One of the guys I surf with is considering retiring — two years before he had originally planned.
He just couldn’t take his job anymore. And right now he’s sitting down with a financial planner, trying to figure out if he can retire without suffering too much financially.
But he doesn’t mind suffering (a little). As long as he’s out of that job.
This debate comes up often — especially among my friends who, save for some, hate their jobs. They talk endlessly about quitting and doing something they love, even if that requires a substantial pay cut — and, thusly, a huge lifestyle change.
But hardly any of them do it, feeling more secure and comfortable with a steady paycheck and medical benefits.
Most of us would rather suffer in a job we dislike — even hate — than take the risk and follow a passion that may or may not turn into a profitable career.
I hear people — and they seem to always be gainfully employed — say if you follow your passion, the money will come.
Why couldn’t my passion be accounting…?
But is that easier to say than do?
We hear all the success stories about people — think Samuel Adams founder Jim Kock and former Apple chairman Steve Jobs — but what about those who failed? I want to hear their stories.
So what would you rather be — and be honest: unhappy in a job that paid well and provided benefits — or broke but actually happy?