Over the years I have had an on-again, off-again relationship with my W-2 job. We started out hot and heavy after college and then, out of nowhere, our relationship cooled. Then, after a few years of working on our relationship, we found our groove. That groove is the appreciation I have for the existence of our current union. Ideally, I want to be able to walk away from my W-2 job at the drop of a hat. Realistically, I’m not there yet. In light of falling short of my ultimate goal, I am aware of the luxury my W-2 job affords me. Literally. With that, I felt it would be beneficial to let my readers in on a little known fact, I actually love my W-2 job. I’d like to tell you why I love my W-2 job and why you should love yours too. Ready? Let’s go!
Why I Love My W-2 Job
Years of self-analysis has led me to realize that I actually love my W-2 job. It’s also a much bigger part of my personal identity than I originally thought. When I think about the day-to-day activities of my job, I realize that I do get satisfaction out of completing these tasks. I also realize that I was once passionate enough about this type of work that I majored in it! Not only did I major in it, I took out some hefty (to me) loans to pay for it.
As time passes and things become more and more routine in our lives, we tend to forget the satisfaction and joy we once experienced. This happens with nearly everything, from relationships to careers.
Sadly, we don’t remember how excited we were to finally walk across that stage during college graduation and receive our diplomas. We forget the feeling of euphoria we felt when we landed our first REAL job offer with a REAL salary attached to it.
Reflection can be a beautiful thing. Yes, we are still pursuing the goal of early retirement – or in our case, the option of early retirement. My co-workers are well aware of our goals and plans for achievement. They’re also well aware that on an almost daily basis I say, “I couldn’t leave all this.” They laugh and roll their eyes. But I’m actually telling the truth. I really do enjoy being there with them and doing the work. After all, I studied for years to have the privilege of doing that work. And at the end of the day, it’s satisfying.
Related: An Attitude Of Gratitude Will Carry You Towards Financial Independence
Why You Should Love Your W-2 Job
The reasons you should love your W-2 job are pretty much the same reasons why I love mine. Think about it, at one point you were gung-ho about getting your degree and job. And, I’m willing to bet that your W-2 job is affording you the opportunity to chart a path towards financial independence. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have some rich relative that’s going to leave you millions when he or she checks out, investing your way to an early retirement is your only option.
Still not convinced of the love affair you should be having with your W-2 job? Let me ask you a few questions.
- Is your W-2 causing you extreme stress?
- Do you regret the decision of accepting your job on a daily basis?
- Are you being fairly compensated for your work?
- Are there benefits of your job that you enjoy?
- Does your current employer offer continuing education?
- Is health coverage and retirement savings part of the package?
- Does your W-2 job enable you to pay for a roof over your head and food for your tummy?
If your the responses to these questions are moderate and don’t cause you to curl up into a ball and rock back and forth in a corner, you, too, should love your W-2 job.
Related: All The Jobs And Mistakes – Before We Were Mr. and Mrs. Mad Money Monster
What If You Don’t Love Your W-2 Job?
It’s true, sometimes we fall out of love. This goes for people and for jobs. If you fall into this camp, and you’re not in a financial position to call it quits just yet, you’ll want to consider switching jobs or even careers.
Of course, I never advocate leaving a job until you have found another one. This is especially true if you are not yet financially independent. So just in case you are in this situation, the only advice I have to give you is to grin and bear it. I know it’s an old idiom your grandparents used to use, but it still applies. Stop being a baby and acting like you’re entitled to be happy in every single facet of your life. Sometimes life doesn’t work out that way. And when it doesn’t, it’s up to you to make changes. No biggie. Just do it.
In the meantime, be thankful you have A Job that is paying you actual money that you can use to cash flow your lifestyle and savings rate.
Assuming you’re still working for The Man (or Woman :), how do you feel about it? Do you love your job? Or, do you despise every minute you have to spend in W-2 prison?
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13 Comments
It’s a little complicated. I can’t say that I love my day job, but it’s at a tolerable level. So I go in every day, try to complete tasks as best I can, and deal with it. What helps keep me there is the nice engineering salary. So I do enjoy seeing how much I save and am able to funnel into investments. Much like my dividends pay me to wait, my job pays me while I wait for FI.
My job is also affording me the opportunity to pursue FI – and for that, I love it.
I love my job as a middle school teacher! I love it so much that I’m gonna teach for the rest of my life. However, that doesn’t mean I will be a middle school teacher. In addition I think there are more opportunities that afford a larger paycheck and a bigger impact. Yet you can still be a teacher.
Thanks for sharing this!!
True happiness is wanting to wake up each morning and do the work you’re passionate about. It sounds like you found yours. Congrats!
I want to quit, but it’s not the smart move. I’m targeting March 2018, and in the meantime, I’m paying down debt, and looking to build a side business.
Congrats on the March 2018 date. That is so just around the corner! Side business are awesome if you can turn them into passionate money makers. That’s my goal for this site 🙂
I love my current W2 job (as a doctor) but did not love my prior one. I think the company has a lot to do with it. My prior company had a worse 401k match, no pension, worse health care benefits, etc. My current employer does all of that much better!
Great post and keep on keeping on. For me, while I love my job for now I may try to piece out early if I am financially able to. Getting to that point will really let me know how I feel about that gig.
Congrats on loving your (current) job! Most people can’t say that…or won’t say that.
As far as jobs go, mine is pretty awesome. There are few that I could think of that would be better. Maybe full-time travel blogger and reviewer guy, but other than that, I’m coming up with a blank.
That is awesome! Finding a job you really enjoy is no easy feat. Congrats!
I am very thankful for my job and what it lets me do, but I wouldn’t say I love it. To me, it’s a means to an end.
Part of that, I’ve found, has a lot to do with who I am working with. When I worked with people I really enjoyed on at least semi interesting things it was much more enjoyable.
I do think the people you work with play a big factor in job satisfaction. I’m fortunate to really enjoy my group.
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