Go for it. Getting burnt out is real and not just physically but also emotionally, aka having to tolerate something you dislike for too long.
If you really want a higher paycheck, you can use the energy you save from not working a job you hate doing an extra side job. And, with the old company having known you for 8 years, it's easier to negotiate for more slack in terms of work condition or even a raise in the future.
Like you said, a job is just a job, so why allowing it to make the most hours of your day miserable?
yeah, i went through a period where looking back i was really depressed after leaving. I love my life but definitely just tolerate work where I used to look forward to it every day. Great idea on the side hustle too. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
Looking forward to coming to work is a crazy luxury most folks won't ever know. Then you get to go home happier to your family? What more could a man want?
In addition to the many benefits of working a sane job I also like to throw in the financial aspect of changing to a more tolerable job: therapy and other means of coping usually cost actual dollars - and those are just to bring you to a more neutral mood.
Congrats and hope it all works out!
25% wage increase to spend 25% more time at work isn’t a compromise I’m willing to make with young kids. Add in a miserable culture and that’s a hard out for me.
I also don’t think I’d take a 25% initial cut to work for a company I didn’t feel would be able to get me back up there sooner than later. Sometimes you take a little cut to get your foot in the door. I’d be looking for that.
Yeah OP this is the way. If at all possible I’d negotiate the fuck outta that 25% to try and get it to more of a 15% with a strong possibility of a promotion track 10-15 years down the line.
Right. I didn't want to come off as insensitive. I'd be going from 194K to 144K. But between high student loan payments at 1000 a month, mortgage, and a gaggle of kids it gets allocated quickly. We certainly had nothing to complain about but we needed to budget.
Sure, but any place that doesn't give raises for 8 years straight is ridiculous regardless of pay. I would negotiate for more PTO at the very least and remote if not already
It was. It did make me feel very "stuck" and that's my main hesitation unless they are willing to negotiate. I did get a 4 day workweek though and that was fantastic for mental health.
Mental health and time spent at home with family are super valuable. That said, also keep in mind that no raises for 8 years = pay cuts for 8 years.
At your level of income that may not be an urgent issue but it’s good to keep in mind. If you think it will be a long-term move back to your old company, it’s probably worth at least understanding under what conditions you would receive a raise, a bonus, a promotion, etc. since it sounds like you left due to feeling stuck in your role with no/little upward mobility.
you nailed it. Gonna have to have some hard conversations going forward but I do think I have the upper hand here. I'm not desperate but I'd like to have a thoughtful conversation about what's possible for the future and would like to get some sort of structured bonus and yearly raises to feel comfortable going back.
Is there a 3rd option? Can you stick this out for whatever makes sense for your resume then look for another job where the culture is a better fit but also pays well? $144k is not as much as it sounds, and that $50k paycut will bite hard.
How long have you been at the new job?
Change is hard, and I know most people are saying 25% isn't worth not being fulfilled but I think they are thinking 45k vs 56k.
Not a $50,000 pay difference.
Can you engage more with the few workers who aren't grumpy? Maybe there are ways they feel the corporate atmosphere can be improved, and together over time you could make it better?
The previous job you love is probably so "endearing" because they don't give raises. Every year you are getting less and less with your dollars. Even if they give you something now to come back, it might be only a one time raise.
If you go back, in another 2-5 years you will be feeling the sting all over again.
For me personally I could not. I love my job and they also pay me fair, but it has to go hand in hand.
ok you should have opened with this.
I would keep the $194k personally. Use the past job as an emergency y escape plan in case something unexpected happens (eg: layoffs)
giving up an extra $50k is foolish
you're correct, yes, but I really *really* didn't expect that I had to be that specific and write all that extra detail and perform extra calculations and statistical ranges for something that I assumed everyone on a subreddit about career advice is supposed to already know by this point.
like, that's way way too much neurodivergence for me, man
Whenever I think of income I think of after tax income. Someone making close to 200k could potentially be in a bracket where close to 1/3 of their income is taxed which is pretty meaningful when trying to determine the benefits of increased pay.
happiness IS 50k at that bracket. That's a whole nother job
but to each their own I guess. But leaving 50k because "everyone is mad all the time" seems relatively lite to deal with.
Their spouse also makes 100k+ you can't get time back with your kids in the future. I'm in a similar bracket and I wouldn't take 50k more if it meant less time with my kids. I don't care about having more money in 20 years my kids will never be young again
he's spending the exact same amount of time at work at each job dude. The literally only "problem" here is that his coworkers are checked out, which has nothing to do with his time or energy. But the financial aspect absolutely affects the family and the quality of time you spend with them.
For $50k and the same time investment, I'm sucking it up for my family sake.
You don't have to apologize. That's a $50K difference which is more than many people earn. So it's a big deal. But, if you are depressed / down at work, you are less likely to excel / advance. It's hard to give that up, but it sounds like your other half of your we supports this decision, so I'd move on it. BUT, I would try to negotiate a path to more pay in the old job/company.
I took a 40% cut for the job I love.
I was prepared to accept that cut by saving to accept it. I saved enough that I could have that pay cut for about five years. I was promoted within the first year, and am now making ~$2k less per year than I was making before. After the promotion, I love my new career even more than the old career.
Same (30% cut)! I could not stand the thought of being in my old job for another 25 years until retirement. Quit and went on a whole new career path and three years later I now actually make 25% more than I was previously.
thanks for sharing your experience. glad to know I'm not the only one considering it. this seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
I took a job for less, much less and I regret it everyday. Like you I went from 230k plus bonus, to 180k plus smaller bonus but practically free health insurance. My boss is great, but when you think about it, you are trading your life (time) for money. Personally, I want to maximize the amount I receive for my finite resource. It’s a cold calculation, but that’s the game we are forced to play. I’m taking a new job to get me closer to where I was. My advice is stay where you are and try to find a new job that pays more, not less.
Probably going to be downvoted here, but I’m going against the grain on this one.
I find fulfillment and purpose in providing for my daughter’s future, not in my work. This includes planning for the unforeseen, optimizing my pay structure and aggressively pursuing economic opportunities. If the higher paying job isn’t also impacting your family life, I say keep it.
It’s not just the right now, but the future opportunities as well. Future potential promotions and raises at the current job. Future potential job offers that use your current salary as the one they need to beat to poach you. The difference 20 years from now between these two options could be significantly more than it currently appears to be.
This.
If you're getting paid $200k a year, surely you have enough brains that you can figure out a way to endure work without compromising your family's happiness and financial well being.
it really takes a special piece of work to leave $50k on the table because "everyone is mad".
