Question

Would you take a pay cut if it meant better on you, physically and mentally? Also, you wouldn’t work nights and weekends.  

Answer 1

Four years ago I was offered a promotion and I could work days instead of swings (getting off at 8:00pm). I was also given the option of taking the promotion and staying on swings. Having worked swings for eight years, I oped for the day shift which meant I would be make less than if I took the swing shift. I could have really used the money but I took days anyway. The mental difference that working days made far exceeded the monetary difference that working swings would have made. I am healthier and happier on days. I feel I'm a "normal" part of society again. Eventully the money found me anyway, I feel because I was putting out happier vibes in the universe.  

Answer 2

I did! Now I’m still working to make the budget work and getting in a good place there. However, I now have a work-life balance that allows me to get my son shortly after he gets off the bus, he has time to participate in activities because I can get him there, and I’m not always stressed.  

Answer 3

I've done it twice, and it was worth it both times. The second time I actually came out ahead because I stepped into a role with 100% paid benefits and unmetered PTO. The first time, I cut my salary in half and traded for midnight's and a sunday shift. It was still very much worth it because of everything I learned and the personal and professional growth I experienced in the new role. You learn to get creative with family and friend time with that schedule, but I loved my schedule and would go back to nights in a heartbeat.  

Answer 4

I did that. I worked 2 years as a noc shift nurse and now I've been a clinic nurse for 2. 5 years as well. I also got a way better commute

Answer 5

Yes. I've done it. My only word of caution is be absolutely sure that this new job is not going to somehow create new demands. I had about 6 months before I got a new manager, and his vision for the team totally changed and it's now over working everyone on the team. So the whole reason I took the job and the pay cut for less stress, has completely backfired.  

Answer 6

No doubt yes.  

Answer 7

I had a job where I was making pretty good wages, had ok benefits but left it because of the high stress. I took a 5$ an hour pay cut when I took on my new job. It was the best thing I could have ever done for not only my self but my family as well. We are making adjustments in our financial situation and it gets tight sometimes, but my quality of life is so much better. It also made finding a “side hustle” a little easier. I say do it!  

Answer 8

Heck yeah

Answer 9

I would as long as I could still afford my necessities with some wiggle room.  

Answer 10

I have done just that. I took a $12 an hour pay cut! For my sanity.  

Answer 11

Yes! My husband just did. He was working 7-12’s. 13 on and 1 day off. He is going to work a 40 hour week now. We are losing approx 30 hours a week which brings our weekly pay from around 2800 to about 1800. It will be a big difference, but having him home is so much more important. The first weekend was this weekend and we are so enjoying the time together.  

Answer 12

Yes, I did. I struggled for 11 months before telling my boss I needed change, a demotion or to be let go. We talked 11 months ago and she promised to hire another person, even if part time, to take some off my plate (I do the work of 3 people). Nothing changed and I got to the point that I lost my motivation and drive to be at work. A pay cut is well worth my sanity. I’m currently looking for another job.  

Answer 13

Yes and no nights and weekends

Answer 14

Yes definitely. Better quality of life. It’ll be tough financially and you can adjust.  

Answer 15

Yeeeeep. I would figure it out. There is nothing in this world that beats happiness. Money can’t buy that.  

Answer 16

I already have! My peace of mind is priceless!  

Answer 17

Absolutely! I just do e this in Oct and don't regret it one bit! So much less stress and M-F job off by 415 each day!  

Answer 18

In a heartbeat. Make your mental and Physical health number 1!  

Answer 19

I sure did! And it was one of the best decisions for my mental and physical health. I did that for a little over a year and now I'm deciding that I'm at a place now where I'm working 6 days a week now so I can start paying debt down (which I already had before) and feel fine because of that break I took.  

Answer 20

Yes! My husband did and our world didn’t end, and it gave him time to figure out what he really wants to do and our family is happier for it. Yes, you have to be creative and make some sacrifices, but it is so worth it compared to spinning your wheels being unhappy for the rest of your life.  

