Nominal or real?

Economists like to discuss whether things are in current dollars or real dollars. It just makes our head spin that prices can affect valuation of everything. I think this explains why most of us are slightly neurotic. Anywhoo, I am currently examining what i want to do career wise. Do I hang in for the stability, seniority or forge ahead at a different agency? I put a high price on my work happiness...most of the assholes at work have retired. Perhaps I should stay. If I go I might be happier but I might be stressed out too.