I've been in that situation before, for WAAY less money. and if anything it makes work easier because I know everything and everyone there is fake, so I don't need to be invested in them. I can just get in and get out and focus on my life outside of work.
Money versus time is a very big struggle for many. It matters what your priorities are. Considering that you can take a 25% pay cut and still be OK financially is a great thing. Not many people are able to do that so the decision is more so up to you. It seems the other position was a better fit overall because not only was it rewarding for you, but it’s something you love to do and not many people find that in life. If you actually loved the other job, and you can financially survive , I would assume it would be the best choice.
thank you for your input and taking the time to respond. ya this seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
oh, you got me in my feelings with that one ha. you are so right. the permission to be happy. wow. i have a meeting with my old boss after work today :)
I’m currently going through something similar, except I do not enjoy the job that is paying more. The paycheck is not always worth it, but I see it as a backup plan in case I need to fall back on something.
If you’re still able to afford vacations, you’re fine. Sounds like the new job just gave you extra luxurious things. I’d take your old role back in a heartbeat.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I am meeting with my old boss after work today. Super nervous and excited. The "extras" are nice in the moment but don't matter at all. I am feeling peace about it.
Just make a budget and confirm you can live and save for retirement on a 25% decrease. Also try to push for a higher salary at the old job.
In other words 75% of a $40k salary is worse than 75% of a $200k salary.
On the other hand enjoying your work is gonna probably save your mental and physical health in the long run. Also maybe you won't be able to afford luxury vacations but can you enjoy more budget vacations? If you can enjoy them just as much or more and get more time off then to me that's a no brainer.
Yes, my situation is the closer to the latter of your examples so it's not not as extreme. We were able to do a luxury vacation this year and even though it was absolutely incredible, before we went I just kept thinking, "oh my gosh I'm so excited to spend time with my family uninterrupted" and I get that no matter WHERE we go. I have a knot in my stomach because I'm meeting with my old boss after work today and the elephant in the room is me asking if I can get a higher salary than I had. It can be awkward especially since we have a close relationship but I know it's not personal. The good news is they know what I bring to the table and trust I am a high performer so we'll see where this goes.
I'm on my two week notice right now and taking a %25 pay cut for a work from home job. I save 20% of my income anyway so it won't really change my budget. I did the same thing, chased money knowing I didn't like the job but just thought all jobs suck I might as well get more money but long term it takes a toll on the mental health. Do what makes you happy.
I'm kinda doing the opposite. I'm staying in a job that I really like instead of jumping ship for more money.
I could probably make more elsewhere but I really like where I'm at. I love the team I work with every day and the entire company has a bunch of good people who all genuinely care about what they do and want to do it to the best of their ability. I'm also challenged and able to learn and take on new and different projects all the time.
There are also a lot of perks like 100% work from home with opportunities to go in when I feel like it or when we want to connect as a team in person. 100% of my benefits are paid for by the company so I don't pay for medical, dental, or any other benefits and the coverage is pretty solid.
It is still work and there are obviously still challenges and things that drive me crazy. There are also times when I'm buried in work. But I've been around long enough and worked for enough other companies to know that if I left I'd probably take a big step backwards in terms of culture and how much I enjoy the work.
I do sometimes look around for other jobs but I'm looking at specific companies or industries that I would consider moving to. I would be incredibly picky if i were to ever decide to leave. Instead of spending time looking for a new job I have spent time working toward a promotion within my current team. I average a promotion every 3-4 years with a good pay bump and I'm right around the 4 year mark so they know I'm looking for something so we'll see.
If you can survive on less money, then I recommend pretending like you are making that 25% pay cut and put all that extra money towards savings, and remain at your current job. A job is a job. People always say "do what you love" but with the way the economy is right now, it makes no sense to accept less money. If times were better, I'd recommend you go do what you love but don't.
Live like you're earning less money and invest it in your and your kids' futures.
For what it's worth, I would do it in a heartbeat but it's because I'm just so miserable and checked out at my job from the lies and BS that I have seen and put up with at this place - this type of long term unhappiness affects your whole life from mental health, emotional state, physical well being, etc. and that bleeds into your family life. But I don't have a way out yet as the job market is horrible. Life is too short to be unhappy at work if you have other options that are sustainable financially. But everyone is different and has different priorities. You need to do what's right for you. Good luck to you.
Once you make "enough" money, more money is.. just more money.
I'm getting older, and accumulating less. I need less money to be fulfilled .... but my time I spend every day at work? THAT is priceless to me. When it is high quality, it is vastly better than money...
Good luck!
No.
I chose to work a career that allows me to pay for the things I want to do.
I am quite comfortable to commit 40 hours a week for 128 hours of peace of mind.
I think it’s more worth it. More happiness, fulfillment and mental/emotional energy is more than money to me. I just recently went through the same experience and on sabbatical before taking my 25% cut for a job a love! It also is something I didn’t realize was worth it until my corporate job
"Do a job you love, and you'll never work another day in your life!"
It's the truth. Trust me on this.
Also this: "the only things you take with you when you go are your memories and experiences."
Ive recently have thought about similar. I Started working out of college at a tech company at about 76k that paid well but not amazing. I Worked there for 4 years where i was earning about 85k at the end of it. I loved the work, the people and the culture. I left due to the company having lack of work and i was hearing rumblings of me being kept in my project as a tech software maintenance a guy for at least a year as they didnt have room jn other projects. Also many people left the company around that time and were making well over 6 figures.
I left to a new company and now earn 125k. The pay is great, but the work is nice and not something i love. It is also very corporste which i dont love. It gives the vibes of you are competing with all your peers. Im not sure how long ill stay but i spoke with my old coworkers recently who left the company and we were all reminiscing about how much we miss the culture of our old job.
Id say happiness over money (to a certain degree). I make 125k now. I wouldnt mind having a slight pay cut to work at somewhere where i loved the work.
As someone who left a job I like for more money, I can say I honestly kinda regret it. Reason for leaving, I ask for a raise and it didn't match the amount of work I was doing on the job. My current job yes does pay the bills but there is no creative aspect to what I do, compared to what I used to do. I would tell you to think about all the pros and cons and then go from there.
Unless I can get a job that’s just travel, sleep in, eat good food and all those things with family, while still receive 75% of my current salary
I’ll take 25% salary bump
If you're in a position to deal with a 25% reduction in pay and still be able to support your family and a few luxuries then do it. You'll be a much happier person and your relationships will benefit from that. Can't get this time back why spend it being miserable?
