about the pay or were there other aspects that influenced the decision?2208/30/2006City Girl’s Financial BlogIn the past 24 hours, what have you done in relation to money?2308/31/2006Get Rich SlowlyWhat does money mean to you? [...] […] 08/29/2006Pragmatic FinanceWhat factors affected the career you chose? Was it purely about the pay or were there other aspects that influenced the decision?2208/30/2006City Girl’s Financial BlogIn the past 24 hours, what have you done in relation to money?2308/31/2006Get Rich SlowlyWhat does money mean to you? […]

]]> By: moom http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-581 moom Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:56:23 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-581 I am a professor of economics specializing on environmental/resource issues. I just studied waht I was interested in - geography and economics - and then pursued an academic career because I liked doing research, felt I could make some contribution to society through my research and teaching, and wanted to be my own boss as much as possible while still being an employee. The latter was probably the decisive factor actually. The only downside is that there are VERY few jobs GLOBALLY available at any time in any specific niche. And so unless you are a superstar you have very little choice of location. I am a professor of economics specializing on environmental/resource issues. I just studied waht I was interested in - geography and economics - and then pursued an academic career because I liked doing research, felt I could make some contribution to society through my research and teaching, and wanted to be my own boss as much as possible while still being an employee. The latter was probably the decisive factor actually. The only downside is that there are VERY few jobs GLOBALLY available at any time in any specific niche. And so unless you are a superstar you have very little choice of location.

]]> By: Steve http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-553 Steve Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:57:17 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-553 Very good question. When I was in corporate America it was all about the money. I got my MBA so I could make more money. Then I changed companies for more money 3 times after that. I took the assignments that would help me climb the ladder so I could earn more money. And it worked! Then I realized I didn't like any of the ladders I had climbed and that I was miserable on every rung. So I quit corporate America to follow my true passion (financial planning) and spend more time with my family. Money was the LAST thing I considered in this decision. Now I'm on my own and get to call all the shots. I don't make anything near what I used to but I've been blessed to follow my dreams and I'm as happy as ever. Being "rich" is much more than cash in your pockets or a big 401k balance. Very good question.

When I was in corporate America it was all about the money. I got my MBA so I could make more money. Then I changed companies for more money 3 times after that. I took the assignments that would help me climb the ladder so I could earn more money. And it worked!

Then I realized I didn’t like any of the ladders I had climbed and that I was miserable on every rung. So I quit corporate America to follow my true passion (financial planning) and spend more time with my family. Money was the LAST thing I considered in this decision.

Now I’m on my own and get to call all the shots. I don’t make anything near what I used to but I’ve been blessed to follow my dreams and I’m as happy as ever. Being “rich” is much more than cash in your pockets or a big 401k balance.

]]> By: prlinkbiz http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-546 prlinkbiz Wed, 30 Aug 2006 04:30:42 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-546 My life's work is wrapped up in people. I have a degree in theology (thought I'd be in full time minstry! lol Although I guess you can say I have literally been an "evangelist"! I then started my own business- an online contractor research co. to help protect families- that I then sold. Apparently, I did so well with the promotion of that, I fell into PR, and found my niche in women's business/finance online. I do not have to work- but I love connecting people. "I do people!" (PS I see my partner in crime at NLL posted above! Mwah K!) My life’s work is wrapped up in people. I have a degree in theology (thought I’d be in full time minstry! lol Although I guess you can say I have literally been an “evangelist”! I then started my own business- an online contractor research co. to help protect families- that I then sold. Apparently, I did so well with the promotion of that, I fell into PR, and found my niche in women’s business/finance online. I do not have to work- but I love connecting people. “I do people!” (PS I see my partner in crime at NLL posted above! Mwah K!)

]]> By: Jason http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-544 Jason Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:32:14 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-544 Hmm, well I'm guessing it automatically capitalizes all author names. If I knew enough about programming to change it I would. Hmm, well I’m guessing it automatically capitalizes all author names. If I knew enough about programming to change it I would.

]]> By: udandi http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-543 udandi Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:20:13 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-543 ack, that kills me your comment system converts my lowercase name into an uppercase U! ack, that kills me your comment system converts my lowercase name into an uppercase U!

]]> By: udandi http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-542 udandi Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:19:20 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-542 my dad is a workaholic. I have no desire to live for my job/employer in exchange for my own happiness. And realizing that I could bust your hump and still get laid off, my desire for happiness increased even more. my dad is a workaholic. I have no desire to live for my job/employer in exchange for my own happiness. And realizing that I could bust your hump and still get laid off, my desire for happiness increased even more.

]]> By: BusyBee http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-539 BusyBee Tue, 29 Aug 2006 21:42:09 +0000 http://www.pragmaticfinance.com/question-of-the-day-21-career-choices/#comment-539 I travelled a pretty unconventional route to a great paycheck. Personally, I think $ plays more of a decision-making factor once you're in the real world. I think when you're 20-21 fresh out of undergrad, $25,000 sounds like the motherload, so unless you're 17 and really have your eye on the prize when choosing your career, I'm not sure $ would play in that much. Would take more foresight than I had -- and even then probably wouldn't have directed me into something that I wasn't interested in or good at. I started about $6K shy of that $25,000 in journalism for a small town newspaper because that was what I went to school for and that's what I was good at. Made sense. The trick was to find other, higher-paying applications of those same skills -- moved from newspapering to glossy publications then to technical writing then to requirements/business analysis, which led to some testing, training, and other technical endeavors. Same skillset -- being able to take a lot of info and put it into sizeable chunks people (even developers) can understand has been the key to success in all of those. I don't think I would have landed here if I was just chasing the money, but having the open-mindedness and opportunity to see where I might fit next has served me very well. And I'm always looking for that next natural transition into more $$$ and more of what I do best. I travelled a pretty unconventional route to a great paycheck. Personally, I think $ plays more of a decision-making factor once you’re in the real world. I think when you’re 20-21 fresh out of undergrad, $25,000 sounds like the motherload, so unless you’re 17 and really have your eye on the prize when choosing your career, I’m not sure $ would play in that much. Would take more foresight than I had — and even then probably wouldn’t have directed me into something that I wasn’t interested in or good at.

I started about $6K shy of that $25,000 in journalism for a small town newspaper because that was what I went to school for and that’s what I was good at. Made sense.

The trick was to find other, higher-paying applications of those same skills — moved from newspapering to glossy publications then to technical writing then to requirements/business analysis, which led to some testing, training, and other technical endeavors.

Same skillset — being able to take a lot of info and put it into sizeable chunks people (even developers) can understand has been the key to success in all of those. I don’t think I would have landed here if I was just chasing the money, but having the open-mindedness and opportunity to see where I might fit next has served me very well. And I’m always looking for that next natural transition into more $$$ and more of what I do best.

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