A dental hygienist I once worked with, faced a difficult decision when offered a new position at a competing dental office. The job came with a substantial salary increase, a sign-on bonus, bonus for taking x-rays, and health benefits. On the surface, it seemed like a no-brainer, but she ultimately declined the offer, illustrating how compensation can sometimes motivate behavior in unexpected ways.
She was initially excited by the financial prospects of the new job. The higher pay and benefits promised more financial security for her family being a single mom in California, and the clinic’s modern equipment seemed like a professional upgrade. However, as she dug deeper, and realized the compensation came with significant trade-offs. The new position demanded a much faster patient turnover rate and prioritized volume over patient care. She prided herself on building meaningful relationships with her patients and ensuring they received comprehensive care. The clinic’s approach clashed with her values, leaving her feeling uneasy.
Ultimately, she decided to stay in her current role where we worked together despite the lower pay. For her, job satisfaction wasn’t just about financial rewards it was about the quality of care she provided and the relationships she had with her patients. The personal fulfillment she received from her work outweighed the monetary benefits the new position offered.
This situation highlights that compensation is about more than just dollars and cents. While financial incentives can initially attract interest, they may fail to motivate if they don’t align with an individual’s core values and professional goals. Her decision was a powerful reminder that compensation must resonate with what matters most to an individual whether that’s purpose, relationships, or personal integrity.
For this hygienist, staying true to her values ensured she remained passionate about her work, proving that compensation, while important, isn’t always the deciding factor.
