Is it worth leaving a job I love for one that pays more but seems less interesting?

ACS Career Consultant Andrea Alexander weighs the pros and cons of prioritizing pay or interest in your job search
Andrea Alexander, Technical Service and Development Manager, ShinEtsu Silicones of America, Inc.
Andrea Alexander, Technical Service and Development Manager, ShinEtsu Silicones of America, Inc.

This question seems fairly simple, but is actually pretty complicated as there are many factors to consider when presented with a new job opportunity.

First, you need to ask yourself why you are even considering this new role if you love your current position. Is there something deeper that you need to uncover about yourself or your situation, or are you simply star struck by the dollar amount presented to you?

Consider the company culture of this new position versus your current: are you compatible, will you be content? Location: are you comfortable moving to a new area? What does that look like for your family? Does that area fit into the type of lifestyle that you enjoy? Is this new opportunity actually more pay when you consider the cost of living, driving distance, time investment required to succeed in your role, etc.?

Does this new job offer opportunity for growth, or will you stagnate? You have already determined that it looks less interesting, so it is very important for you to know what you want out of your career, and where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years. Can you see yourself retiring in your current role; would the same be true for this new position (doesn’t sound like it from the “less interesting” assessment)? Does your current position offer opportunity for growth, and/or are they open to having that discussion with you?

Never take a decision regarding your career lightly, especially when money is involved because you run the danger of your judgement being clouded by dollar signs. Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side, and sometimes it is a façade.


This article has been edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the view of their employer or the American Chemical Society.

ACS Career Consultants are experts and leaders working in the field of chemistry who have volunteered to support other ACS members’ career development through one-on-one career counselling. They can stimulate your thinking, ask important career planning questions to help clarify goals, provide encouragement, teach strategies for making meaningful career decisions, and aid you in your job search. Connect with an ACS Career Consultant today!

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