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26 Nov 01 - 11:07 PM (#598204) Subject: Which would you pick? From: Celtic Soul This is utter BS, but which would you pick? Between a "career" kind of job with a good salary but a *lot* of stress and long assed hours, or a junk sort of job with a pittance for a salary but which is low on job stress, which adds other sress because the bills are harder to make?
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26 Nov 01 - 11:10 PM (#598206) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Phil Cooper I've done a low end dayjob for years. It allows me some flexibility to play music if the opportunity for a good booking comes up. It also means I get paid every two weeks, whether there's gigs or not. |
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26 Nov 01 - 11:17 PM (#598210) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: ddw Tough one, CS. I'm on the wind-down from a job that pays pretty well, but has loads of stress. I often wonder if I wouldn't be as well off financially if I had done what Phil did and I certainly believe I wouldn't have had the two heart attacks I've had. Too soon old, too late wise, eh? david |
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26 Nov 01 - 11:22 PM (#598214) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Chip2447 Way back in 96 I quit a real day job to devote more time to my dream of fiction writing. I dont make a lot of money, but I'm a happy camper. I don't know if I can return to the daily grind of gainful employment. Chip2447 |
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26 Nov 01 - 11:27 PM (#598216) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Chris Seymour Another wrinkle on this: I have a job that pays decently, is pretty high stress and high workload, but is important to me personally and politically. But I don't have as much time as I want for music and loved ones. So it's not just a tradeoff of money and security and high job stress vs. pittance, time to play and high financial stress... |
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26 Nov 01 - 11:35 PM (#598223) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Suffet I'm with Chris on this one. I, too, have a high paying but high stress job, but one that's both important to me and socially significant I'm a Supervisor of Special Education for the Brooklyn and Staten Island High School District in New York City. One fringe benefit is that I meet a lot of very fine musicians on the job. I even have a Johnson Girl under my supervision. If all goes well, she'll replace me when I retire. --- Steve |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:06 AM (#598237) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Cappuccino Just at the moment, having enjoyed a long and interesting life as a journalist who got to meet and interview a lot of fascinating people, but with things now damned quiet and no money coming in, I feel a distinct envy for people who have any kind of uninteresting job that carries a paycheck. Anyone want their car washed?! - IanB |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:32 AM (#598247) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: ddw Ian — I'm coming up on my 29th year as a journalist (two in radio, nine as a reporter and 17 as an editor). If you can figure out a way for me to retire, you could have my job any time! I enjoyed it for the first 22 or so, but now it's just a grind. david |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:35 AM (#598251) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: catspaw49 Screw stress..........Been there, done that.......paid for it.........still paying for it........ Spaw |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:37 AM (#598253) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Cappuccino And just as you say that, David, Radio Four from London announces a forthcoming interview with a guy who gave up a very highly-paid media job to go and work for a charity. I'd do the same tomorrow... if I had his cushion of a highly-paid job to start from. Now, about the price for washing your car... - Ian |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:42 AM (#598259) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Murray MacLeod Yeah, well, I realize it's late at night and everybody 's tired, but let me just remind you all that the America which we all know and love today was created by people who experienced stress, coped with stress and MADE STRESS PAY ! SO get off your collective asses and emulate your predecesors ! Murray |
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27 Nov 01 - 12:56 AM (#598263) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Amos Geeze, Murray, back up to a mirror, why dontcha? There's stress and then there's stress. But an awful lot of stress can be relieved simply by facing up to things, and realizing one will do what one can and the simple fact that one will never do more than that no matter who hollers blue weasles. You do what you can, each time. That might include looking for additional help or something to make the workload run more easily, but the rest is triage. Triage may not be the most fun in the world but once done, it's done. I've put up with an awful lot of stress since I took my current job. This week, as a result of an unexpected attack of P-neumonia, I'm saying screw it, working from home to whatever degree I can and letting the rest go hang. Fortunately, my boss understands all this. It does not in fact seem to be having any terrible effects on the job, the company or the project. So maybe there's a wind machine back there somewhere. It seems to me a significant percentage of stress is arbitrary and can be safely looked at squarely and dropped like old rocks. Maybe choosing the right per cent is the hard part! :>) A.
