Would you take less money for a job you enjoy?

16 Comments

1. Nicole DupuisSeptember 6,2022 at 5:50PM UTC

   I believe that if you follow your heart, the money will follow. Maybe there will be some "growing pains" as you learn the ropes at a new job, but you never know what doors that will open, how quickly you will get promoted or find yourself in a completely different role/company.

   My dad told me once that a job could be a career or a stepping stone to a career. This might be just a stepping stone, temporary with a temporary pay cut, but worth it in the long run.

2. AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 6:50PM UTC

   I really really enjoy making top dollar. I love not worrying about paying my bills, affording my car and taking a couple of nice vacations every year.

   Loving my job is great but I'm not going to take below Market on my compensation. I don't want to go back to worrying about money.

3. AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 7:33PM UTC

   Such a great discussion to have. I always say money can't buy you peace. Being at a job a 1/3 of your life and not being content is mentally and physically deteriorating. However, if you enjoy the pay way too much then it'd help for you to stick with the job a little longer until you find a pay range you don't have to stress at. I've left jobs and wound back in the same stressful environment with less pay and that just made it worse. lol So before you leave take time to really home in on a position that doesn't make you feel that way, along with company culture and benefits. Do what's best for you always, never compromise your peace!!!

4. AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 7:51PM UTC

   I left extra pay for less stress and most days I am thankful for my decision. But I do run high stress naturally.

5. TristaSeptember 7,2022 at 7:52PM UTC

   Me too, kinda anxious naturally.

6. AnonymousSeptember 6,2022 at 9:49PM UTC

   A lot of this depends on your home situation and your financial responsibilities.

   If you have no dependents and/or live in a two-income family, you will have more flexibility than if you are the sole earner, especially if you are responsible for the care of others.

   Before making a decision, I strongly suggest that you do some financial planning. Are you/your family willing and able to make the budget adjustments necessary to live on a reduced salary? What does that mean for your life style and your ability to save for retirement?

   And are there additional alternatives: jobs that produce less anxiety and are more engaging than your current role, but produce less of a salary reduction than the positions that you are now exploring?

   As well, is any of your dissatisfaction due to your boss or to your company’s internal procedures? If yes, an internal transfer (so that your boss changes) or a similar position with another company might address your concerns.

   From personal experience, I’d note that finding new jobs often becomes more difficult from age 50 onward, so it is a good idea to save substantially during your prime earning years.

   Summary: whatever you do, rigorously review the financial implications for you and your family, including the budget adjustments needed.

7. Crystal HowellSeptember 6,2022 at 10:36PM UTC

   While you are at the higher paying job, ask your bank for a debt consolidation loan to payoff your high interest credit cards to 1 lower payment. Keep them paid off.

   Reduce what bills you can, refi car, cable, telephone, electric, gas, are you a homeowner, look at your rate over 30 years, or do you rent? If you own current avg rate is 5.875 don't know if that would work. Rrduce one side of your balance sheet to be happy at work, 90% of us aren't. Key, reduce your bills and overall interest. Good Luck

8. TristaSeptember 7,2022 at 8:45PM UTC

   I’ve paid off all debts.

9. Audrey KirschSeptember 6,2022 at 11:24PM UTC

   Follow your heart. A research admin. is just a beginning. You have no idea where that might lead. Jobs like the one you already have will be there should you decide that research work is not really what you wanted. You'll regret not going for what you think will be a less stressful, fulfilling position.

10. AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 4:48PM UTC

    Depends on where you are in life and what you are built for. I'm a follow-my-heart type person. I'm also a minimalist and a homebody, not interested in travel right now or spending beyond my means. I hate being in a constant state of anxiety and uncertainty. I have enough mental health issues to deal with. So yes, I'd take less money for a job I enjoy as long as I can cover my bills and make modest savings.

11. TristaSeptember 8,2022 at 9:08PM UTC

    You are speaking my language!

12. JJSeptember 8,2022 at 5:40PM UTC

    No but financial security is my main goal. If that’s not your goal then happiness is great.

13. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    I considered the same thing. I think it is worth it if it still allows you financial security and some savings potential. If it would mean living check yo check then you would trade one stress for another.

14. TristaSeptember 11,2022 at 6:45PM UTC

    I agree. As long as I can still save and live I’d rather be happy.

15. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 11,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

    Your heart- don't waste any more of your time on a job that drains you.

16. Lynne CapitanSeptember 13,2022 at 1:02PM UTC

    I recently did exactly what you are considering. I left a job in Corporate Manufacturing and returned to working for a small university. I took a pretty significant paycut to make this happen, but my life is so much better for it. Yes... it is a struggle to rebudget your whole life, especially if you have kids. However, I firmly believe health and happiness are more important than dollars in a bank account. As long as your able to still pay all your bills, so you are not trading one anxiety for another.