Chapter 1: The Allure of High Salaries

In the oil and gas industry, high salaries are a common expectation. Many individuals pursue careers in this field, often for financial gain rather than genuine interest. Here is a perspective from a former manager in an oilfield services company, whose identity and employer cannot be disclosed for privacy reasons. This is his account, presented in a first-person perspective.

During my high school years, I found myself uncertain about my academic direction while many of my peers had clear aspirations. My sole passion was science. After discussing with my parents, they advised against a science major due to potential financial limitations, which is often the case in my country. They encouraged me to pursue engineering, leading me to choose chemical engineering, as it combined my interest in science with the promise of a lucrative career.

I was fortunate to have the chance to study abroad at an Australian university. However, since my studies didn't align with my true passions, I faced significant challenges during my time there. Unlike many, I chose to persevere through the difficulties, driven by the goal of completing my degree, even if it wasn't my true calling.

Upon graduation, I landed a well-paying position at an oilfield services company, which also offered the chance to travel extensively. After eleven years of hard work, I climbed to a managerial role but ultimately decided to resign.

Now, I returned to my home country and sought a teaching position, accepting a job that offered less than half of my former salary. This decision left many people surprised, and during interviews, I was often asked, "Why would you do that?"

Here's my rationale.

Section 1.1: Discovering My True Calling

Teaching is where my heart lies. Over the years, I realized my true passion is educating others, which motivated my decision to leave a high-paying job for a less lucrative teaching role.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Journey to Teaching

People often question why I spent over a decade in the oilfield sector. To be honest, I have no regrets about those eleven years. I genuinely enjoyed my time there, but it wasn't my ultimate goal. I view those years as a strategic move, allowing me to save a considerable amount of money.

Let's not pretend—financial stability is essential, even if it isn't everything. My savings from that period enabled me to afford postgraduate and doctoral studies in the UK, open a preschool, and finally pursue my true passion.

Chapter 2: Should I Take a Job That Pays Less?

Deciding between a high-paying job and a fulfilling one can be a challenging dilemma. This video explores the factors to consider when faced with such a decision.

The second video titled "I Was Offered a Great Job But The Pay Is Pretty Low" delves into similar themes, examining the trade-offs involved in career choices.