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My Main Reason for Working is to Earn a Paycheck [Guide]

    Can we be honest and say : My Main Reason for Working is to earn a Paycheck? Once we graduate, our practice life begins.

    For some people, however, it starts at an early age. Regardless, at one point or another, we find ourselves getting a job.

    Few people do not get a job and launch their business right from the start. Most people do jobs before they finally use their resources to launch a business of their own.

    There is no doubt that our reasons for working and doing jobs vary. We all have different reasons for working.

    Still, there is something common along the line. Money is an essential factor that we look for when we get a job. Now, the question is, is money the main reason we work?

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    Is Money the Main Reason we work?

    Money may be the main reason we work. For instance, in a mini-survey of alumni from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, they had selected several reasons for doing their current job.

    • 62% had mentioned money,
    • 50% had mentioned career growth
    • 20% had mentioned the quality of life
    • 20% had mentioned the workplace culture
    • 10% had mentioned the values of the firm.

    Based on the survey, money is undoubtedly the prime reason why people choose a job and work at a firm

    My main reason for work is to earn a paycheck
    My main reason for work is to earn a paycheck

    Similarly, another survey was performed by PayScale on compensation, benefits, and salary. It identified that the key reason why workers quit their jobs to find another one was to make more money.

    The findings of its survey track with what has been revealed by similar surveys in the past four years. 

    In January 2019 and November 2017, over 38,400 people were asked by PayScale why they looked for a new job. Out of the findings, it was identified:

    • The key reason for quitting existing jobs was more pay.
    • 25% of the respondents identified higher pay as the main reason why they looked for a new job. Meanwhile, 16% of the respondents determined that it was because they were unsatisfied with their job.
    • 27% of the respondents determined that the key reason for selecting a high-paying job over another was the chance and opportunity to do meaningful work.
    • Millennials are generally 9% more like to quit for more money than Baby Boomers.

    Therefore, based on these results, it is not difficult to deduce that money is the prime reason why most people look for a job. However, money is the only reason for all people.

    Many respondents added several other reasons such as career growth, workplace culture, and the opportunity to do meaningful work.

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    My Main Reason for Working is to Earn a Paycheck

    Recent studies are suggesting that money is essential when people look for a job. However, most people also look for retirement benefits, work security, and medical aid benefits.

    Quality of life is yet another factor that is becoming increasingly important for people. 

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    Can you give that Answer During an Interview?

    While money might be the prime reason for working, it is not the kind of answer an employer likes to hear. If you are blunt about it, there are high chances you will be turned down. Instead of just putting it like that, you need to mold your answer a little. 

    For instance, in an interview, you are expected to explain your motivations, such as how working in the firm will allow you to grow and develop yourself.

    You even need to mention how the firm will help you hone your skills and enable you to work on new projects. 

    Being blunt in an interview is not something that most employers like.

    While you can say that the salary package is attractive, you have to explain other reasons as well, such as how the firm will benefit you and how it is different from other companies. It will increase your chances of being selected for the position.

    Read also : When Is It Too Late To Cancel An Interview?

    Is your Job More than a Paycheck?

    While doing a job might not be more than a paycheck for some people, it does not apply to everyone.

    For many people, it goes beyond just pay and even covers many other factors such as workplace culture, career development, employee relations, etc. 

    As it is indicated by the findings of the surveys above, many people consider and look for aspects other than just the pay. The pay might indeed be a prime reason for people to do jobs and even switch jobs.

    However, it is not true for many other people. For instance, people might choose a job that offers better career development opportunities than a job with higher pay.

    Therefore, there is no doubt that your job is more than a paycheck. 

    You gain many things other than a paycheck from your job. For instance, you get experience, the ability to develop your career, and even hone your skills. 

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    Is Working only for a Paycheck can be a Sign of Low Motivation?

    Working only for a paycheck will never be a sign of low motivation for employees and general people. However, for an employer, if an employee is working only to get a paycheck, it might be perceived as a sign of low motivation.

    Employers want workers and employees to work with passion and vigor. For instance, employees with a positive and energetic attitude are perceived as beneficial for the firm.

    The employer will even encourage such behavior that benefits not only the firm but also the employee.

    However, if a person barely fulfills the duties and requirements just to earn a paycheck, it will be perceived as a sign of low motivation. Therefore, it is important to adopt an attitude that is perceived as positive for the firm.

    Overall, reasons for working are different for different people. For some people, the prime reason might be money. However, for others, it goes beyond just money and involves many other aspects and factors such as workplace culture and career development among others.

    Regardless, in an interview, it is not wise to be blunt and exclaim that you seek the job for a paycheck.

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