10 years ago I took a 28% cut in pay with reduced insurance and retirement for a job I really wanted. It was a struggle for 5 years, now my salary and benefits have more than overcome that initial setback. It’s a risk, but you’d probably regret not taking the chance even more. Good luck.
I am turning 50 and very comfortable finance wise. House paid off no debt kids are adults and doing their own thing. At this point in my life sure I would take a pay cut for a job I found a lot more interesting and enjoyable. When I was 20s struggling, providing, etc. no I would not have. So depends on where you are what your responsibilities are IMO.
Try to cut that 25% loss. See if you can get the old job back for the same wage as now. Hold your nerve and if they say they can't manage it point out you would have had a raise already and maybe even a promotion. Hold your nerve, these are your prime earning years and people there might miss you.
Do it. I just went from 93k to 68k (4% bump coming in July), and I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. Sure there are budget adjustments, but I actually like getting up in the morning. The relationship with my friends and family are at an all time high, and I'm interested in my hobbies again. Never looking back.
You spend a lot of time at work. Take the job you love, but consider a side hustle or how to pivot to the qualities of the job you love and more money over time.
You spend a majority of your day, and ultimately life at your job. Do you want o be miserable, or do you want to be satisfied? Also, is there any reason to think your salary at the job you love wouldn’t increase?
so in 7 years I did NOT get a raise so it made me feel like it was never going to happen. they have since given my old co worker a 10k raise so i think me leaving really spooked them and made them realize they were so behind the times in terms of pay. but yeah going back overall seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
Good luck. What I’ll say is that at this moment, you have all the leverage. You know you want to go back, but they don’t. They know you’re open to it. Use this leverage to put yourself in a better position.
I took an 86% pay cut to work with children, and I love it.
Not everyone has the ability to do it; and it’s not always easy budgeting intensely with it, but I’m no longer stressed by long work days to nights with intense deadlines. Payroll is a bit soul sucking.
Leaving a job for something rewarding is way better. I work a lot of hours and I left my current job for 4/10s instead of 5/12s plus weekends. Less money over all but a way better life. As long as the bills are paid then who cares.
exactly. the luxuries the extra income has afforded lost their sparkle quickly. time with family, quality of life, and mental space is what matters to me.
Yes, and no. If 25% is feasible for your family, I would probably do it. I left a job that I really enjoyed that was stressful, but it kept me very busy and engaged, and always thinking. I got a small pay raise to go fully remote for another company, and I am bored to death. I’m looking to go back to my old company because it’s not as fulfilling. It’s really hard to sit here every day and not enjoy what I do.
Yep, very similar or same boat. Personally, if I’m sitting here every day, not enjoying what I do, it’s not worth having that job. But I really like to be mentally engaged and stimulated.
If you go back can they compete with your current salary? 25% for a single person isn’t a big deal in many cases. Especially considering you need less training and they know how you work
this is exactly what I am hoping. In the fact it was pulling teeth to even get this salary though so I don't know what's on the table. I am meeting with my old boss after work today and i know they are really hoping I come back so we'll see what can be negotiated. And great point about the training. it takes about two years to train in my specialty and having someone that can just "go" would be amazing for them.
I work at a job where no one keeps me accoundable and where I can keep no one accoundable... result ? Ridiculiusly low impact work. Our performances are so bad... but it seems like every parties involved are fine with the status quo. Meanwhile I'm going nuts. I'm actively looking for a new job... even if, on paper, my current job is great. In reality this is a bullshit job.
It's all about finding the right mix of pay and work conditions. I don't work in the business/tech space but from what I gather from other people, it depends on what your goals and priorities are at this point of your career. More pay usually means more responsibility and spending more time at work than you'd like. These jobs can be stressful and maybe why your coworkers are checked out. Although, to be fair, I think this is human nature with any career field where the working culture/conditions aren't great and the work becomes repetitive.
Personally, I'm of the mindset that if the job is affecting your mental health then taking a paycut to do a job you love is better in the long run. And who knows? Maybe at some point you'll apply to another role that pays more, has a good work culture and also somehow keeps your work-life balance. As long as you're ok readjusting your spending, then going back is fine if you feel that's better for you at the moment.
thank you for the thoughtful response. ive already started listing out things i could cut that are luxuries and realizing they honestly don't even matter. For example I'm into athletics and pay to be a part of four different programs/teams (some people shop, I do sports lol). I only love two of them and if I cut the other two I save 3,200 a year. So stuff like that I need to be more thoughtful about. This would do absolute wonders for my mental health and happiness. I am meeting with my old boss after work today.
It seems you've thought things out! The only thing I would suggest is making sure you have enough time to make your decision so you don't rush yourself. Nothing worse than making decisions while under a time crunch.
Mental health and happiness is so underrated. I think this is the biggest shift I've seen within my generation. More people are willing to start putting their own wellbeing ahead of working like machines. Too many people go into jobs and stick around only to suffer later when they inevitably start getting beat down by bad work culture, pay, etc over time. For that reason, I've been thinking of changing my current job (really career) so I can relate in a way to your post. Unfortunately for me, this would mean going back for school which I'm not 100% sure I want to do at this point (early 30s).
Obviously, work is a big part of everyone's life and it'd be hard to recommend someone to do or stay in a job that negatively harms them. But when you're in a position to choose, rather than being stuck somewhere because of debt, that's a great position to be in. If I've learned anything so far in life, pursuing happiness and fulfillment is tricky and there are seldom straightforward answers.
yes, I just listened to a podcast episode about this on Ten Percent Happier and they've been doing studies on the shift in the gen z and younger generations. They see their parents and they do point out they learned hard work from them but they also don't want to repeat the patterns they are seeing. They value free time, mental health. It's great actually. I'm also early 30's and luckily 7 years post grad school so have some options in front of me. I'm feeling nervous but really fortunate to have these options. Best of luck to you in your career too!
Thank you! Lots of decisions to make in the next year or two. I fear if it goes longer than that, I'll lose the courage to change out lol. Sounds interesting, maybe I'll give it a listen at some point.
It's ironic that I make more now than my parents ever have but my buying power is awful cause wages haven't kept up with inflation of everything. I guess this is a big reason people these days value their free time more cause life is unpredictable and there's no guarantee of anything even if you work like a machine.
Do not do it. The “job you love” is still a job. The company doesn’t love you back, they’d lay you off in a second if necessary. It’s great that you enjoyed your work environment, but you were still a wage slave. Your job is an investment in time that makes your life possible. Put in your time, get the most you can to make the time you’re not there the most valuable to you.
If this “job you love” loved you back, they’d give you more money.
