Would you take a lower-level job and a 20% pay cut for stability and the chance to do something new?

36 Comments

1. Paula Manczuk-HannayJuly 13,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

   If the 20% cut would be manageable for my budget, I would do it.

2. Lynne SullivanJuly 13,2024 at 2:02PM UTC

   What about a bonus structure? Or, perhaps a confirmation of a raise of x percent at 6 mos or 12 mos if goals are met? List out the pros and cons for each. We all have different factors within work that are more important than others. For me, stability , values and a consistent paycheck are key to my life outside work. However, you may have different factors to consider.

3. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 2:51PM UTC

   The bonus structure is good but not as rich as the current job, because it is a lower level position without direct reports. But I know I can create a meaningful impact there, and I’d have a good chance to grow in a couple of years.

4. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 2:38PM UTC

   In a flash!

5. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 2:42PM UTC

   Check out the other benefits. It sounds like this offer has a significantly better benefits package, which must be worth something. Factor in the commute time and work that through your budget. Can you afford the cut in pay without drastically cutting your living standard? If so, the peace of mind is an intangible benefit of the new company, and it sounds like there is much more opportunity.

6. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 2:49PM UTC

   Thank you for your point of view. I have been thinking along these same points and although I’d be losing about $14K per year, it is manageable. I’d be working from home when not traveling to support the business (same with my current job)… I just want to feel useful again and have a renewed purpose. I have until Monday to take the job and at this point I think I’ll accept it.

7. Shelly EdwardsJuly 13,2024 at 3:27PM UTC

   As an HR Manager I would not consider this a “lower level” job by any means. If that is the attitude you have going in, don’t take the job. You will bring that negativity into it from the start and HR people need to lead from a good space. In the HR role, you will have the opportunity to continue talent acquisition but also help employees in real and meaningful ways. I would see this as a greater opportunity but for lesser money. It sounds like your company was overpaying in the short term to look good for a merger and now it has contributed to their downfall. For me, if I could afford the pay cut but would have that much growth potential I’d take the job.

8. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 8:21PM UTC

   Great perspective. What I mean about the opportunity being a lower level job is because my current role is a leadership position (I had 15 people reporting to me last year but I now have 5)… the job offer in question is for an individual contributor role and it is the type of position I’ve already had in my career, so I personally consider it a step back. Believe me, I don’t regard this opportunity to be any lesser in importance than any other HR role, but financially it is. I believe you are right about the generous salary pre-merger. Thanks for your input!

9. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 2:43PM UTC

   Can I join your team Shelly? Any remote roles? I love TA and helping others and am looking for more long term growth potential. TA there are too many recruiters going for 1 job (the manager role). Also feel like I have a strong moral compass to do well in HR.

10. Vivian LeeJuly 13,2024 at 3:59PM UTC

    Money comes with a price. The higher salary at the expense of your mental health and job security isn’t worth it.

    If you’re hung up on salary, is the new company open to a salary review at the end of your probationary period?

    Although the 5 weeks of vacation and retirement matching appear to offset the pay cut.

11. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 6:10PM UTC

    Take the new job and move on. Your current employer is not making you happy anymore. Good luck.

12. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 7:13PM UTC

    Absolutely ? Your current job has pulled a bait and switch.

13. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 8:15PM UTC

    $14k is the net difference (after tax and if I keep the same max 401k contributions I currently make). I make a six-figure salary with STI and LTI. The company is offering me a salary that pays $25k less per year with a 12% bonus annually. They did offer a sign-in bonus of $20k.

14. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 13,2024 at 9:49PM UTC

    So the first question is can you afford the pay cut.

    If so, then I would take money out of the equation and think just about the position. Is that work you want to do? Would it be challenging work? What is the company culture like? Do you think you WOULD BE HAPPY (I'm not yelling at you, I just think that's important to consider)? Is the company well managed? What about the department? No point in jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.

    That's how you get to your answer.

15. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

    Agreed! That’s how I’ve been evaluating this. Yes, I could make ends meet but would need to give up some things that I endulge in sometimes.

16. AnonymousJuly 13,2024 at 10:57PM UTC

    I would never take a pay cut.

17. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

    until senior management and leadership back talent acquisition and understands the hiring process. promotion danger zones, etc. etc. the frustration for people in the HR & the TA Arena will continue to be frustrated. I was designated as a recruiter to hire top people officers, and when interviewing them I found out why most of them were leaving companies within a year or two when in fact, they were hired to redesign the hiring process and other incentive internal programs.

    It was clear leadership hired these people as a smoke screen and never approved or put any changes in place . Leadership want things to stay just as they are but, convince employees that they want diverse, inclusivity and want the best for employees.

    Liar, liar pants fire!

    Now that I’m awake, I can’t work in corporate America any longer. It made me feel so hypocritical/sad about the deceit in corporations.

