Should I quit my dream job for something more stable long term and better pay?
Without going into too many details I work at my dream job in higher education. My job enables me to do what I have been most passionate about my entire life. The actual "work" hours are far less then I am being paid for (I am currently 30 hours a week all year around in terms of pay, but actual work is less then 20 hours if I am being honest probably even less) I also believe I do my job fairly well all things considered.
But here is the issue: I am worried I could lose it at any moment. Higher education is in a awkward spot, budgets are being cut, things are being looked at and scrutinized very closely. There is alot of dead time in my position, especially over the summer. My direct supervisor has been very open with me about how the eye of sauron is gazing at us, and they are very particular about what exactly I am doing over the summer. We have been brainstorming more of a concrete schedule and busy work for me to do, but Im afraid its not going to be enough long term.
If my position goes to a 9-10 month type of deal, Im going to lose out of my full time benefits (Im close enough to full time to receive benefits). I only make 31k a year so money is pretty tight as is.
Part of me is wondering if its really worth it. I could go to costco, make far more money, work towards a supervisor position (I do have a college degree) and potentially make more then double what I make right now.
I guess I fear I am falling behind in life big time, just so I can enjoy a super easy fun job, but knowing that the sustainability of it could very easily be taken away at any moment and Ill be left with nothing but memories and a feeling I could have been much further ahead by now.