Answer 21

I gave up my M-F 7-3 reg (no responsibilities) for a manager position last year. And I am struggling if it’s worth it, rarely get a actual day off, staff calling me, things aren’t done properly, we’re so understaffed I’m constantly trying to find coverage so people can go home, while trying to meet my own deadlines. The staffing is enough to make ppl quit. It’s came with a $5 hour pay increase - but the stress is insane.  

Answer 22

In a heartbeat.  

Answer 23

I did for this school year. I am so much happier and people have even commented about that

Answer 24

I took a $2 pay cut and I am mentally happier at my new job. I never realized how unhappy/ badly I was treated I truly was until my new job. I am treated so well, I never want to leave

Answer 25

That's what I'm gearing up to do. I'm worried about losing the income, but I think it's just going to be so much better for me and my family. Plus, now that I'm budgeting more efficiently, I'm starting to build in some money to help with that for a bit.  

Answer 26

I did and I ended up hating the 9-6 M-F schedule. I not only took a paycut but it meant I had to add on extra days of daycare. Big mistake. I now work Saturdays and I’m okay with that. Not to mention more money.  

Answer 27

I did! My mental health is more important

Answer 28

100% my husband did that it was tight but his mental health meant so much more.  

Answer 29

Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes!  

Answer 30

If I can afford to, yes.  

Answer 31

Absolutely! You are a priority x

Answer 32

I did (got laid off and decided to find a part time with less eesponsability and let me tell you I was scared. Its the best thing ever. Less money but I am getting to be a mom. I'm broke too but its worth it.  

Answer 33

My husband did and does NOT regret it at all!  

Answer 34

We would and we are. Moving out of Cali to Tennessee in April, taking a significant pay cut, but we feel sooo prepared and ready, not worried at all. We actually just got back from buying our house with cash 2 days ago!  

Answer 35

Absolutely, your mental wellbeing is so so important.  

Answer 36

Yes. I almost did, but it wouldn't have been practical.  

Answer 37

I did this exact thing and I’m grateful I did . Some value you just can’t put a $$ on

Answer 38

If it literally would be better mentally and physically. Yes. I tried it and it mentally made me worse.  

Answer 39

Yes! I did that. Plus my baby was born prematurely and i realized other things were more important. I’m glad I took the other job. He’s been sick a lot so I have been able to be with him and take him to the dr. Plus there is no amount of $ that can cancel out misery. If I’m miserable in a job, it shows.  

Answer 40

You know your situation, do what’s best for you  

Answer 41

That's easy yes and I already did

Answer 42

Absolutely YES! In a heartbeat!  

Answer 43

Definitely  

Answer 44

Yes and I did! 32k less! Sanity and family time are worth it!  

Answer 45

I did that exact thing! Took a $10, 000 a year pay cut and it’s so worth it! Mental health is more important than any career.  

Answer 46

Yes, if you could afford it.  

Answer 47

Depend on how much of a cut and how secure the job is

Answer 48

I have done this recently. My old company moved out of state and I took a job that was a huge pay cut just because I needed a job. I went from management to a worker bee and I am so much happier. We have had to make some serious cuts in areas but so far it has worked out. Long adjustment period but so much happier. All things being equal I say if you can make it work do it! Best of luck!  

Answer 49

I did!  

Answer 50

I did! Wish I had done it sooner!  

Answer 51

I did! It took some adjusting however so worth it.  

Answer 52

Hell yeah I if you can make do it

Answer 53

I did it and its worth it!  

Answer 54

Yes and I did. Changed my life

Answer 55

My Husband used to work overnights. we took a substantial cut when he went to days It was WORTH IT! But there are also medical issues that made overnights even harder. That being said the best thing that happened was the getting fired from Walmart and getting a different job altogether HAHA

Answer 56

Difficult decision. Life is short but debts are stressful.  

Answer 57

Yes in a heart beat

Answer 58

I walked out on a job that mentally I couldn't handle anymore. It was like a switch went off. I had no income coming in, I'm single own my home, but two weeks later landed an awesome job at double the wages.