facebookHello. I'm 47 this year and have three kids. Am I too irresponsible to pursue a job I am passionate about now at this age but don't pay as much? Husband's mad that I'm doing this. What should I do? - Seedly

Anonymous

29 May 2021

SeedlyAMA

Hello. I'm 47 this year and have three kids. Am I too irresponsible to pursue a job I am passionate about now at this age but don't pay as much? Husband's mad that I'm doing this. What should I do?

Thank you.

SeedlyAMA Workforce Singapore

Discussion (5)

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I'm 47 and single, therefore has less factors to consider when I want to make significant decisions in my life.

Here is my humble opinion.

A lower income will create financial stress. It will mean that the family as a whole would probably have to take a step back and re-examine your financial commitments. Are there areas you could cut back on? Will the reduced income affect your future plans i.e. retirement plans, your kids' educational plans? I'm sure your husband has his concerns when he object to you pursueing a lower paying job.

Is the lower pay the only concern he have? Will the new job be stable? Will your passion be a passing fad?

Changes are always hard and often faced with deterance. If you feel strongly enough about you passion, then perhaps you will be able to come up with solutions to whatever problem your husband throw at you. If it is only the lower income he is concerned about, you need to show him a new budget which will work with the new income. Maybe rope your kids in too, if they are willing to sacrifice for you too, then you can slowly convince your husband.

Talk is cheap, so it is easy for me to suggest that you have a heart-to-heart with your husband. Address his concerns, and if you might be able to turn the table around and have his support.

On a side note, have you already started pursueing your "passion" job without first discussing with your husband? Is he mad with your decision? or with the fact that you acted on your decision without considering him?

Always pursue passion over profits/stability, in my opinion. Try to start small on a platform like Etsy, Fiverr or Carousell, and see if you can grow from there. Might be also good to have an honest chat with the hubby to see how you can understand each other better. You only have one life, best to live it in the way that brings you most meaning and fulfilment! Good luck!

Glenford Koh

11 Nov 2020

Principal Career Coach at Workforce Singapore

I will not presume to know your circumstance, financial status, family commitments and needs of your...

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