Should I place importance on salary when looking for my next role?

Anonymous

April 24,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

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Should I place importance on salary when looking for my next role? I have been doing lots of soul-searching over the years and came to the realisation that I am likely on the autistic spectrum. My mental health has been declining since the death of my mother 4 years ago, she was a very strong caregiver of mine and without it, I admit I am suffering. I was recently made redundant. I fear having no job because I have a young family to support. however, I also realise that though I have been successful and risen in the career I chose, I also am far too stressed and overwhelmed with the duties. I want to take a role at 20k less than the one I was in previously because it seems to fit the duties I feel I can handle without sacrificing my mental health. Should I do this and take the consequences of lower pay? In reality, taxes are less so Im only losing 12,000 a year. I desperately want this to work so I can be a happy fulfilled person but I am worried I'm going to just transfer my stress to my financial situation. Thank you for any of your thoughts on this.

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AnonymousApril 24,2023 at 1:24PM UTC
If you need to stay within a salary range, then yes, if not then no. Taking care of the family and taking a salary cut can work if you're willing to cut back on unnecessary expenses. You do you.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettApril 24,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
If you feel confident you can live comfortably enough on the pay it is worth it to take the role and get back to a place where you feel more on top of things. Also, taking this role does not have to be viewed as permanent... your last company didn't view you that way. It is worth your health to take some time stepping back and see if that makes the positive difference you need.
On another note.. burnout often can stem from the type of work you're doing, not necessarily the amount of work or pressure. Especially if you are neurodivergent. I would say take this time and new opportunity to also explore if it is just the workload. If maybe not, what parts of the job feel good for you and what types of activity drains you mentally? If you focus on getting roles that require less of what drains you and more of what feels more natural to you, you may find something that supports your life both financially and emotionally! You are likely more capable than you think, just not in the way common expectations view us!
AnonymousApril 24,2023 at 3:19PM UTC
I have often thought I may be in the wrong career. I'm in human resources, but I do think I have a lot of talent in this area, just maybe not so much in the areas, leadership values the most like giving presentations or having lots to say in meetings! Thank you for your thoughts, they help a lot.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettApril 24,2023 at 5:20PM UTC
That makes a lot of sense! There are a lot of different focuses under the "HR" umbrella and it's becoming increasingly valuable. Especially at large companies that can afford to specialize out HR functions vs operating lean. A couple things to consider might be more behind the scenes analytics like data and/or strategy and even just being clear to your leadership, like that your style is more thoughtful and subdued but that allows you to form well-observed analysis, could improve your work environment. Good luck!
BeaBoss979975April 24,2023 at 4:44PM UTC
Look for some therapy, too. I'm so sorry about your mom.
AnonymousApril 25,2023 at 5:09PM UTC
You place importance on what's truly important to you. Is it being a valued member of the team, being recognized for a job well-done, is it salary, work/life balance, your health, mental health, being at kids extra-curricular events, etc. YOU decide what's important to you. But, be ready to explain why you're WORTH that salary when you negotiate.
Kimberly McApril 26,2023 at 4:02PM UTC
Do it! Then you can decide later if you can handle more. Some things are worth more than salary, and mental health is at the top of the list.
AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 5:26PM UTC
Only you can know how stressful the loss of income will be to you. If you think you will have more balance in your life then do it without looking back. Being honest about your mental health is the first step toward this and if you need to make time for a provider to get you through the grieving process further then do that also. I suspect you are not in the US so you should look to your local employment resources either in or out of your employer to support that. Take vacations when you need them and be sure that you do things just for you, just because. No one ever regrets taking time for themselves.
AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
Interesting analysis here . I'm reading alot of tangents in your thought process. you are obviously still actively grieving the loss of your mother, who was a strong barometer in your life. This is completely normal and to be expected. But with this loss, you have alot of self doubt regarding your own ability to press on (successfully) without her wind beneath your wings. To be fair, I think you should ponder talking with someone about this-- for a while (counselor, therapist)--because I think this grieving and loss of confidence on your part will creep up again, no matter what job you take. You have tunnel vision right now. You need to see out of this tunnel. Regardless if you have some form of autism (or not)-- you've obviously done quite well in the past, so don't let this thought get you hung up. You're doing alot of self diagnosing and I truly believe you need help sorting this all out. -- Now, let's talk about your job aspirations. How did you arrive at "20K less per year"-- and think that would be sufficient?? Do you KNOW of a role that is a bit "easier" (less stress) that pays 20K less? Is it with your current employer, and you are eyeing it-- thinking it would give you less stress and more family time? Look, I took an 80K pay cut 16 mos ago for alot of reasons and it was SUPER SCARY. (I am the breadwinner here)--but it's been amazing how we've made it all work, bills all paid on time, etc....So I see nothing wrong with electing to take a lower stress job, less money, but more happiness. After taxes, it would be about 1000K less per month. Can you do that? When you think about it, (less stress, fewer hours overtime, etc)--does that make you smile? Life is not a dress rehearsal--take the lower stress job because You'll make it...in the meantime, get some therapy time for yourself (on a regular basis) so you can grieve your mother properly and talk a bout the huge void you're feeling in your life. I see this as the highest priority for your wellbeing. Sending a hug.