Changing Jobs?

[CycleChic06]

Is it crazy to accept a new job for less than you are making in your current one? I'm being offered something that's way below what I'm making now. I could probably talk him up to close to what I get now, but probably still lower. It would be a career change and lead to a totally new career path. But some people, namely my parents, think I'm out of my mind for even considering a salary that's lower than what I make. I could certainly live on making a little less and the bonuses offered can make up for much of the lower base pay.

I know it's totally based on the circumstances, but would any out there consider this?

[han-grrl]

you decision really depends on how much do you love your job now, and how much you will love your new job. if they are both the same, then i would probably go for higher pay. but if you completely hate your job, then a switch may be in order.

[Thistle]

I gave up a 6 figure job to go back to being a very poor student supported by my DH (what a shock for him ).... i havent had a moment of regret

[Haudlady]

I left a stressful job in banking to a job at a non-profit. My pay (and benefits ) went down. I certainly have moments of regret about the "losses," but I am much more relaxed... and I have time to do fun things like ride my bike and my horses! So...

If I may... I think your tag-line says it all...

It's only worth it if you're having fun.

[Pax]

Unless you plan on spending a lifetime in your current career any job change will most likely result in some loss of income. The question then...is this the right time and the right job to make a switch? If so, leap and enjoy.

[baskingshark]

I agree with han-grrl - it depends on the situation.

If you're like me, you spend a lot of time at work. So, if you've realized your career isn't making you happy and you've figured out a career change that will set you back on the right path, even if it pays less, the better quality of life is probably worth a lot more than the bigger pay check (so long as you can actually manage on the smaller salary).

On the other hand, if it's just a new job, but more of the same, I'd wait for something that paid at least the same.

[GLC1968]

I too left a good career to go back to school full time while working part time. The change in my financial situation was astronomical! Now I'm in a brand new career and I'm 100% happier with my life. (and I'm also finally making more than I could have on my other career path).

If the career change is one you want to make, then it's 100% worth it.

In fact, it's very tough to make a major career change and not see some initial loss of compensation. If the new path is correct for you, the money will come (or other rewards will make up for the lower pay).

[colby]

If you think you're going to enjoy the new job/career more than you enjoy your current job/career, why not go for it? Worst case, you hate it, and you have experience in your current field and can go back into it. Best case, you love it, you excel, you make more money AND are happier.

You might want to lay it out in a realistic pro/con sort of way. What do you like/not like about your current job/career, and what do you like/not like about the new one? Are the risks worth the potential reward? Even if some of them are hard facts (dollars) and some are less hard facts (feelings), you have to weigh them all. The "best" decision on paper based only on hard facts may not be the "right" decision for you.

Good luck. And, who cares if you're crazy?

"There is a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line." -- Oscar Levant

[Mr. Bloom]

The three things that are most important to me in my work:

- Who I work for (respect, trust, etc)
- Who I work with (good folks, not political, common goals, fun)
- What I do (fun, growing, opportunity, etc)

WHen those things are in place, everything else (like money), falls into place

Congrats on having a choice to make...but you should still negotiate him up...

[mimitabby]

Salary is important, but gee, if you can live off what they're offering and it's a lot more like what you want to be doing, go for it. In 10 years, will you be happier, more accomplished, more satisfied?

[RoadRaven]

Just agreeing with some of the others...

Its about quality of life, not quantity of money.

You should enjoy your job, plus there's room for advancement...

Take the new job if you are able to cope with the cut in spending power. I would.

[Crankin]

Eight years ago I left the school district I thought I would be with until I stopped working. After 7 years, I felt like I was no longer respected and there were changes coming I couldn't live with. On a whim , I applied for another job. Now, most systems don't hire teachers with 22 years of experience (too much $), but after 3 grueling interviews, they offered me a job. After some negotiating, which normally never happens in a public school, I was offered a salary about $5,000 less than what i was making. My older son was 2 years from starting college. I sat down and did the T chart with "plusses and minuses" and I had too things in the plus column. I never regretted it and I am glad I am ending my career in a place that made me feel appreciated.

[Teddyparker]

I know it's totally based on the circumstances, but would any out there consider this?

I have considered it and have done it (twice). You just need to be sure it is what you truly want. Many years ago I left a great non-profit preschool with nominal pay to begin a career in a large for profit childcare company for a substantial higher salary, more headaches and lots of pressure (yes in childcare). After two years I left to go back to non-profit, less money, more respect and lots of appreciation. Remember its okay to make a mistake. Good luck with your decision.

[Blueberry]

I work for a large law firm, and am burning out fast. Billable hours rule my life, and I have no time to do what I care about (bike, hike, etc). I am seriously considering several positions which will literally be a 50% pay cut (or more). But...I'll do work I believe in (I don't always sleep well right now), I'll have a very short commute (could probably bike) and I'll have time to do what I love. I don't have the answers yet. I had hoped to hang in there until my loans are paid off, but I'm not too far away on that front. And I know I can't do my best work where I am too much longer (there are major changes underway which mean more $$, but less free time and much more stress).

So no, I don't think you're crazy (unless I am too). Just make sure the time is right for you and that if you don't love it, you have options.

Good luck!

[KnottedYet]

I was in a job with a very homophobic clinic manager who made my life a living hell. She was so awful to me that my patients were even commenting on how she treated me. The regional manager offered to move me to another clinic staffed by the same company, but it would've meant a much longer commute and I would've had to stay for another 3 or 4 months with the rotten clinic manager.

I left that job (making more money than I'd EVER made, which still isn't much) and took a job in a small private clinic for less $$. (Another private clinic offered me more, but the place felt kind of creepy.)

Now that small private clinic is facing big financial problems. I'm still, years later, not making what I did with the large company.

Sometimes I regret my decision. I will likely "jump ship" soon anyway.

Finances are very important, especially if you are single. Worry about your own financial health, but also CAREFULLY check the financial health of the place you are thinking about working!