did you ever quit your job and took a new one where you made say $10-15k less?

[space-time]

Just because you wanted to try something new and hope you have better work satisfaction?

[davester]

Yes. Best thing I ever did.

[freeradical]

No, but I think the question needs to be framed in relative, not absolute numbers.

[testcase]

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!

[davemchine]

My last workplace was a real cesspool and I wish I had quit that job earlier. I was worried about money but in retrospect I now know mental health is much more important. If you can make the money work I say do the job you most enjoy.

[ka jowct]

I got laid off, before I could bail out. Scary as heck, but making 30-40% less doing what I do now has mostly been worth it. Definitely worth it, in terms of general satisfaction. I think if my only option were to go back to a regular gig, I'd consider opting out of life.

[DP]

Corrections Officer in NYC,

Why did you take this job? One of the most thankless and dangerous jobs out there! God bless you...

[nwyaker]

Yep. Good move- learned a lot and met some great people.
Shipwright building this ...

https://sdmaritime.org/visit/the-ships/californian/

[Ombligo]

I was in a senior position and knew that cutbacks and layoffs were coming. The company made an offer, and I couldn't say no. It was really expected, and I did have options to do much the same in another location. But after 30 years, I wanted a change.

So did about the stupidest thing possible - I went into public education. My salary went to less than a third of what I could have been making, I began working numerous unpaid hours, all while being faulted and demonized by those who had no clue what the job entailed.

Eight years later, I have very few regrets.

Is it perfect? no. Do I wish I got paid more? of course. Would I recommend it to a young person for a career? hardly. Would I go back to my old life - not a chance.

[testcase]

DP wrote:
Corrections Officer in NYC,

Why did you take this job? One of the most thankless and dangerous jobs out there! God bless you...

When I took the written test, I did NOT know that "Corrections Officer" = "Prison Guard" :facepalm:
Fortunately, I only spent four months at Rikers Island.

I WAS on the list for the Police Department that ultimately hired me so, moving from Bus Operator to Corrections Officer at least got me into Law Enforcement.

My two+ years as a bus driver made it super easy for me to "graduate" from my first RV (a 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe Travel Trailer pulled by my minivan) and, move up to a 2015 39' Dynamax DX3-37RB, Super-C Class diesel puller. The DX3 is built on a Freightliner Class 7 HDT (Heavy Duty Truck). The HDT provides a HUGE safety margin over what standard C-Class RV. Retired life is GOOD! :boink: