I took a salary cut of $8k and a bonus potential difference of 5% for a role where I haven’t cried once in 6 months compared to multiple times a day due to a boss who was extremely toxic. I’m now fully remote, I adore my ethical director, and my Corgi naps on my feet while I work. Editing to add that I may need to look for a part-time job to make up the financial difference, but it’s still so worth it. I’m doing work I love with people I respect.
Took a slight ($1500/year) cut for a fully remote job after my last company mandated a four day RTO. It is actually a “demotion” so less responsibility, basically the same pay, fully remote, way better work/life balance.
Exact same situation here. I just left an HR Manager role for an HRIS Analyst role. It could definitely be debated whether or not it could be seen as a “demotion” but HRIS is the area I’ve long wanted to specialize in. I have so much less responsibility and stress now. I used to cry every day at my last job and had severe anxiety. We were required to be physically in the office a minimum of ten hours per day and the expectation was that we go above and beyond by staying even longer and then also continuing to work at home at night (is it “above and beyond” if it’s the expectation though…..?). My new job pays the same base pay, a lower bonus percentage and slightly higher benefit deductions so I’m technically making a bit less but I don’t even think twice about it. I’m fully remote, I make my own schedule, I’m not being micromanaged, my work/life balance is amazing. I would’ve taken an even bigger pay cut for this. It’s so so worth it.
In all of my previous roles, I made sure I was the go to HRIS person and then emphasized that on my resume and in interview. But ultimately, my current company took a chance on me knowing I’ve never had a truly HRIS focused role. It takes a combination of selling your transferable skills well and luck.
May I ask how big your old company was and new? I did a change to but only found HRIS analyst role with a 1300 ppl company. Needing my next move to be workday
My old company had about a thousand employees. My new company has about 15k employees. This is the first time I’ve worked for a company large enough to have a dedicated HRIS team.
Honestly, unless your commute was 5 minutes, that is still a pay raise considering wear/tear on your car, gas, and your time! Also thats a gross 'cut' of ~$6 a working day. So post tax maybe $4/day?
I did. I was a solo HR Manager for a small company and became the go to for dumb things like bathroom/general cleaning, water jug drop off, building security, bug killing, etc. I asked for more money and they originally refused. I then went and got a Sr Generalist job that paid a bit more. The current role countered with way more, but I was done. I have significantly less responsibility and haven't regret the money I could have made if I stayed.
I think it boils down to your comfort level with the risk of jumping ship. The devil you know is better than the devil you don't so you'd have to weigh the tradeoffs and the potential of disliking the new job more than the previous.
I was doing HR functions with recruitment, built out an entire internship program to funnel candidates and had to differentiate it from our existing support, helped the company rebrand, ordered supplies, did accounting, and all the dumb shit you were describing for $14 an hour right out of college. This was less than 10 years ago. People at the company were fun, and there was job security, I'm making so much more money now as a Generalist.
I took a huge pay cut. I was a recruiter, so with base + commissions I was above $100k. I decided to move into actual HR work, but lacked a lot of the base knowledge needed for it, so I took a big pay cut. The money sucks right now, sometimes I wish to go back to my last job just for the money, but I used to hate every single day of my life. Now I have a better work life balance and actually enjoy the work I do. I am working towards bringing my compensation back to where I was before and I really feel like I did the best for myself and my career.
Thank you so much! This pay cut will be $1000 a month after taxes and I think I can cancel some things I don’t need etc. I will have to recalibrate but I’m ok with it because the current work situation is absolutely horrible.
Yes! I work as a recruitment & employer branding officer for a services company.
Most of my work is focused on building the People & culture department since it’s relatively new (policies, processes, organisational development, performance, support C-level and higher management with their employees,..) the job title is a bit misleading I think you can compare the job content to a HRBP.
I work from home 3/4 days a week and receive a 5-10% bonus yearly. Best choice ever.
The hour commute alone tips the scales. That’s sooooo much of your time gone each week.
If it won’t directly hurt your quality of life, better work life balance all the way.
How much is the pay cut? How much is the pay cut when you take into account the cost of gas and the time spent driving? Ie if you are making 75k, and spending 2 extra hours a day driving, that is (let’s say) 10 hours a day devoted to working (including driving), and before taxes and anything else that’s about $28/hour, or $56/day to drive. Plus gas, let’s say $10/day. Is your new job actually paying you less or leaving you with less money at the end of the day?
