3 answers
Johnelle
Student
New Jersey, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
805 views
What would the better option be work my dream job or work a job to pay off my debt?
What would you suggest would be the better option after I graduate college in a couple years, work towards my dream job or work at a job that would pay off my debt?
Login to comment
3 answers
Paul Rogers
Solutions Engineer | Technical Consultant | Leadership Mentor
18
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Johnelle,
This is an incredibly important question — and honestly, there’s no "one-size-fits-all" answer. But here’s the leadership mindset I would recommend:
First:
If you can land a job that's connected to your dream field and pays enough to manage debt — that's ideal.
But if you have to pick one: prioritize momentum toward your dream over just chasing a paycheck.
Why?
Debt is temporary.
Career paths are long-term.
If you pick a high-paying but unrelated job, you might pay off your debt faster, but you risk getting stuck in a career you don’t love — and it’s much harder to pivot later.
Smart move:
Find a job that builds skills, experience, and connections that move you closer to your dream — even if it pays a little less at first.
Look for scholarships, side gigs, or part-time options to chip away at debt while you grow.
Big picture:
In the long run, working toward a meaningful career will put you in a better position financially, mentally, and emotionally than chasing short-term money.
You’re already ahead just by asking this — keep trusting yourself and choosing the path that builds your future, not just your paycheck.
Research early-career jobs that bridge into your dream field, even if they’re entry level.
Build a basic monthly budget now to prepare for life after college.
Seek out mentors already working in your dream field for advice on smart first steps.
This is an incredibly important question — and honestly, there’s no "one-size-fits-all" answer. But here’s the leadership mindset I would recommend:
First:
If you can land a job that's connected to your dream field and pays enough to manage debt — that's ideal.
But if you have to pick one: prioritize momentum toward your dream over just chasing a paycheck.
Why?
Debt is temporary.
Career paths are long-term.
If you pick a high-paying but unrelated job, you might pay off your debt faster, but you risk getting stuck in a career you don’t love — and it’s much harder to pivot later.
Smart move:
Find a job that builds skills, experience, and connections that move you closer to your dream — even if it pays a little less at first.
Look for scholarships, side gigs, or part-time options to chip away at debt while you grow.
Big picture:
In the long run, working toward a meaningful career will put you in a better position financially, mentally, and emotionally than chasing short-term money.
You’re already ahead just by asking this — keep trusting yourself and choosing the path that builds your future, not just your paycheck.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
James Smith
2
Answers
Sparks, Nevada
Updated
James’s Answer
I agree with Paul if it fits your needs. Debt is temporary, but being in debt seems overwhelming at times.
If you can earn enough to pay your bills and enjoy a little bit of you time, while chasing your dreams then go for it.
Over the years I have found that dabbling in areas that relate to your ideal career choice that utilize what your career brings to the table, helps you understand what your customers are looking for from you.
And from the opposite perspective careers you will be the customer of, and what you want from them. Understanding the downstream and upstream wants/needs helps prepare you for possible outcomes and issues, you can plan for and have plans in place to deal with them without being caught off guard.
Good Luck and be proactive
If you can earn enough to pay your bills and enjoy a little bit of you time, while chasing your dreams then go for it.
Over the years I have found that dabbling in areas that relate to your ideal career choice that utilize what your career brings to the table, helps you understand what your customers are looking for from you.
And from the opposite perspective careers you will be the customer of, and what you want from them. Understanding the downstream and upstream wants/needs helps prepare you for possible outcomes and issues, you can plan for and have plans in place to deal with them without being caught off guard.
Good Luck and be proactive
Tony Bae
Consultant
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Tony’s Answer
It sounds like you're facing a common challenge of balancing your dream job with financial responsibilities. Many people experience this when making big life decisions, like buying a car or a house.
Consider if there's a way to find a job that helps pay off your debt while still doing something you enjoy. If your finances require you to focus on debt repayment, try to find a job that covers this need. At the same time, look for opportunities, even part-time ones, that let you stay connected to your passions.
If you can manage both, you might find a path that works for now. Once your debt is paid off, you can shift more attention back to what you love.
Wishing you the best in your journey!
Consider if there's a way to find a job that helps pay off your debt while still doing something you enjoy. If your finances require you to focus on debt repayment, try to find a job that covers this need. At the same time, look for opportunities, even part-time ones, that let you stay connected to your passions.
If you can manage both, you might find a path that works for now. Once your debt is paid off, you can shift more attention back to what you love.
Wishing you the best in your journey!