<prompt> Human: Im not sure if I should be posting here. Im a long-time lurker, and rarely a poster. So up front, my apologies. Also up front: Tl;dr: I dont make a lot of money, but I love the work I do. Is it worth it to continue, or do I go for a higher-paying shit job to take in the dough?Im a journalist who has been working in the field for about nine years. Ive always enjoyed writing, and absolutely love it. When I was a kid, I imagined I would somehow make money writing for a living, and I do. The job itself is wonderful, and Im surrounded by veteran reporters who have been at that same paper for 40 years. The benefits are great, I use my degree, I never regret going to work, and Im fulfilled with my work. There are more times than not that I feel as though I have made a difference in the world, believe it or not. Especially with the current political climate, I believe the watch dogs of the world are more important than ever. For all of this, I feel quite fortunate. However, not surprising, journalism doesnt pay well. While the paper where I work is doing well for a number of reasons, writing isnt really a field you go into if you want to make the big bucks. My wife and I are doing okay financially, but we live minimally and are good budgeters. But there are certain goals and things we want that could be expedited if I could bring home more money at the end of the day. Recently, someone offered me a job where I could potentially make double what Im making now I make 26,000 annually, working in a mortgage department for a large bank. Ugh. Even thinking about it makes my heart sink. So Ive been struggling lately. Anyone I talk to says follow your heart, or money doesnt buy you happiness, or you cant take it with you, etc. But...sometimes a little voice in the back of my mind asks: what the hell are you doing making shit money when youve got a family and a life to build? I feel selfish at times, and am genuinely curious what some of you folks think. Is it worth it trading a happy and comfortable work environment for more money? Is there real value in that at all?Im 30, my wife is 32. We have a little savingsan emergency fund, we snowball budget pretty hardcore, and consider ourselves in an okay situation financially. We bring in 2,740mo and monthly expenses are around 1,790 a month. Edit:Wow. Thanks for all of the comments, well-wishes, and scorns guys. I genuinely appreciate the advice.A few things: My wife also makes about 27,000 a year. So we bring home around 53,000 a year; We dont have kids, but wed like to, if we can; My wife does not support me quitting my job; I do write creatively on the side, and its a slow process, but not something Im willing to give up; I have been looking into professionaltechnical writing work. Again, thanks a lot, guys. This has given me some valuable insight.  <response>: Hey, first up kudos for being brave and sharing your thoughts.As an outsider looking at the bigger picture, it appears as though you and your family are approaching a growth stage and could do with an income boost. While the mortgage department job may seem dull and of no real interest to you in the short-term, the long-term rewards of taking that job much larger savingsemergency fund, doubled disposable income and a relaxed budget are all things you will thank yourself for in the future.You were offered this new job because you have talent, whether you see it or not, and would be valuable to the team. Have you worked for a mortgage department in a bank before? If not then your perception could be totally inaccurate, and it could turn out to be the most fulfilling job youve ever taken.Dont be afraid to try something new, especially if youre gaining more from attempting it. And hey, if it doesnt work out people will still be wanting articles to read! Good luck! 