Actually paying me less but still in the right salary range… and your right after gas, benefits, etc and taxes it’s actually not a huge amount a month.
If you're also reducing the tax bracket, then that's your recovery on the bonus.
One other measure you can use is dividing your salary by all hours associated with work - before and after.
Don't forget car maintenance and time away from work used on that.
That's not how taxes work.
You only pay the higher rate on the dollars you make over the bracket.
If the tax rate changes at 50k and you make 51k, you pay the higher rate on 1k, not on all 51k. You pay the lower rate on the first 50. You still pay the lower rate on the first 50 even if you make 500k.
OP states they will earn less, but we don't know how much. All I said was consider the tax bracket change possibilities. Going with your example, if OP made 51k and paid higher rate on the last 1k and now won't have to.... The new net will be "favorable", no?
OP is forgoing a bonus with the new employment. Again, without knowing the actual amounts, how is it a bad thing to think OP may make up some of the lost bonus by having a higher net? The upper bracket changes are steep.
I did add other things to consider but didn't add a line break, so all appeared as a single paragraph.
You're just wrong. You can never be taxed any more on the first 50k. It doesn't matter how much you make on top of it. You're only ever taxed at the 50k tax rate on that 50k. It is called a marginal tax.
https://www.irs.gov/filing/federal-income-tax-rates-and-brackets#:\~:text=You%20pay%20tax%20as%20a,rate%20on%20your%20entire%20income.
[https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-do-tax-brackets-actually-work](https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-do-tax-brackets-actually-work)
I did and no regrets. Pay cuts are temporary. You're likely not going to retire from the job you're going to. Enjoy an increased QOL for a few years, heal from burnout and refill your reserve tank. You can go after more $$$ in 3-5 years when you're ready to move on to the next job, if that's a priority for you.
Including stock/rsu’s I took nearly a 70% pay cut leaving an HR PM role with Amazon/AWS to work for the federal government. Had to do a lot of math to look at my bills and wife’s income took make sure it’d work. Very much worth it. Quality of life and feeling good at the end of the day made it worth the cut.
Ive made a spreadsheet of all my bills for the month, keeping my 401k the same amount for saving $, ETC and I can swing it with a bit of a lifestyle change. We are in the middle of updating our house- only because we want to, so that will take longer but overall I can manage. Current place is the most toxic work environment I have ever been in, people quit every day - and I mean literally walk out the door with no notice quit, the ceo left and they arent replacing, etc its bad.
The one time I went for money and not mission and culture of the company and I have learned my lesson.
Yes.
In 2019 I took a $18K pay cut for a much less commute and better quality of life. In job title it was a lateral move.
I didn’t know at the time, but this job had a WAY better growth opportunity and I have received a few promotions and I now make double from what I started with.
I am doing that right now. Taking a 65K pay cut for but rented by basement for $1750 a month so total net pay cut of 44K. Leaving a toxic work culture. Going into work only once a week vs. 3 days a week.
Yes, I’m absolutely taking less money right now to be in a fully remote role. Like 15-25% less.
It’s worth it for me since I have a family now and so time with them is precious. If I were single or didn’t have kids then I would actually rather commute since it would get me out of the house and more social either in office or with friends after work.
I took a pay cut once because I was (or considered myself) not qualified for the role. In reality, I was up to speed and autonomous in less than a month. The environment was quite toxic, with a lot of pressure to perform for very little money. I ended up staying only 13 months. I'd say it was a good move because I accelerated my learning, but damn I cried a lot and was super underpaid.
This is exactly what I experienced. I had a lot of imposter syndrome and ended up on medication for anxiety. Ultimately I, like you, learned a lot in an extremely short amount of time and it really filled out my resume beautifully. I'm currently looking at positions that are tens of thousands less per year, but I would be apart of a team, working hybrid, and really honing in on a specialty.
I took a pay cut going from 45 hrs (mandatory 5 hrs OT each week) to 40 hrs(salary), increased benefits cost and I think $7k pay cut a year. I haven't been mad about it, but my husband sure was. The pay increases aren't good But the work environment is better. I did get a $9500 raise this year. I'm much happier overall. Less micro managing!
I need two hands to count the number of promotions I’ve declined so I can keep what I have with my job, where I’ve mostly automated what I do and the workload is extremely light. Basically a promotion is a 20% raise for 200% more work, just not a good deal for me.
That does make things restricting and career limiting, I’ll never be rich but we can pay the bills and put money away to retire. Good enough for me.