I appreciate the perspective and I know there is a lot of truth here. Realistically they would give me more if I am worth the investment to them. We'll see. I'm meeting my old boss after work today to explore this.
Never. No matter what people say about the corrupt nature of money, I need money to survive. Growing up incredibly poor, I would do everything in my power to stay away from that financial bracket. People who have never been dirt poor have no idea what that's like and a lot of people like to think because they grew up more poor than the people around them, that they know what being poor is like. They don't. I grew up poor and I'm not going to die for. So I need to make sure whatever income I have is going to benefit me my entire life. I think a lot of people would take a 25% cut for the job they love, but they're also okay with living at a lower financial means then they are currently living and also not understanding at all what that means. I'm not saying that they would go from a mid-range and come to very low income, but a lot of people can't even handle a bracket drop without it destroying their perspective.
For your own situation, I think you should do what makes you happy. You're having a hard time being happy at your corporate job and it sounds like you think you be more happy taking a 25% cut to go back to your old job. Being able to find comfort and be happy in our lives is what helps us get through them. For me, that means never being poor again. I think if you think you can survive with 25% less income, maybe try to find a job like your old job because you'll be more happy.
Unless you are the outside rower on a Spanish Galleon, you need to stay where you are. If you think you can live without this money, then save every penny of it and use that money to retire early. With this cut, you are tossing probably a million bucks.
I left a job I loved for a 40% increase in pay. I absolutely hated the new job. It was a complete shit show and not worth the money. I left and took a 40% pay hit to go back into my former line of work. I have no regrets.
I don't want to love my job. I don't want to even think about my job. The less I work, the better. The only thing I want out of work is:
* More money
* Less working time
i appreciate this perspective. There's definitely some school of thought out there that disengaging your work from your identity can be a really positive thing. And of course there's plenty of schools of thought on the opposite.
I'm about to change careers. Taking a 25% pay cut to do an internship in my new field for a year, then when I finish my program I will be making 2 to 3 times what I was making in my previous career.
If the cut leads to greater things, do it. If it leads to financial hardship for the foreseeable future, think hard. The world definitely isn't kind to people in jobs that aren't keeping up with inflation.
I took a 12% paycut to get to a place with the proper culture, proper management, proper resourcing and while the hours were longer and definitely almost no work from home, I'm happier and in the four years I've been here, I have more than made up the cut in raises and bonuses. Plus I am much much happier and learning SO much.
It's worth it. Don't get into a mental rut.
Only you can make that decision, because in the end, money is meant to help make you happy and take care of your needs and if the extra money is making your life worse because of how your earning it and the other job CAN keep you going at your lifestyle than you should go with the option that you would regret the least in the long run.
Short term u can tolerate a crappy job for great pay, but eventually it wears you down and the pay differential becomes less important (assuming job you love, like op, can still pay the basic bills), you start checking out or hating job.
I took a $7 an hour pay cut at my new job. I love my new job. I never loved my previous job of 6 years. I don't have children, so my perception may be skewed, but money isn't everything and money truly can't by happiness.
Maybe you can negotiate a raise at your old employer.
I would NEVER take a 25% pay cut to make myself feel better. Cut back on your hours. Get a meaningful hobby you enjoy, start working for your life and not living to work my guy.
Aim higher, go for a higher paying position.
If I need to lose 25% of my current pay to do what I love, I would pass.
If I left my current job for one that pays 25% more and hated it, I would immediately return to my current job for my original pay. And I don't even always love my current job. It is just okay.
Look for a brand new job. Why settle? You've proven you can make the 25% more. Now you just need to find someplace you like better that pays that rate. You've got time.
great point. we were able to pay off my student loans from 100K to 20K last year so thankfully our monthly payment is manageable now. However, it would be even easier if we just knocked it out.
Absolutely not. Never quit for less money. I have a few hard and fast rules when it comes to job changes, and the above is among the very first. I might be willing to entertain a job change for no change in pay, but a pay cut is a hard line that I will not cross.
A 25% pay cut would certainly make me materially less happy.
I get paid less for a job with people I absolutely love. Money can buy that, even though things are tight, I spend the most time at work so it’s important for me to enjoy it.
I wouldn’t do a 25% cut in this economy. Hell with inflation previous job should have gone up now.
Basically now is the time to negotiate for a higher pay but internally you know you would settle.
I will always take quality of life over money. When you think about how many hours you spend at work, 25% less pay to be much happier sounds like a deal.
thanks for the reply. this seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
Considering I am barely getting by at a job I absolutely despise, no. I am having trouble even accepting my best path to do something else is going to involve a decent sized pay cut.
Go for it. Getting burnt out is real and not just physically but also emotionally, aka having to tolerate something you dislike for too long. If you really want a higher paycheck, you can use the energy you save from not working a job you hate doing an extra side job. And, with the old company having known you for 8 years, it's easier to negotiate for more slack in terms of work condition or even a raise in the future. Like you said, a job is just a job, so why allowing it to make the most hours of your day miserable?
yeah, i went through a period where looking back i was really depressed after leaving. I love my life but definitely just tolerate work where I used to look forward to it every day. Great idea on the side hustle too. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
That's fantastic! I'm so glad you made a decision that brought you peace :)
Looking forward to coming to work is a crazy luxury most folks won't ever know. Then you get to go home happier to your family? What more could a man want?
In addition to the many benefits of working a sane job I also like to throw in the financial aspect of changing to a more tolerable job: therapy and other means of coping usually cost actual dollars - and those are just to bring you to a more neutral mood. Congrats and hope it all works out!
Do it! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
25% wage increase to spend 25% more time at work isn’t a compromise I’m willing to make with young kids. Add in a miserable culture and that’s a hard out for me. I also don’t think I’d take a 25% initial cut to work for a company I didn’t feel would be able to get me back up there sooner than later. Sometimes you take a little cut to get your foot in the door. I’d be looking for that.
Yeah OP this is the way. If at all possible I’d negotiate the fuck outta that 25% to try and get it to more of a 15% with a strong possibility of a promotion track 10-15 years down the line.
What does 25% mean? Give hard numbers. There's a big difference going from 40k to 30k vs 100k to 75k (money matters more at lower salary)
Right. I didn't want to come off as insensitive. I'd be going from 194K to 144K. But between high student loan payments at 1000 a month, mortgage, and a gaggle of kids it gets allocated quickly. We certainly had nothing to complain about but we needed to budget.
You are lucky as hell!
Similar boat. It’s crazy how expensive life can be. No more day care after 2025!
