02-04-2017, 05:31 PM
Yes, back in December 1978. Left a good Civil Service job (Bus Operator for a NYS agency ~ $21,000/year) to go to a different Civil Service job (Corrections Officer in NYC, ~$6000 pay cut) and then, in March 1979, on to a Police Department on Long Island (starting salary ~ $13,000/year). Within a year, I was back up to ~ $20,000/year. At year three, the then current contract gave me ~ $10,000/year raise. After 32 years, I retired with my final salary at over $100,000/year. It was a GREAT job but, I don't miss it at all. Retired life is wonderful! :oldfogey:
I obviously was young and, I had plenty of time to recoup the losses. Being single at the time certainly helped. I only had to take care of myself. Of course, we don't know anything about your lifestyle and living arrangements. If you're not young enough to make substantial changes (or have other obligations to consider), then make sure the increased job/life satisfaction increase will be enough to compensate for the loss of $$. Many people could certainly make do with a smaller income without the need for drastic cutbacks. Just buying a latte/lunch out every day can set you back ~ $1000/year (or more). Brown bag it, use coupons etc. Back in ~ 2005, when gasoline prices hit ~ $4.50/gallon, I cut WAAAAAAY back on my driving. I combined trips and, ate out far less often. To this day, I haven't returned to the ~ 15,000 miles a year I had been driving back before gas prices skyrocketed (and now drive a very fuel efficient Toyota Prius).
Good luck if you do decide to make the change; I truly hope it works out well for you!
I obviously was young and, I had plenty of time to recoup the losses. Being single at the time certainly helped. I only had to take care of myself. Of course, we don't know anything about your lifestyle and living arrangements. If you're not young enough to make substantial changes (or have other obligations to consider), then make sure the increased job/life satisfaction increase will be enough to compensate for the loss of $$. Many people could certainly make do with a smaller income without the need for drastic cutbacks. Just buying a latte/lunch out every day can set you back ~ $1000/year (or more). Brown bag it, use coupons etc. Back in ~ 2005, when gasoline prices hit ~ $4.50/gallon, I cut WAAAAAAY back on my driving. I combined trips and, ate out far less often. To this day, I haven't returned to the ~ 15,000 miles a year I had been driving back before gas prices skyrocketed (and now drive a very fuel efficient Toyota Prius).
Good luck if you do decide to make the change; I truly hope it works out well for you!