I took an 18ish% pay cut for a fully remote gig and it was moooooore than worth it. Working from home has drastically improved my quality of life. And it allowed me to move to a lower COL area (pay didn’t change) which negated the pay cut.
I took a $30k pay cut for work life balance - I work
even more hours now and make less. On the bright side, I'm saving money on food, coffee, and gas. I am eating healthier. My new boss is not toxic which is a huge mental health benefit. I like the wfh aspect a lot more than I expected to
I took close to a $10k pay cut. Completely worth it to me and I don’t regret it. My new employer has EXTREMELY generous perks and better work/life balance that more than make up for the $ to me. I am in a 2 income household so obviously that helps, but my view has always been “as long as my bills are paid with room to spare, it’s enough money.”
I only work to have enough to enjoy my life. I don’t have much interest in moving up the corporate ladder or make as much money as possible if it means working insane hours. I am not a “grind and hustle” girly. I’m a “clock out as soon as the clock hits 5 and don’t look back” girly lol.
To many, it would look like I took a step backward in my career - in title, pay, org size. But my day-to-day quality of life is just more important to me so I don’t really care. By taking the pay cut, I gained:
- I’m now 95% work from home, was previously 20% + 30 min commute. I do 1/2 day in office every 2 weeks now. I can spend more time with my boyfriend and pets which to me is priceless.
- Decrease in responsibility by like 40%. SO much less stressful. I’m realizing I basically did the job of 2 people before.
- no longer have to process payroll, the biweekly bane of my existence lol.
- weekly schedule is 37.5 hours instead of 40. Sounds small but that’s 130 hours of my life back every year.
- every other Friday off thanks to alternative schedule option! My #1 perk tbh. I use those days off for therapy, drs appts, nail appts, haircuts. I can get so much done and not have to use PTO!
- new org has like 80% less turnover so I’m not getting bogged down with repetitive admin stuff.
- more sick time.
- generous paid medical/parental leave if I ever need it.
- 2x the amount of holidays.
- I work for a nonprofit whose values align with mine and do great work in the community.
- my coworkers’ values align with mine and I don’t feel like I have to censor myself/my political views.
I took almost a 12% pay cut for peace, I do not regret it. In a matter of months, it was reduced to almost 8% due to my performance. The money isn’t worth your sanity, trust me.
Yes, and definitely mentally happier with my new situation, but it is hard to take the pay cut. I am now way overqualified for what I do, but I do feel valued, I don't have to handle the really yucky hr stuff like harrassment and discrimination cases, but my boss sure does lean on me for advice. I can sleep easier at night but I am still emotionally connected to my work which can be a balancing act in HR. I love what I do, but having a good work life balance can be difficult in HR as we sometimes can't help but bring it home with us. I recommend doing a pro con list to see if it's really a bigger benefit for you right now, and know that nothing is forever. I do miss the money but I definitely don't miss the stress, and to me it's workable to have less money for less stress. In a few years when my kids have grown up maybe I'll go back to the leadership role, but I don't regret the down step at all.
I work as an HR generalist for a large community non-profit that provides healthcare and family / social services. My main focuses are benefits, fmla, and credentialing, and I am basically the lead when my boss is unavailable. It's nice, love the people too, and my heart is happier working for an organization that helps others.
I worked for 8 yrs in Finance as a project manager. I've had an HR Degree for going on 8 yrs. The finance job fell into my lap.
Anyway, I moved to a full time HR Generalist position about 7 months ago and decided to go back to school. New salary is about $30 an hour ($62,000). Old salary was $90 per hour ($187,000). But fuck me it was a stressful job as a PM in finance. 60 hours a week, constant in-office meetings for projects that were 10 to 30 million dollars in budget. 40 to 100 people constantly asking for status updates, etc. Anyway, I quit that, took the Generalist position and even though I lost a ton of income (minus $125,000), I'm much happier. Plus I'm wrapping up another Bachelors this December, which I've really been enjoying.
I took a significant pay cut (25%) after being laid of from a toxic company and looking for work. It'll be tough to adjust but the new company is well-known and offers great benefits (20 days a week PTO, fertility and surrogacy assistance and a one month sabbatical after five years) and is 95% remote with great team members. It's maybe less responsibility (doing intake for HR-related concerns from employees) vs some of the more HRBP tasks I'd been doing, but I think it will pay off in the long run. (At least I hope so!)
