In ideal circumstances, we have an enjoyable job that pays well and allows plenty of time and energy for a richly satisfying personal life. This sounds good, but finding work-life balance in the real world is a bit like spotting a unicorn.
Job stress of all kinds spills over. A 10% pay increase isn't worth it if we spend 30% more to compensate for longer hours, increased responsibility and workload.
How much money are we spending a week at drive-throughs, restaurants and takeout places because we are too tired or uninspired to cook or even make coffee?
How many times do we treat ourselves to impluse purchases that end up as more clutter? Or bigger purchases (e.g., new car, boat or RV) and expensive vacations to make the job feel "worth" it?
Are we tempted to hire a housekeeper, lawn service, handyman, nanny or dog walker because we just don't have enough time?
How much money do we spend commuting to an office when we could get work done at home?
Eventually work stress leads to medical and mental health expenses. It may hard to predict those costs, but they are very real for those who lose everything in the end.
Instead of asking, "What does the job pay?" we should be asking, "What is this job costing me?"
Some jobs cost more than they pay.
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