    I started recruiting over 30 years ago and the challenges facing jobseekers today vs back then even thru 2 recessions, is monumental and so broken that I feel for anyone looking for a job.

18. Alexis GladstoneJuly 14,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    I've done it before even though I knew I was walking into an less than ideal situation. What it did do for me, is get me relocated to where I wanted to live. My point is there are very valid reasons to do it.

    First I would ask yourself if you can afford the pay cut. If you can, then I would make a pro/con list based one everything outside of salary. If you feel comfortable with that, I would go for it.

19. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

    I agree! For me, despite of the lower salary, I’d be moving into a global organization!

20. Robin RueggJuly 14,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    I did this moving from private company to a Federal job. 20 percent pay cut but best decision I ever made. I was promoted quickly and recouped the pay within a couple of years.

21. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 2:35PM UTC

    Are you interested in the role? Sounds like a great role to transition your skills! TA seems up in the air with AI. If you take the HR role, keep me posted! I’m in TA (senior and former director at a small co) and am considering a switch to a more stable career, but it’s hard to transition. If anyone has tips or remote openings, let me know!

22. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 4:07PM UTC

    Indeed! I’ve been very worried with the future of TA due to the disruption that AI will create. That’s also my motivation to seriously consider this role.

    It is very hard to transition from TA to HR unless you have credentials such as SPHR / SHRM-SCP. Sometimes the only way to do so is taking a step back. I was also a Director of Employee Relations and a HRBP in the past, but got burned out and had decided to focus on recruiting, but I am rethinking this decision.

    I appreciate your input!

23. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJuly 14,2024 at 7:27PM UTC

    if this aligns with your long-term career plans and can legitimately afford it, then yes!

24. AnonymousJuly 14,2024 at 11:40PM UTC

    I would definitely think seriously about it! I was always told it's fine to step onto a lower rung if the ladder you're on is taller than other ladders. Does that make sense? More room to grow.

25. AnonymousJuly 15,2024 at 4:10AM UTC

    It really rests with your personal situation (financial and otherwise) and your goals. Asking what others would choose probably isn't going to help you with your unique priorities (both long and short term). At least you received a solid offer and have choices. This is incredible in this current market.

26. AnonymousJuly 15,2024 at 12:04PM UTC

    I've done that and regretted it...but I can only blame myself. I was desperate to get out of my role and jumped at the first offer that came my way (and it was actually an elevated title - sr. generalist to an HRD).

27. Margene EdwardsJuly 15,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    NOPE!

28. AnonymousJuly 15,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    I have been thinking about doing that so I could go back to school but that would be the only reason why.

29. AnonymousJuly 15,2024 at 1:23PM UTC

    In a heartbeat, life-work balance (yes I reversed that on purpose) should be your goal. If you are happy and fulfilled in your job, you won't miss the pay difference and with luck, your new company will catch that up quickly.

30. AnonymousJuly 15,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

    Agree in principle, but 20% is a lot unless your starting point is really high. I would think about that. Once on board, it could take a long time to increase your pay to current levels.

31. AnonymousJuly 15,2024 at 6:24PM UTC

    Agreed. It’s $25k gross less per year. A huge pay cut.

32. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJuly 15,2024 at 6:40PM UTC

    The retirement plan and vacation are valuable. Cannot tell how valuable but it does sound like an overall better situation. Good luck.

33. Susan RoblesJuly 15,2024 at 7:50PM UTC

    Some of the best career advice I received was, seek to move to a new role and never to run from where you are. Not that I listened.

    The best choice is the one you make.

    Good luck and let us know in a few months what happened. I'm curious. We read about people's anguish and I always wonder, "what happened?!"

34. Tami L CannizzaroJuly 15,2024 at 8:10PM UTC

    It depends on so many variables. First, how do you feel about the actual work? The people? The company itself? Overall, do you like the prospect of working at the new company better than staying where you are - knowing you probably will be at the new place at least a year or more? For me, money is not the number one driver of whether or not I accept a new position. Yes, it's important to me. Just as important, if not more so, is the work I will be doing day in, day out. As well as the potential for advancement. Three times in my career I have taken a job for less salary; all have worked out to my advantage in the long run - meaning financially and career-wise. As someone else said, go with your gut.

35. AnonymousJuly 17,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

    Yes. It's an opportunity to broaden your skills in areas other than TA and set you up for additional more lucrative opportunities. They will or should know it's a 20% pay cut and be working on a retention strategy for your position down the road.

36. AnonymousJuly 22,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

    Take the new role, rounding out your experience on the Talent side with some HR expertise is a good thing. When companies slump and stop hiring you will always have work. Take it from someone who knows...consider it a paid internship in the HR side of things and then as you mature into the role use that position and the knowledge you gain to move back up. Time off definitely has a value as do retirement dollars especially now. Be sure that you don't lose those should you leave the company and that you look at the overall package. I think you will come out ahead.