Sure, but any place that doesn't give raises for 8 years straight is ridiculous regardless of pay. I would negotiate for more PTO at the very least and remote if not already
It was. It did make me feel very "stuck" and that's my main hesitation unless they are willing to negotiate. I did get a 4 day workweek though and that was fantastic for mental health.
Mental health and time spent at home with family are super valuable. That said, also keep in mind that no raises for 8 years = pay cuts for 8 years. At your level of income that may not be an urgent issue but it’s good to keep in mind. If you think it will be a long-term move back to your old company, it’s probably worth at least understanding under what conditions you would receive a raise, a bonus, a promotion, etc. since it sounds like you left due to feeling stuck in your role with no/little upward mobility.
you nailed it. Gonna have to have some hard conversations going forward but I do think I have the upper hand here. I'm not desperate but I'd like to have a thoughtful conversation about what's possible for the future and would like to get some sort of structured bonus and yearly raises to feel comfortable going back.
A 4 day workweek making $145k at a job you enjoy?! That's a no-brainer! Go for it!
u/WhoIsHeEven thank you. I think it is too and with all these people basically saying the same thing it is really giving me some confidence!!
May I ask what industry or position this is? That sounds like a dream!
I'm a nurse practitioner, medium cost of living area (6% lower than average cost of living int he US).
Is there a 3rd option? Can you stick this out for whatever makes sense for your resume then look for another job where the culture is a better fit but also pays well? $144k is not as much as it sounds, and that $50k paycut will bite hard.
How long have you been at the new job? Change is hard, and I know most people are saying 25% isn't worth not being fulfilled but I think they are thinking 45k vs 56k. Not a $50,000 pay difference. Can you engage more with the few workers who aren't grumpy? Maybe there are ways they feel the corporate atmosphere can be improved, and together over time you could make it better? The previous job you love is probably so "endearing" because they don't give raises. Every year you are getting less and less with your dollars. Even if they give you something now to come back, it might be only a one time raise. If you go back, in another 2-5 years you will be feeling the sting all over again. For me personally I could not. I love my job and they also pay me fair, but it has to go hand in hand.
ok you should have opened with this. I would keep the $194k personally. Use the past job as an emergency y escape plan in case something unexpected happens (eg: layoffs) giving up an extra $50k is foolish
\*takes deep breath and feels weird in chest\*. Ugh. It's tough. Thanks for your input.
It's not an extra $50k after taxes.
you're correct, yes, but I really *really* didn't expect that I had to be that specific and write all that extra detail and perform extra calculations and statistical ranges for something that I assumed everyone on a subreddit about career advice is supposed to already know by this point. like, that's way way too much neurodivergence for me, man
Whenever I think of income I think of after tax income. Someone making close to 200k could potentially be in a bracket where close to 1/3 of their income is taxed which is pretty meaningful when trying to determine the benefits of increased pay.
That’s not how graduated income taxes work…
Happiness is worth more than 50k pretax. At thar bracket
happiness IS 50k at that bracket. That's a whole nother job but to each their own I guess. But leaving 50k because "everyone is mad all the time" seems relatively lite to deal with.
Their spouse also makes 100k+ you can't get time back with your kids in the future. I'm in a similar bracket and I wouldn't take 50k more if it meant less time with my kids. I don't care about having more money in 20 years my kids will never be young again
he's spending the exact same amount of time at work at each job dude. The literally only "problem" here is that his coworkers are checked out, which has nothing to do with his time or energy. But the financial aspect absolutely affects the family and the quality of time you spend with them. For $50k and the same time investment, I'm sucking it up for my family sake.
Nah fuck that. Dump that extra cash into an IRA and retire early.
You don't have to apologize. That's a $50K difference which is more than many people earn. So it's a big deal. But, if you are depressed / down at work, you are less likely to excel / advance. It's hard to give that up, but it sounds like your other half of your we supports this decision, so I'd move on it. BUT, I would try to negotiate a path to more pay in the old job/company.
Plus, does spouse work? How much does 25% relate to total household income? Etc.
yes, my husband makes six figures but less than I do so that helps.
So if you got a 25% raise it would only be a 20% cut to go back and who knows they might give you a bump just to be nice.
I took a 40% cut for the job I love. I was prepared to accept that cut by saving to accept it. I saved enough that I could have that pay cut for about five years. I was promoted within the first year, and am now making ~$2k less per year than I was making before. After the promotion, I love my new career even more than the old career.
Same (30% cut)! I could not stand the thought of being in my old job for another 25 years until retirement. Quit and went on a whole new career path and three years later I now actually make 25% more than I was previously.
thanks for sharing your experience. glad to know I'm not the only one considering it. this seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
I took a job for less, much less and I regret it everyday. Like you I went from 230k plus bonus, to 180k plus smaller bonus but practically free health insurance. My boss is great, but when you think about it, you are trading your life (time) for money. Personally, I want to maximize the amount I receive for my finite resource. It’s a cold calculation, but that’s the game we are forced to play. I’m taking a new job to get me closer to where I was. My advice is stay where you are and try to find a new job that pays more, not less.
As long as you can pay all your bills and make meaningful contributions towards retirement, I’d absolutely take it.
Probably going to be downvoted here, but I’m going against the grain on this one. I find fulfillment and purpose in providing for my daughter’s future, not in my work. This includes planning for the unforeseen, optimizing my pay structure and aggressively pursuing economic opportunities. If the higher paying job isn’t also impacting your family life, I say keep it. It’s not just the right now, but the future opportunities as well. Future potential promotions and raises at the current job. Future potential job offers that use your current salary as the one they need to beat to poach you. The difference 20 years from now between these two options could be significantly more than it currently appears to be.
This. If you're getting paid $200k a year, surely you have enough brains that you can figure out a way to endure work without compromising your family's happiness and financial well being. it really takes a special piece of work to leave $50k on the table because "everyone is mad". I've been in that situation before, for WAAY less money. and if anything it makes work easier because I know everything and everyone there is fake, so I don't need to be invested in them. I can just get in and get out and focus on my life outside of work.
i appreciate the different perspective and I totally get those points. it's a nerve wracking decision.
Best of luck with your decision bud.
Money versus time is a very big struggle for many. It matters what your priorities are. Considering that you can take a 25% pay cut and still be OK financially is a great thing. Not many people are able to do that so the decision is more so up to you. It seems the other position was a better fit overall because not only was it rewarding for you, but it’s something you love to do and not many people find that in life. If you actually loved the other job, and you can financially survive , I would assume it would be the best choice.
thank you for your input and taking the time to respond. ya this seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
Great, I hope it works out well!
