Are New Graduates Happier Making More Money or Having More Time?

A.V.  Whillans

Article | Harvard Business Review (website)

Are New Graduates Happier Making More Money or Having More Time?

Abstract

Each year across North America, millions of graduates have to make tradeoffs between time and money as they plan their next steps. Despite the importance of these choices, we know surprisingly little about how people navigate major life decisions that involve making more money at the expense of having less time, and vice versa. Researchers asked more than 1,000 graduating college students in Canada whether they generally prioritized time or money. They found that students who prioritized time at graduation were happier and more satisfied with their careers 1 to 2 years later than those who prioritized money. They explored why that might be and how factors like financial security and student debt play a role in people’s decision-making and happiness.

Keywords: time; tradeoffs; Money; Decision Making; Personal Development and Career; Satisfaction;

Format: Electronic

Citation:

Whillans, A.V. "Are New Graduates Happier Making More Money or Having More Time?" Harvard Business Review (website) (July 25, 2019).

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Are New Graduates Happier Making More Money or Having More Time?

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