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27 Nov 01 - 01:04 AM (#598266) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Murray MacLeod Hey Amos, hope your pneumonia clears up soon, I'll be thinking of you ....... Murray |
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27 Nov 01 - 01:05 AM (#598267) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST I'm on the way to a teaching career after thirty years of music and acting, and I'm not looking back. While it's tough to deal with job stress, there are ways to get through that kind of stuff. Wondering where tomorrow's beans and the next month's rent are coming from makes for serious non-negotiable three dimensional worry. I'd say follow the money and figure out how to mellow out later. Cheers Owl. |
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27 Nov 01 - 01:23 AM (#598271) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Kaleea Life is much too short to spend it stressed out all the time, what with heart disease, high blood pressure etc, etc, and if one can have peace of mind and make a decent living doing what one loves to do, there is your answer! |
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27 Nov 01 - 05:38 AM (#598350) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Cappuccino I like the idea, Kaleea, it's just getting there that's the problem! Now, does nobody want a car washed? Even in that country which Murray reckons we know and love? Only joking, Murray - I only get there once every four or five years, but I must say I'm rather fond of the place. - Ian B |
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27 Nov 01 - 05:42 AM (#598353) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Skipjack K8 I guess I went down the middle on this one, not aiming too high, but bringing home enough bacon to sustain a comfortable existence. I figure I found my own stress limits, without the damage caused by exceeding them. Twenty years of occasional TM has definitely helped. The time I spend here is a major stress. To my boss. Gotta go! Skipjack |
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27 Nov 01 - 06:49 AM (#598368) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Morticia Interesting timing since I'm contemplating that very question right now but then, truth to tell, I've been thinking about it for a long time. I love what I do ( working with special needs) but since they forcibly kicked me upstairs, my job is about management and paperwork and how to screw 50p extra out of dwindling resources.....do I need the stress? Almost certainly not.Do I need the fairly healthy pay-check? Without a doubt. I have no idea what to do but feel very stuck. |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:23 AM (#598402) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Murray MacLeod All those on the upwardly mobile career path would do well to obtain themseves a copy of The Peter Principle ,as relevant today as ever. Murray |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:37 AM (#598408) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: artbrooks I wouldn't say it was high-paying, since I worked for the (US) Federal government as a mid-level manager, but I retired in September and my stress level is WAY down. The converse is that Jenn's stress level is up because she has placed herself in charge of worrying about income vs. outgo. Not doing much right now except winding down, but I plan to go back to college in January. IanB: my car is REALLY dirty. Do you ever get to Albuquerque? |
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27 Nov 01 - 09:49 AM (#598452) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST What's a Johnson girl? |
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27 Nov 01 - 10:55 AM (#598489) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST,Fiver In America, we are addicted to stress--Most people re-arrange things to make them more stressful whenever they can. Even lounging in a hammock. First, got to move it to the shady part of the yard--then got to set up a lounging schedule to accomodate lawn maintenance. Set up a phone, so as not to interupt work--set up laptop--go to computer store to get networking card and software, and Bingo you've got stressful relaxation! |
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27 Nov 01 - 11:14 AM (#598496) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler I didn't realise how unhappy I'd become at work until my early retirement was finalised. Then I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Mind you, if I hadn't been on the treadmill for all those years I wouldn't have paid off the mortgage and earned a reasonable pension so I can (hopefully) enjoy the next stage in my life. RtS |
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27 Nov 01 - 11:21 AM (#598501) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST,Noreen GUEST: |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:27 PM (#598942) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Gypsy Quit the high paying high stress job 6 years ago. Went from 60 hour work week, to less than 20. We not got much $$$$, but we have music, laughter, and friends. Money didn't do more than buy stuff for me. Time is far more precious a commodity, in my opinion. |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:40 PM (#598951) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Little Hawk I went for the low stress and low pay alternative, but I still get quite a bit of stress anyway. - LH |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:47 PM (#598960) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: DancingMom I work in a pretty stressful area (critical care nursing)but I'm very fortunate to be able to do it PART time. Flexible schedules and "down time" go a long way toward helping me deal with job stress. If I had to do it EVERY day, I would be going around the bend. |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:53 PM (#598964) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: SINSULL Currently unemployed and stress free, at least regarding work. I would pick to be independently wealthy. Not filthy rich just rich enough not to have to work. Then I could do what I liked when I liked. |
