Quote Originally Posted by Becky View Post
Happiness, definitely.

I started my career in the private sector and it was clear pretty early on that I wasn't happy there. I liked my actual responsibilities well enough, but my quality of life was horrible. I found something in the public sector, took a pay cut, and now work fewer hours on a more flexible schedule with better benefits. For me, it's been worth it.

Indy's soul-searching questions are good ones. If, after exploring them and considering the financial implications, you still want to do this, I say go for it!
I more or less did the same thing. Fortunately, as at attorney, going into federal government work didn't mean that I went from a well paying job to a poor paying job. At the time, it wasn't a huge pay cut. If I'd stuck with private practice, I'd likely be making a lot more than I am now, but I certainly don't miss that money.

Having been in a job that made me cry every day, I am a big advocate for getting out if you can. Knowing when to run saved my life I think. I also think there are ways to soften the blow, so that's what I'd encourage the OP to do. In almost every profession, there are ways to make yourself more marketable and worth a higher salary (in relative terms).