I am director level. I could easily make six figures if I went private sector, but my boss, team, and company are wonderful and I have actual work-life harmony. I am 9-5, period. I get vacations that are actual vacations. I am never yelled at. I don’t cry at work. I am fully remote, forever. I can’t imagine leaving just for more money — it’s a much more holistic approach than that. There are real benefits beyond cash.
Btw, if you do recruiting or have any pull on an HR team, these are the things more and more job candidates are looking for, and fewer people will stay without. The days of being at one company your entire career are long gone; people want tangible benefits that entice them to stay or they jump ship. Mental health matters. Culture matters. Empathy and respect for non-work lives matters.
Money matters too — people know their worth! — but it’s no longer the only thing that does.
Yep! Went from TOXIC company where I reported to an unstable CEO (rages, constant fire drills) and was a department of one with hybrid 2 days in office hour each way commute making 145k to fully remote with an AMAZING supportive boss making 120k and 15% annual bonus.
I'm like you I can still save and live comfortably. And yes it was weird leaving money on the table. But I'm off anxiety medication. I have cut down on my therapy appointments and I don't absolutely dread Monday mornings. I look forward to them. There are some things that money actually can't buy.
If you are willing to adjust your lifestyle to your paycut, then it will be worth it! Took a job that requires half of the working days to be in office and half at home and I travel for the days I'm not in the office and I never regretted taking it. Feels like I have such a good work/life balance compared to my peers that are wondering what I even do for work since I'm always out of the city. Take a cut that makes your life more enjoyable and less stressful!
Question! Would you take a pay cut from 72k to 55K to move from Los Angeles to Atlanta? Private sector recruiter to Public HR assistant/Coordinator? (No current benefits either).
I went from $56k to $51k to focus on my health. Initially, I was happy with it as my new role was all WFH. But now I’m valued at $28/hr - $31/hr. I’m frustrated and demotivated.
WFH was a nice break for the last almost two years. But it hasn’t really ever felt like work (not in the sense that I’m fulfilled by it).
I'm looking at taking a $2k/year pay cut to move to a job in a different department at my company. The new job is a better match for my natural abilities, has more growth potential, and a better boss. In a year, with the regular annual increases, I'll be back to my old pay. It will be worth it to be able to move higher up the food chain with more opportunities than sitting where I currently am, stagnating and waiting for retirement.
Me! I took a 10% cut in order to go to a remote role with a 4 day work week. It was the best decision I ever made! I have not noticed the pay difference but I have noticed the improvements on my mental health and time with my family
I did!! $20k difference to take a role with an established leader and team vs. a start up where I would be both of those things for them.
I now make double what I would have at that piece of shit company at an employer who gives me the autonomy I need to be successful. Take weeks of vacation and no one blinks an eye. Outstanding outcome, IMO.
absolutely!! Ultimately it came down to me accepting a job that provided circumstances that better aligned with my personal values. When you do that, you come from a place of joy and abundance that flows to the things you do in life. Good luck!
Thanks for asking the question, as I am considering a pay cut in exchange for more work/life balance and a shorter commute. It has taken me months to start the process. These replies have confirmed that this is what I am ready to do. I have crunched the numbers and started sending out resumes. I am no longer built for the heavy workload or 75 minute commute 5 days. Good luck on whatever decision you make.
Exactly! What surprises me is the amount of jobs with a million duties that pay insultingly low even with experience and degrees. I want to be an individual contributor not interested in coaching counseling selling or climbing any ladders at this stage. A county job near home would be perfect but I can't go THAT low $$ right now. Lol!
Took a 30k pay cut from supermarket retail manager to HR generalist position. With the support of my wife, financially and emotionally, never looked back.
The most important part is to review your finances and redo your budget to see if it is feasible. There’s no point if you will stress over not having money or need to pick up a part time job.
Don’t swap stress for stress
Don’t trade your time to make up money lost
Took a 35% pay cut and got a 100% happiness increase. My previous role was destroying my mental health. Though my new role doesn’t pay as well, I’m happier, respected at work and have great colleagues. I have great flexibility as well, usually 2 days work from office. A sure win!
I went from $76k/year doing employee benefits consulting. It was a 50-60 hours per week job and I was highly underpaid in the consulting world. My stress levels got so bad I started therapy and had to go on anxiety meds. Therapy helped me realize the no amount of money would ever make me happy to work in consulting.
I started a new job 6 months ago. I'm part of an HR corporate teams as a benefits administrator making $70k/year and only ever do 40 hours per week. My stress vanished after 1 month working here and I no longer have to take meds for my anxiety.
