Taking a lesser paying job to be happy? Anyone here done this? (consulting, remote job)
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does it count if I just went from working 5 days a week to 4 days a week to 3 days a week? I got paid less since I ended up working 3-12s for a 36 hour/week but base pay was the same. The reason is that I worked 3 days a week and got 4 days off is why I switch jobs. When I schedule it right, I work 6 days straight then have 8 off for "longer" vacations instead of the weekly mini ones. Though last year I worked an extra day each pay check (twice a month) and made about $8k for the year so I got more money than the other 40/hour people.
I always pick my desirable geographical location first, then adjust my career/job/lifestyle accordingly. I have taken huge pay cuts doing this but have lived in some pretty cool places and been much happier.
I've thought about it. I make six figures in I.T. but I'd take a pay cut if I could have a job where I was happy. And where I would not be pestered in the evenings or on weekends.
I have done it. A few years ago I had back to back jobs that were toxic as hell. I was stressed and unhappy. I decided I needed a break from the corporate world and took a job with half the pay. It was great to have a job with less stress, easy going and a good group of people. I was able to get my head my head on straight and went back to a new company that I love.
I made such a move about twenty years ago. I had gone just about as far as I could go in my first career and it was beginning to grind me down, turn me into an unfeeling, mechanical automaton, traveling the world in the interest of earning money rather than building a life with my family and community. So my change was more than just a change in job with a big cut in pay - it was a change in life - a second career that allowed me to live as a human, establish and support moral values, and as a result live a happier life.
I took a 30% pay cut to come to my current job. It was more for the long term opportunities than to get away from a bad job. In fact, I loved the company/people I worked with at my last job. But the sector they were in was changing (Gov. Consulting) and I wasn't sure I could see myself continuing in for the long haul.
And the pay cut was just in take home pay. When adding the benefits etc. The total cut to my compensation package was a bit less less. And it would actually be offset (total compensation wise) after two years given then incentive package the new job provides. Not counting any merit increases/promotions. Which I did receive - so it all worked out.
Chasing opportunities will often pan out better than just chasing money - IMO.
I did, but not by choice -- I was laid off and couldn't find anything else. It was a 40% pay cut.
What I like -- much less stress and responsibility. It's a lower position in the same field, so I'm very confident in my skills at this level. Since it's a contract position, I can't put in extra hours without approval -- it's a joy to leave after 8 hours with no guilt! Never have to check voicemail/email on nights/weekends/vacations.
It is an ongoing adjustment, though, to the cut in pay. What I earn just keeps up with the routine bills.
I've thought about it. I make six figures in I.T. but I'd take a pay cut if I could have a job where I was happy. And where I would not be pestered in the evenings or on weekends.
I'm in the same "thinking about it" boat. I likely won't act on it for a long time; the pay cut would be TOO significant, I fear. Rather, I'd hope to save enough money between now, and a time where I could "retire" and then start working at a job I enjoy more.
I think a lot of people would do this, at least if they had the chance to experience what it was like to make lots of money but be miserable at work.
I worked a remote job (from home), which I know is many people's dream, but it was terrible for me. I felt like my home became a prison and I could never fully focus on either work on home life. I got terrible depression and anxiety. Anyway, I was MAKING a lot for only being in my mid twenties... I was also living in a very low cost of living area, so I was banking so much of my earnings...
Long story short, the cash was rolling in, but I was miserable. I'm now making like 75% less and fairly happy because I don't hate my job. I don't love it either, but it's a good balance of ups and downs.
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