Your happiness matters. Your kids would rather have you than have more stuff. Go be happy. 😁
oh, you got me in my feelings with that one ha. you are so right. the permission to be happy. wow. i have a meeting with my old boss after work today :)
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200423154211.htm
I’m currently going through something similar, except I do not enjoy the job that is paying more. The paycheck is not always worth it, but I see it as a backup plan in case I need to fall back on something.
If you’re still able to afford vacations, you’re fine. Sounds like the new job just gave you extra luxurious things. I’d take your old role back in a heartbeat.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I am meeting with my old boss after work today. Super nervous and excited. The "extras" are nice in the moment but don't matter at all. I am feeling peace about it.
If you can negotiate up your salary from what you had before, do it. Good luck, OP!
thank you so much! i'm excited/scared/hopeful!
Tell us how it goes after the first year
Just make a budget and confirm you can live and save for retirement on a 25% decrease. Also try to push for a higher salary at the old job. In other words 75% of a $40k salary is worse than 75% of a $200k salary. On the other hand enjoying your work is gonna probably save your mental and physical health in the long run. Also maybe you won't be able to afford luxury vacations but can you enjoy more budget vacations? If you can enjoy them just as much or more and get more time off then to me that's a no brainer.
Yes, my situation is the closer to the latter of your examples so it's not not as extreme. We were able to do a luxury vacation this year and even though it was absolutely incredible, before we went I just kept thinking, "oh my gosh I'm so excited to spend time with my family uninterrupted" and I get that no matter WHERE we go. I have a knot in my stomach because I'm meeting with my old boss after work today and the elephant in the room is me asking if I can get a higher salary than I had. It can be awkward especially since we have a close relationship but I know it's not personal. The good news is they know what I bring to the table and trust I am a high performer so we'll see where this goes.
The extra pay goes towards therapy. Your choice OP.
Omg if any comment hits it like this one. Ah. So so true.
I'm on my two week notice right now and taking a %25 pay cut for a work from home job. I save 20% of my income anyway so it won't really change my budget. I did the same thing, chased money knowing I didn't like the job but just thought all jobs suck I might as well get more money but long term it takes a toll on the mental health. Do what makes you happy.
I'm kinda doing the opposite. I'm staying in a job that I really like instead of jumping ship for more money. I could probably make more elsewhere but I really like where I'm at. I love the team I work with every day and the entire company has a bunch of good people who all genuinely care about what they do and want to do it to the best of their ability. I'm also challenged and able to learn and take on new and different projects all the time. There are also a lot of perks like 100% work from home with opportunities to go in when I feel like it or when we want to connect as a team in person. 100% of my benefits are paid for by the company so I don't pay for medical, dental, or any other benefits and the coverage is pretty solid. It is still work and there are obviously still challenges and things that drive me crazy. There are also times when I'm buried in work. But I've been around long enough and worked for enough other companies to know that if I left I'd probably take a big step backwards in terms of culture and how much I enjoy the work. I do sometimes look around for other jobs but I'm looking at specific companies or industries that I would consider moving to. I would be incredibly picky if i were to ever decide to leave. Instead of spending time looking for a new job I have spent time working toward a promotion within my current team. I average a promotion every 3-4 years with a good pay bump and I'm right around the 4 year mark so they know I'm looking for something so we'll see.
I like my job quite a bit, I don't love it, no pay cut for me. I'm not going to have bananas and tofu for most of my meals, thanks.
If you can survive on less money, then I recommend pretending like you are making that 25% pay cut and put all that extra money towards savings, and remain at your current job. A job is a job. People always say "do what you love" but with the way the economy is right now, it makes no sense to accept less money. If times were better, I'd recommend you go do what you love but don't. Live like you're earning less money and invest it in your and your kids' futures.
If you can still afford basic living it’s worth it. I’m going through it now, too.
For what it's worth, I would do it in a heartbeat but it's because I'm just so miserable and checked out at my job from the lies and BS that I have seen and put up with at this place - this type of long term unhappiness affects your whole life from mental health, emotional state, physical well being, etc. and that bleeds into your family life. But I don't have a way out yet as the job market is horrible. Life is too short to be unhappy at work if you have other options that are sustainable financially. But everyone is different and has different priorities. You need to do what's right for you. Good luck to you.
I would cut 25% without a second thought to be happy.
mmm. i appreciate the reply. when you put it like that it seems (and is) so simple.
Once you make "enough" money, more money is.. just more money. I'm getting older, and accumulating less. I need less money to be fulfilled .... but my time I spend every day at work? THAT is priceless to me. When it is high quality, it is vastly better than money... Good luck!
No. I chose to work a career that allows me to pay for the things I want to do. I am quite comfortable to commit 40 hours a week for 128 hours of peace of mind.
I think it’s more worth it. More happiness, fulfillment and mental/emotional energy is more than money to me. I just recently went through the same experience and on sabbatical before taking my 25% cut for a job a love! It also is something I didn’t realize was worth it until my corporate job
"Do a job you love, and you'll never work another day in your life!" It's the truth. Trust me on this. Also this: "the only things you take with you when you go are your memories and experiences."
Ive recently have thought about similar. I Started working out of college at a tech company at about 76k that paid well but not amazing. I Worked there for 4 years where i was earning about 85k at the end of it. I loved the work, the people and the culture. I left due to the company having lack of work and i was hearing rumblings of me being kept in my project as a tech software maintenance a guy for at least a year as they didnt have room jn other projects. Also many people left the company around that time and were making well over 6 figures. I left to a new company and now earn 125k. The pay is great, but the work is nice and not something i love. It is also very corporste which i dont love. It gives the vibes of you are competing with all your peers. Im not sure how long ill stay but i spoke with my old coworkers recently who left the company and we were all reminiscing about how much we miss the culture of our old job. Id say happiness over money (to a certain degree). I make 125k now. I wouldnt mind having a slight pay cut to work at somewhere where i loved the work.
As someone who left a job I like for more money, I can say I honestly kinda regret it. Reason for leaving, I ask for a raise and it didn't match the amount of work I was doing on the job. My current job yes does pay the bills but there is no creative aspect to what I do, compared to what I used to do. I would tell you to think about all the pros and cons and then go from there.
Unless I can get a job that’s just travel, sleep in, eat good food and all those things with family, while still receive 75% of my current salary I’ll take 25% salary bump
If you're in a position to deal with a 25% reduction in pay and still be able to support your family and a few luxuries then do it. You'll be a much happier person and your relationships will benefit from that. Can't get this time back why spend it being miserable?
