We have recently found ourselves in the conversation as to how much of an influence a potential mate’s profession has on whether you date them and how seriously you date them. We determined a few essential factors to consider that influence any potential relationship and feel it is essential to evaluate how important these factors are to you and your life when dating. We are believers in the good old-fashioned type of love; that it shouldn’t be affected by superficial or circumstantial factors, but inevitably, just as timing can play a role, so too may the profession of your crush, date or future boyfriend or girlfriend. Here’s why:
Money
For love or money seems to be the question among some young professionals in every city. Since the beginning of time, high-paying jobs are known to contribute to the sexiness of potential mates (True? False?). Careers like finance, medicine and law have widespread appeal because they represent stability, security and bonuses like vacations and dinner dates. Of course, young professional love does still exist independent of bank accounts, but on the other side of the coin, it may be difficult to date someone who has financial woes that inevitably spill over into other aspects of their lives. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but wondering how bills or rent are going to get paid can be a source of stress for a YP and may affect their partner. Unless, of course, the YP in financial instability understands that just because he or she may “be broke” today, doesn’t mean that they will be broke tomorrow. Right? Sometimes it’s the challenge and determination in pursuing a dream that is more attractive then all the money in the world. With that said, certain professions that centre around money – like finance – may be a turnoff to some who think it may reveal the other to be obsessed with money. Your call.
Prestige/Passion
We talk a lot about the debate between passion and earning a high salary. Those in marketing, media or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures are aware that it is possible for a blue collar worker to be making more income than them – even without a high school education – let alone a post-secondary degree. Young professionals want to surround themselves with other people who are doing great things and crave stimulating conversations…and for their partner to maintain stimulating conversations. Thus, someone may choose to date someone who is just launching a start up and is bringing in very little cash flow financially, but who is intelligent, in-the-know, educated and capable of interacting with their mate’s YP circle.
Time Commitment
Some professions are huge time investments and either keep young professionals occupied round the clock either in front of their desks, at work-related events or saving lives in emergency rooms. We know from experience that it is difficult to make any situation work if you are on opposite schedules. Even if you live together, your life could become a routine of two ships passing in the dark. This is important to consider with jobs that require nighttime work like certain doctors, nightclub owners, investment bankers, and chefs. On the other side of the spectrum, people may desire those with jobs with more flexible schedules, especially when thinking about kids down the road. A teacher would get the summers off, for example, allowing for flexible and ample vacation time in the warmer months and time spent with future children when they are out of school themselves for the summer.
Morals
Certain professions may go against what you deem morally or socially acceptable. These may include everything from strippers or strip club owners to plastic surgeons or politicians who support causes you don’t agree on. Pardon the stereotype, but women may be weary or closed off to dating professional athletes who are known to have the reputation to cheat on wives and girlfriends. On the other hand, a man may choose not to date a struggling model that has very few other job prospects outside of modeling because he was raised to value intellect and hard work. Even dating people in finance or other money-driven professions may be morally unacceptable for a more socially conscious and humble individual.
Stress
Highly stressful jobs may be a turn off for some, especially if they are prone to stress or anxiety themselves. We have discovered that stress and being high strung rubs off on people and some people don’t know how to rid themselves of it once the work day is over. Jobs high in stress include deadline-heavy jobs, jobs that involve the management of others and ones that literally involve life or death. While dating a stressed out individual is not ideal, you may not want to date someone who is too far in the other direction and whose career is so stress-free that they are lazy and not stimulated. The last thing a hard-working YP needs is someone who will bring them down or suck their drive. It’s all about balance.
Risk
The amount of risk associated with your job may play an important role in whether or not you decide to date a person. If you are a worrier, dating a pilot, fire fighter or police officer may result in more stress and sleepless nights. Aside from physical risk, jobs that involve major financial risks – like opening a restaurant or investing all of your money into the creation of a film – may not be seen as ideal choices for those who crave stability and balance in their lives.
There you have it, ladies and gents. Instead of judging people by their job title, it may be more important to consider the value that you place on all of the above, how it will affect your future and your ultimate happiness.
Share your thoughts below. We know there are many sides to this topic.