Money or People:

Which would you prefer: an ideal job and benefits – with the worst coworkers; or a not-so-great job with average benefits – but the best coworkers?

Of course in reality most of us are stuck with the worst of both worlds: a not-so-great job with average benefits – and the worst coworkers!

But if we were to rank what’s most important when we had to make a decision to stay with our job or leave, “coworkers” is probably one of the top factors. I’ve always thought I could be bought – give me an obscenely large pay – and I can put up with the worst work environment, including people. Throughout the years, I have actually had jobs that paid very well, but the people were terrible! Some were mean and others had zero passion for what they did. Some pushed others too hard and others never took on any accountability. Some had poor work ethics and other had worse. Some gossiped – no – in fact all gossiped. And I have left these companies – for different reasons. People wasn’t necessarily the biggest reason – but definitely one of the reasons.

Today, I’d rather get a smaller (but decent) paycheck – and work with a group of talented, motivated, and inspiring people. (Of course, the word “decent” must not be overlooked.) What about you?

posted by Office Buddies Day at 12:46 PM