Question

Has anyone taken a pay cut (small one) to do what you love and/or set out to do (Masters Degree several years ago) even if you won't be in a "Leadership" position anymore? I wouldn't have the responsibility of being a supervisor, so less stress in that area. Same hours, less stress, small pay decrease but using my degree & doing what I enjoy. Thoughts? Will it make me look like a failure to leave a Leadership position in the same company?  

Answer 1

No answers but my husband worked hard to get a job he loves but doesn’t compensate well. He’s a happy man. He’s no longer discouraged or depressed. He loves what he does. That’s why we need to budget. keep everyone happy. But I can’t answer all your questions. It depends on your work culture how they see you. But, you won’t be a failure if you “own it” and celebrate your new position in a way that speaks of you finding your Nitch. Good luck!  

Answer 2

Absolutely okay. Money isn’t everything. If you can still pay your bills and live, there’s nothing that says we have to accept the highest paying position we’re qualified for. I say work at a job you like since it sounds like it won’t throw you into financial disarray. Enjoy your life more!  

Answer 3

Absolutely not! Doing what you love is underrated and put aside for more money most of the time. Take the less stress and do what you love!  

Answer 4

I'm really interested in what you're talking about here, because I may have to do it myself. Unfortunately, stepping down a level in my job means more stress and more hours, so I'm not sure what I can really do. I'm curious to see the responses and to see how your situation works out. Good luck - I think living the life you want, if you can make it happen, is very valuable.  

Comments

I don't understand: how awful if you step down, you get MORE stress/hours? Horrible.  

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Don't be fooled. People don't get promoted and paid more and do all the heavy lifting. There is stress at higher levels, and more/different responsibility, but the workers have the hardest jobs. That is not just at my place. Why do you think people want higher level jobs? it's not just about more money - it's easier to supervise than to do the day to day work, in many places. I wouldn't say it's easy, but it's easier. Overall the work we do is more fun and interesting than most people's jobs, and the people I supervise are well-compensated (some make more than I do). So they are earning their money.  

Answer 5

Took a 20k pay cut from a job that was killing my soul to a job that I love to do. Went from a private pay attorney to a nonprofit attorney. Life is infinitely better. I just had to budget harder and be even more aware of my finances.  

Answer 6

Read “Your Money it Your Life. “ It changed mine.  

Answer 7

I took a 100% pay cut to stay home with my daughters. It’s been hard but totally worth it. A contented life is worth a lot.  

Answer 8

Do it. You’ll never regret the small pay cut for doing something you love with less stress

Answer 9

I did, sort of. I went from a classroom (which I may end up gong back into eventually) to a reading interventionist position. I changed districts and whole it’s less money, it’s less stress and has been way worth it.  

Answer 10

I don't work right now so I may not be the best answer to look at. But I can say with all honesty that I would rather live on less money with a higher quality of everyday life than to have more money.  

Answer 11

I would like to know more on this I also took a pay cut for my career and now I'm struggling financially. I'm new to TBM so I'm working on getting a budgeting going.  

Answer 12

Leadership is not all it is cracked up to be. If you are ok with taking a step down, it doesn't matter what other people think

Answer 13

I totally get where you’re coming from Tiffany, but to do something that you enjoy doing everyday is priceless! I wish I could find that! You won’t even miss the money. You got this gurl!  

Answer 14

If you can still make your budget work, go for it. I’ve thought about it for more opportunities in my company because my department doesn’t have too many more higher level options. But nothing has presented itself yet.  

Answer 15

I would do it in a heart beat. Loving what you do is the best thing. Since its a small decrease in funds its an easy choice for me

Answer 16

Best thing I ever did. Pay went down - quality of life went up.  

Answer 17

Thanks everyone! I work in healthcare & I have a 10 year old & 7 year old. I haven't re-worked my budget but I plan on doing that this weekend.  

Answer 18

You have a master's degree, how many people can say that. You have a achieved so much and you are doing what u love. Be happy, those who love you should not mind. Live for yourself. Enjoy life.  

Answer 19

It's worth having less stress and ridding the supervisory responsibility.  

Answer 20

I left the big city paying big bucks to move 3 hours to the country to see granddaughters. will never ever regret less $ and more ❤️

Answer 21

Most supervisors are underpaid, over stressed and over worked. A pay decrease is worth it to be less stressed and happy.  

Answer 22

I switched to a new job (same field) for lower pay to get some sanity. It turned out I didn’t realize the stress i was under at my old job. It was the right thing for me