Would I accept a low-paying job that would give me substantial experience? Or would I go for a dead-end occupation that pays big-time but somewhat unrelated to my field? Why even choose? Can’t I just get a high-paying job that put my skills to good use?

Those are the eternal questions newly-graduates ask themselves as they prepare to join the labor force, and most often they get confused. I was one of them nine years ago.

It took me several months before I landed a job after graduating from college. I was so concerned with the salary.

“I heard John is getting $$$ amount monthly.”

“Jane was also accepted at ABC company and is being sent to the States to work.”

I wanted to be the same. I wanted tell people how huge my salary is when they ask. I wanted a job that will pay me huge money and at the same time will give me even just a slight exposure in my field of expertise. In that specific order: money, then experience. That was how I measured success then. I wanted money right away.

My friend on the other hand, was already working as a programmer receiving a minimum to low salary. That time, I just declined a job from an IT software house that only offered daily allowance, enough to pay only the transportation. Give me a break, I deserved better than that. So I accepted a programming job from a small plastic manufacturing firm that gave me almost double of my friend’s base salary. My work as an in-house database programmer was to upgrade their DOS systems to Windows-based, not to mention technical support and computer troubleshooting.

Later, I learned that my hard-working friend was absorbed by the bank he was working for and his professional skills were honed as his company kept sending him to various seminars and workshops. Years after, he is promoted to a manager, has his own car, and is now living a life I’ve been dreaming of.

Me? I got stuck coding, and since the company I was working for was more concerned in developing their main products, I had to improve my skills on my own time.

Looking back, it was a huge mistake to prioritize salary when you are a starter. Give premium to skills and experience. In time, as your skills and experience broaden, you will be compensated properly. Forget what others say when they brag about their income but unhappy with their jobs because of lack of professional growth.

If you can get a job that will provide you experience and huge income, then take advantage and grab it. Good for you. Otherwise, go for the experience, you’ll be rewarded later. Or maybe sooner. Depends on how hard-working you are. As the saying goes, “No pain, no gain.”

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