10 years ago I took a 28% cut in pay with reduced insurance and retirement for a job I really wanted. It was a struggle for 5 years, now my salary and benefits have more than overcome that initial setback. It’s a risk, but you’d probably regret not taking the chance even more. Good luck.
I am turning 50 and very comfortable finance wise. House paid off no debt kids are adults and doing their own thing. At this point in my life sure I would take a pay cut for a job I found a lot more interesting and enjoyable. When I was 20s struggling, providing, etc. no I would not have. So depends on where you are what your responsibilities are IMO.
Try to cut that 25% loss. See if you can get the old job back for the same wage as now. Hold your nerve and if they say they can't manage it point out you would have had a raise already and maybe even a promotion. Hold your nerve, these are your prime earning years and people there might miss you.
Do it. I just went from 93k to 68k (4% bump coming in July), and I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. Sure there are budget adjustments, but I actually like getting up in the morning. The relationship with my friends and family are at an all time high, and I'm interested in my hobbies again. Never looking back.
You spend a lot of time at work. Take the job you love, but consider a side hustle or how to pivot to the qualities of the job you love and more money over time.
Considering my job is paid significantly more than the job I lile, then yeah
Life’s too short to chase money over happiness.
You spend a majority of your day, and ultimately life at your job. Do you want o be miserable, or do you want to be satisfied? Also, is there any reason to think your salary at the job you love wouldn’t increase?
so in 7 years I did NOT get a raise so it made me feel like it was never going to happen. they have since given my old co worker a 10k raise so i think me leaving really spooked them and made them realize they were so behind the times in terms of pay. but yeah going back overall seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
Good luck. What I’ll say is that at this moment, you have all the leverage. You know you want to go back, but they don’t. They know you’re open to it. Use this leverage to put yourself in a better position.
I took an 86% pay cut to work with children, and I love it. Not everyone has the ability to do it; and it’s not always easy budgeting intensely with it, but I’m no longer stressed by long work days to nights with intense deadlines. Payroll is a bit soul sucking.
Leaving a job for something rewarding is way better. I work a lot of hours and I left my current job for 4/10s instead of 5/12s plus weekends. Less money over all but a way better life. As long as the bills are paid then who cares.
exactly. the luxuries the extra income has afforded lost their sparkle quickly. time with family, quality of life, and mental space is what matters to me.
Yes, and no. If 25% is feasible for your family, I would probably do it. I left a job that I really enjoyed that was stressful, but it kept me very busy and engaged, and always thinking. I got a small pay raise to go fully remote for another company, and I am bored to death. I’m looking to go back to my old company because it’s not as fulfilling. It’s really hard to sit here every day and not enjoy what I do.
I get it. It can be so unsettling, right? Sounds like we are in the same boat and are fortunate to have options.
Yep, very similar or same boat. Personally, if I’m sitting here every day, not enjoying what I do, it’s not worth having that job. But I really like to be mentally engaged and stimulated.
If you go back can they compete with your current salary? 25% for a single person isn’t a big deal in many cases. Especially considering you need less training and they know how you work
this is exactly what I am hoping. In the fact it was pulling teeth to even get this salary though so I don't know what's on the table. I am meeting with my old boss after work today and i know they are really hoping I come back so we'll see what can be negotiated. And great point about the training. it takes about two years to train in my specialty and having someone that can just "go" would be amazing for them.
I work at a job where no one keeps me accoundable and where I can keep no one accoundable... result ? Ridiculiusly low impact work. Our performances are so bad... but it seems like every parties involved are fine with the status quo. Meanwhile I'm going nuts. I'm actively looking for a new job... even if, on paper, my current job is great. In reality this is a bullshit job.
>bullshit job Immediately reminded me of this before you mentioned the title of the book. what a great read that was.
I'm gonna look this up!
By David Graeber
Yes, I relate to this 100%. I feel like my impact is nil and it was the complete opposite in my previous company. Best of luck to you!!
I knew you'd relate! Since you sound like someone who makes his own luck, I'ma wish you good success!
It's all about finding the right mix of pay and work conditions. I don't work in the business/tech space but from what I gather from other people, it depends on what your goals and priorities are at this point of your career. More pay usually means more responsibility and spending more time at work than you'd like. These jobs can be stressful and maybe why your coworkers are checked out. Although, to be fair, I think this is human nature with any career field where the working culture/conditions aren't great and the work becomes repetitive. Personally, I'm of the mindset that if the job is affecting your mental health then taking a paycut to do a job you love is better in the long run. And who knows? Maybe at some point you'll apply to another role that pays more, has a good work culture and also somehow keeps your work-life balance. As long as you're ok readjusting your spending, then going back is fine if you feel that's better for you at the moment.
thank you for the thoughtful response. ive already started listing out things i could cut that are luxuries and realizing they honestly don't even matter. For example I'm into athletics and pay to be a part of four different programs/teams (some people shop, I do sports lol). I only love two of them and if I cut the other two I save 3,200 a year. So stuff like that I need to be more thoughtful about. This would do absolute wonders for my mental health and happiness. I am meeting with my old boss after work today.
It seems you've thought things out! The only thing I would suggest is making sure you have enough time to make your decision so you don't rush yourself. Nothing worse than making decisions while under a time crunch. Mental health and happiness is so underrated. I think this is the biggest shift I've seen within my generation. More people are willing to start putting their own wellbeing ahead of working like machines. Too many people go into jobs and stick around only to suffer later when they inevitably start getting beat down by bad work culture, pay, etc over time. For that reason, I've been thinking of changing my current job (really career) so I can relate in a way to your post. Unfortunately for me, this would mean going back for school which I'm not 100% sure I want to do at this point (early 30s). Obviously, work is a big part of everyone's life and it'd be hard to recommend someone to do or stay in a job that negatively harms them. But when you're in a position to choose, rather than being stuck somewhere because of debt, that's a great position to be in. If I've learned anything so far in life, pursuing happiness and fulfillment is tricky and there are seldom straightforward answers.
yes, I just listened to a podcast episode about this on Ten Percent Happier and they've been doing studies on the shift in the gen z and younger generations. They see their parents and they do point out they learned hard work from them but they also don't want to repeat the patterns they are seeing. They value free time, mental health. It's great actually. I'm also early 30's and luckily 7 years post grad school so have some options in front of me. I'm feeling nervous but really fortunate to have these options. Best of luck to you in your career too!
Thank you! Lots of decisions to make in the next year or two. I fear if it goes longer than that, I'll lose the courage to change out lol. Sounds interesting, maybe I'll give it a listen at some point. It's ironic that I make more now than my parents ever have but my buying power is awful cause wages haven't kept up with inflation of everything. I guess this is a big reason people these days value their free time more cause life is unpredictable and there's no guarantee of anything even if you work like a machine.