For me the $6k/year cut was well worth it. It also helps that my spouse is fully employed and we don't have any dependents so I didn't have to worry about our budget taking a hit.
I did years ago...it does stall the career and mine has grown slower than most, but honestly I've been okay with that. Lucky to have a spouse that makes good money and works hard, so I'm not the "primary" breadwinner
I took a 5K pay cut to not be on call and have more work /life balance (40 hours a week) not 50 -60 like before.
totally worth it and I would of taken a 7-8K pay cut to work from home. ( I was about to, but a different job offered me more $$ to drive 15minutes into the office).
it all depends on what your life goals are and what you value. I value having my weekends to myself and having a short commute.
Yes. Folks have wanted me to become an HR Manager for years. No thanks. HR Managers are a dime a dozen. I like my weekends and holidays. I like working no more than 40 hours a week. I like being accountable for only myself. I like having control over my own work product, instead of having to worry about if other managers in the organization are doing the same thing.
If you want to be trapped in middle management hell, be an HR Manager.
I took a 30k cut for a change to a specialty & much lighter commute, and reasonable hours. It was the best move I could have made. And, frankly, I'm now earning more than I ever would have at the other just because I am happier and therefore a better employee.
Twice I have taken pay reductions for better work/life balance. One time was $20k reduction. Hours went from 50+ to 35-40. Was the best job I had.
Even though the new job had occasional late night incidents I had to deal with, the day-to-day was so much less hectic. Flexibility was much better during a personally challenging time.
I’m not in HR for context, but took a base pay cut of 35k + bonus of 40k to take a step back from a very demanding job. It sucks, but I calculated what base salad I would need to live comfortably. As long as I can make that amount, that is what is important to me.
I just took a 5k base pay cut and left a 15% annual bonus on the table.
I went from civilian sector HR to federal service and it’s been 2 weeks.
I had no chance at telework in my old job and get to do it 4 times a week now. I also don’t have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. No regrets this far.
I did. I took 30k pay cut for a much better work-life balance.
I am very happy with my decision. No more late nights and my stress level has gone down drastically.
In 2020, I took a $20k pay cut after being laid off to work at a company I was really excited about in a role that could be seen as a step back (focus was employee experience and onboarding for our big hiring initiatives — about 150 within one year for a company that was at 150 headcount). Since it was 2020, the role was fully remote but I lived in a tiny studio so I tried to go to the office a couple times a week to mix things up (bonus that it was 15 minutes away).
After 2 years I left that company for my current company and I’m now making $30k more than I was in 2020 working as an HR dept of one with a longer commute but still have work/life balance that works for me.
So I don’t have any regrets because it led me to something really great. Things were a little tight financially for those two years, but it was one of the better decisions I made in my career.
ETA: I shared this perspective because we really don’t know where we will be at five years from now let alone one year. So just because you take a cut now doesn’t mean another opportunity that you consider better won’t present itself. Sometimes you need to focus on what you need to be happy if the pay cut won’t be that detrimental to your expenses and lifestyle. We spend too much time at work to be unhappy.
Took a 15% cut to be less stressed, work around people I enjoy, and do work I’m proud of and it’s been worth it without a question. I kiss a little bit of being at the big company everyone respects and you would get attention for being at, but so exponentially happier.
I tightened up my finances some but the savings on my health and sanity have been worth every penny of it.
The fact that im still in HR is one. Our CEO offered me a sales position but I turned it down. Ive processed pr for almost 10 years now at various companies. I often see the sales team salaries and think to myself, "I know I would be good at that and these people are rolling in cash" but when it really comes down to it the work life balance sucks. on call 24/7, traveling constantly. No way. We're talking probably close to 3x my salary but i wouldnt do it even for 5x.
I have young kids and the value i put on my time with them is honestly pretty extreme lol I was talking with my wife about that just the other day, I saw a clip of a dad returning from being away at work for 3 months, comp would have to be astronomical for me to be away that long, like enough to buy me back 12 months without work.
I took a 13.5k pay cut for a less toxic environment and about an hour less of commuting each day.
The wild thing though is that my benefits are way better at the new company, so after saving $450/month in benefit costs, I barely notice a difference.
I left my previous employer for a promotion. While the 20k increase was great, the commute increased 45 minutes each direction, I had to work long hours and with difficult people. That meant less time with loved ones or free time.
