Should I head back to work now that the economy is looking up? Let’s pause and consider.
Back in 2019, the job market was booming, and I toyed with the idea of rejoining the workforce before an inevitable downturn. I left my corporate job in 2012 due to a frustrating lack of correlation between performance and pay. Despite excelling at my job, the compensation didn’t reflect my efforts, which was a common theme across the board.
This led me to exit the corporate world during what was financially a low year, confirmed by my pals in finance. As they say, “You did great, but it was a bad year to have a great year.” This is often a manager’s way of promising better prospects ahead—only to keep employees hanging on for another underpaid year.
Here’s why I’m considering getting back into the game now that times are good:
1. Human Interaction: Working from home can get lonely. I miss the daily interaction with colleagues and the camaraderie that comes with it.
2. Travel Perks: I used to travel a lot for work, which became tiring. However, after a break, the idea of traveling again—especially when it’s on the company dime—seems appealing.
3. Rebuilding Capital: Since retiring, I’ve had no active income, which means I can’t save as aggressively as I used to. Returning to work could replenish my funds.
4. Happier Work Environment: Money isn’t everything, but it does affect workplace morale. I’ve noticed that people seem happier and less insecure when they feel fairly compensated.
5. Better Benefits: Things like company 401k matches, subsidized healthcare, and other benefits are hard to overlook.
However, there are downsides to returning to work:
1. Office Politics: Navigating workplace politics is my least favorite part of any job. It often involves a lot of unnecessary drama.
2. The Commute: I live in San Francisco, and the public transportation system leaves much to be desired. Plus, I’m not keen on paying high parking fees.
3. Reduced Freedom: When I commit to a job, I give it my all, which often means long hours and high stress—something I don’t miss.
4. Less Time for Writing: Writing is therapeutic for me, and a demanding job would cut into my writing time and affect the quality of my work.
5. Increased Stress: I experienced physical symptoms of stress while working, which disappeared after I quit. I’m not eager to face that again.
6. Supporting a Wasteful System: The more you earn, the more taxes you pay, which often feels like working to support inefficiencies in government.
The question remains: would the benefits of returning to work outweigh the cons in my case? While the extra money and social interactions are tempting, the potential stress and loss of freedom are significant deterrents.
Ultimately, if I decide to go back, it will be for the right reasons—not just for the financial gain but for personal fulfillment and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. If not, I’ll continue enjoying my current lifestyle where I dictate my own schedule and priorities.
