[rmb177]

This path worked for me. I recently started a position at a credit union that focuses on serving customers typical banks/credit unions won't touch. Every week we get to hear feedback from customers who are grateful that we've taken the time to look beyond their credit scores and see how we might be able to help them out of their particular financial distress.

I've always enjoyed programming and never had any job I absolutely hated. But I've never really felt excited about the mission of my employer before and it makes such a difference in my daily attitude and motivation. I can really get behind the "teach a man to fish vs. give a man a fish" approach we take. I think it also helps that the results of our efforts directly impact the community I live in vs. a change the world type vision that a large corporation would have.

On top of it all, I got a nice raise to come here, especially when you include the benefits package. So don't resign yourself to the fact that you'll have to take a pay cut.