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27 Nov 01 - 08:57 PM (#598969) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Celtic Soul OK...I feel better now! I actually already quit the higher paying job a few weeks back. I took a 5 grand cut in pay, and took a job at a much lower level in the scheme of things (Management to working grunt). *But*, I no longer drive an hour and a half one way to work, I am no longer working overtime from hell, I am no longer responsible for everything, and I mean *everything* that happens in the office, just my own work load. I went from a place where it seemed I could not grasp the job to a place where I am again the whiz kid...learned the system in under 3 days, and am on my own when they said it would take a few weeks. I *was* feeling guilty though, what with the holidays coming up and all. However, the *time* I can now spend with my kid is priceless, and if the presents are less under the tree, it is not as if she counts them anyway. She gets 2-3 X-mases a year anyway, when you count the in-laws etc. Thanks one and all...you have reminded me of what it is I have to be grateful for. Not the high paycheck. It's getting one at all while doing something that doesn't kill you in an environment that is not overstressed. Happy Holidays!!! :D |
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28 Nov 01 - 01:40 PM (#599490) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Mooh Worked most of my life in labour jobs, good honest blue collar work. Then in a fit of stupidity I thought a job with the Union helping good people get justice (I still believe in this btw) would be more satisfying. Four years later, due to extreme stress and long hours, I crashed and burned bigtime, sacrificing great pay and landed nearly broke and unemployed. Once again I'm working (and have been for 2 years) a blue collar job but this time it's part-time. I get benefits, pension, Union protection, and very flexible hours in exchange for decent, honest, hard work. That alone makes me reasonably happy, though not well off. However, I make as much money (and a decent living between my combined incomes) teaching private music lessons. Stress is gone, and I get to do music alot. The bride works too, so we're doing okay, and I think we're happier with each other too. God knows the kids are happier with me home more and not stressed out. It was the hard way of finding out what I really needed, but it worked. Peace, Mooh. |
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04 Dec 01 - 12:57 AM (#603192) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST,The Duck of the Irish This is easy! You play out, but at nice place's when you can. Wait till you meet a nice rich girl, and marry her. Then you have money, and you can play!!!!!!!! |
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04 Dec 01 - 12:36 PM (#603449) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: brid widder I am a nurse and have the BEST job in the world...running the Day Care facility at a Hospice...I have enough money ...not a fortune, and a fare amount of stress... including the sort caused by working with people in very sad situations...my job is extremely rewarding and I feel this is much more important than just paying bills. I would never choose a less stressful therefore less rewarding job..I would like to reduce my hours just a little...but then I'd probably spend that time working at home!!! and that's work I do for free!!! |
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04 Dec 01 - 12:52 PM (#603461) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Jerry Rasmussen I think that you can get a thousand different answers on this one. It depends to some extent on what stresses you out. I had a job that would be looked upon by some people as high stress. Kept it for over 30 years. There were times when I WAS stressed out, but they were infrequent enough that I could find my way through them. I would have found doing the occasional gig and giving guitar lessons far more stressful because I would feel too insecure. Another factor is, are you trying to raise kids? Hand to mouth is a choice we can all take for ourselves, but it gets more complicated when a family has to live that way. But, there's no right or wrong answer to this question. Just what's right or wrong for each of us. And we usually find that out... I was blessed because I had a job with stability that paid reasonably well that I loved about 90% of the time that allowed me a lot of freedom and the opportunity ot include music as a part of it. I don't take credit for it... just thankful for it. ...I'm retired now, and enjoying it.. Jerry Hey, Ian: my car really needs washing...
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04 Dec 01 - 01:15 PM (#603468) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: Night Owl thanks for starting the thread Celtic Soul...well timed here. Ian..does that include washing AND waxing?? |
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05 Dec 01 - 08:03 AM (#604135) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: leprechaun I have a job where I get to be a carrier of stress. Now I'm just trying to figure out how to get me a Johnson Girl shipped to the west coast. |
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05 Dec 01 - 12:28 PM (#604283) Subject: RE: BS: Which would you pick? From: GUEST,Frank How about a high stressed job with long hours and low pay? Become a professional musician. :) Pat Donahue says: "Would you like to play the guitar? Drive for miles and miles in your car? And never quite know where you are? Or would you rather get a job?" Frank |