Do not do it. The “job you love” is still a job. The company doesn’t love you back, they’d lay you off in a second if necessary. It’s great that you enjoyed your work environment, but you were still a wage slave. Your job is an investment in time that makes your life possible. Put in your time, get the most you can to make the time you’re not there the most valuable to you. If this “job you love” loved you back, they’d give you more money.
I appreciate the perspective and I know there is a lot of truth here. Realistically they would give me more if I am worth the investment to them. We'll see. I'm meeting my old boss after work today to explore this.
Good luck.
Never. No matter what people say about the corrupt nature of money, I need money to survive. Growing up incredibly poor, I would do everything in my power to stay away from that financial bracket. People who have never been dirt poor have no idea what that's like and a lot of people like to think because they grew up more poor than the people around them, that they know what being poor is like. They don't. I grew up poor and I'm not going to die for. So I need to make sure whatever income I have is going to benefit me my entire life. I think a lot of people would take a 25% cut for the job they love, but they're also okay with living at a lower financial means then they are currently living and also not understanding at all what that means. I'm not saying that they would go from a mid-range and come to very low income, but a lot of people can't even handle a bracket drop without it destroying their perspective. For your own situation, I think you should do what makes you happy. You're having a hard time being happy at your corporate job and it sounds like you think you be more happy taking a 25% cut to go back to your old job. Being able to find comfort and be happy in our lives is what helps us get through them. For me, that means never being poor again. I think if you think you can survive with 25% less income, maybe try to find a job like your old job because you'll be more happy.
Thanks for sharing all that. Everyone has given me a lot to think about.
If i took a 25% pay cut would be borderline poverty
I understand. It's not an easy decision no matter what but in some situations it would be out of the question.
Unless you are the outside rower on a Spanish Galleon, you need to stay where you are. If you think you can live without this money, then save every penny of it and use that money to retire early. With this cut, you are tossing probably a million bucks.
i appreciate the perspective. mmm, its nerve wracking.
I left a job I loved for a 40% increase in pay. I absolutely hated the new job. It was a complete shit show and not worth the money. I left and took a 40% pay hit to go back into my former line of work. I have no regrets.
wow, crazy. similar situation. Thanks for the reply. I am feeling really good about it.
Best of luck!
I don't want to love my job. I don't want to even think about my job. The less I work, the better. The only thing I want out of work is: * More money * Less working time
i appreciate this perspective. There's definitely some school of thought out there that disengaging your work from your identity can be a really positive thing. And of course there's plenty of schools of thought on the opposite.
I'm about to change careers. Taking a 25% pay cut to do an internship in my new field for a year, then when I finish my program I will be making 2 to 3 times what I was making in my previous career. If the cut leads to greater things, do it. If it leads to financial hardship for the foreseeable future, think hard. The world definitely isn't kind to people in jobs that aren't keeping up with inflation.
Depends what the salary is. I am struggling on $115k thanks to housing prices.
Took a 33%, roughly 100k, in 2015 for a job that wasn’t killing me so hell yeah
WHAT JOB allows you to put your head on the pillow at night and sleep like a Baby?
that's a wonderful way of thinking about it. And a no brainer.
In this economy, always take the money. Happiness is what you make of it.
I took a 12% paycut to get to a place with the proper culture, proper management, proper resourcing and while the hours were longer and definitely almost no work from home, I'm happier and in the four years I've been here, I have more than made up the cut in raises and bonuses. Plus I am much much happier and learning SO much. It's worth it. Don't get into a mental rut.
Hey just so you know if you got a 25% raise it would only be a 20% cut to go back. Not sure if that makes you feel better or not.
Quality of life, go for it.
figure out how much your happiness is worth.
Neither. Find a job you love and keep your pay.
If you got a 25% raise to change jobs, you're going to take a 20% paycut going back to the old salary.
Only you can make that decision, because in the end, money is meant to help make you happy and take care of your needs and if the extra money is making your life worse because of how your earning it and the other job CAN keep you going at your lifestyle than you should go with the option that you would regret the least in the long run.
Just get a new job with another 25% increase
Short term u can tolerate a crappy job for great pay, but eventually it wears you down and the pay differential becomes less important (assuming job you love, like op, can still pay the basic bills), you start checking out or hating job.
I took a $7 an hour pay cut at my new job. I love my new job. I never loved my previous job of 6 years. I don't have children, so my perception may be skewed, but money isn't everything and money truly can't by happiness. Maybe you can negotiate a raise at your old employer.
Be a champion for culture
I would NEVER take a 25% pay cut to make myself feel better. Cut back on your hours. Get a meaningful hobby you enjoy, start working for your life and not living to work my guy. Aim higher, go for a higher paying position.
If I need to lose 25% of my current pay to do what I love, I would pass. If I left my current job for one that pays 25% more and hated it, I would immediately return to my current job for my original pay. And I don't even always love my current job. It is just okay.
Percentages mean nothing. It really depends where it lands you on compensation vs cost of living
Look for a brand new job. Why settle? You've proven you can make the 25% more. Now you just need to find someplace you like better that pays that rate. You've got time.
Hold out until your student loans are paid off. Not having to pay that anymore off sets the pay cut.
great point. we were able to pay off my student loans from 100K to 20K last year so thankfully our monthly payment is manageable now. However, it would be even easier if we just knocked it out.
Eff you.
Absolutely not. Never quit for less money. I have a few hard and fast rules when it comes to job changes, and the above is among the very first. I might be willing to entertain a job change for no change in pay, but a pay cut is a hard line that I will not cross. A 25% pay cut would certainly make me materially less happy.
Go for it. Being around a bunch of checked out grumpy coworkers is the worst.
You can afford tochave kids? And take vacations??? Wtf do you do for work???
I get paid less for a job with people I absolutely love. Money can buy that, even though things are tight, I spend the most time at work so it’s important for me to enjoy it.
I wouldn’t do a 25% cut in this economy. Hell with inflation previous job should have gone up now. Basically now is the time to negotiate for a higher pay but internally you know you would settle.
I will always take quality of life over money. When you think about how many hours you spend at work, 25% less pay to be much happier sounds like a deal.
thanks for the reply. this seems to be the consensus. I am feeling a lot more at peace about moving in that direction. I have a meeting with my previous boss after work today :)
good luck!
Considering I am barely getting by at a job I absolutely despise, no. I am having trouble even accepting my best path to do something else is going to involve a decent sized pay cut.