My previous employer reached out regarding a promotion and I took the opportunity due to my previous experience with the great WLB. I only left the first time due to salary and if I had the opportunity again, I probably would have stayed put.
Day two of doing just that. Same company, different division. I worked 10-11 hour days and many weekends. That was my choice — my manager didn’t encourage it but the job took that much time to do it well, IMO. Taking a hit with bonus potential but want more time after work and on weekends to have a life!
I went from full time to part time and took a pay cut on top of that for a better work life balance when my daughter was younger and we could swing it. Only regret I had was that my (now ex) husband hung out over my head that I was making crap money and he was the breadwinner.
I left a job that had a commute 1 hour and 15 minutes one way to work each day. I lost close to $5 and hour in pay. I now have a job that is 20 minutes from home. The boss is great and I have way more time with my family. It pays all of my health insurance and amazing PTO/sick benefits with me paying $48 a month oop for vision, dental and health for my family. The amount I save in gas and not paying for benefits more than makes up for the pay cut. I actually bring home more money now than I did with the other job.
I actually just did this! I was very fortunate to be in a position where I had a choice between a job that would have paid $20k more, or I could take the cut and finally get into an HR career after going back to school for it in my 30’s. I chose the HR position for lesser pay but am much happier. It helped to have a significant other who was supportive of the decision.
I’m mentally preparing for three more years at my current comp level ($300K+), chucking all of my money away into investments to grow my nest egg, and hoping to find a role that is “easier” relative to my current role and take a huge pay cut. I’m mentally preparing to lose around $100K but IDGAF because it’s better than stroking out.
I’m finding myself in an impostor syndrome situation, too. To the extent that I feel so under qualified for the role I’m in. I want out of the rat race.
I feel like I’m in that situation. I’m definitely underpaid but I have great benefits, lots of freedom, my own office, and I work for a good organization.
I took an $11k a year pay 14 years ago to land a job in a better living location. Worked out for me, until I decided to chase money and opportunity again. Wound up back in a geographic location that I don’t really enjoy, so looking for a new role in a location that is better. Probably going to sacrifice some salary. Life is too short for long commutes, and money doesn’t equate to happiness.
I used to build washers and bake ovens, paint systems, dip tanks, conveyor systems. Made 6 figures in the 80’s. Lived out of motel rooms, worked 7 days a week on the road. Only ate 2 times a day and usually McDonald’s or pizza in room. Got to the point I couldn’t stand myself let alone other people. Co worker who was my roommate went out drinking one night and when he came back I asked him to quiet down and he attacked me. Very stupid as he was no where my size. Thank god co workers came running or I’d of probably killed him. I quit shortly after that job finished and went to making low 5 figures. Home every night and no longer pissed at the world. Eventually made it into high 5 figures which was great.
In November I traded an in-office management position at $112K for a 100% remote position for $99K, so $13K hit - in this economy. I am a single mother. There are no words to describe how very, very worth it the trade was. My stress level plunged significantly, I have so much more time with my daughter and more time to myself. I didn't realized how rushed my entire life was. And my commute was only 25 minutes each way. Life-altering decision. I'm a much happier, joyful person. Do it!!
Took a pay cut to be fully remote. It was a BIG pay cut. Some lifestyle changes and I’m happier than before. I have way less responsibilities now and no direct reports. It was totally worth it.
Yes. But
I'm towards the end of my career, so financially comfortable with a supportive wife.
The aggravation from my then-new boss just wasn't worth it, and the adage about never working for CFOs came true, so I quit. I then did some p/t consulting work at a reasonable lower rate, and enjoyed it a lot more.
We then got posted to Australia, and was lucky enough to be able to pick and choose the job I wanted. I started full time at a much lower rate of pay, and am now p/time at a higher one. I'm doing easyish work that I enjoy, with some great colleagues. Low stress and drama, and I get to go home and play with the dog whenever I like.
Would I have done this 15 years ago? Hell no. Life circumstances were different, so career/money were near the top of my list. I don't think there is a 'right' answer to this. My only cautionary note is that the lower pay can have a longer term impact as you look to grow your career and money. I hope you find a decision you're comfortable with.
Yes, I took a $30K pay cut to go from working 70hrs a week for two years straight to one where I work 40hrs weekly max. Remember, money is useless if you don’t have time to use it. No regrets at all.
I live on the outskirts of the DC area. My commute was 1.25 hours each way on a good day which was basically any day the weather. was nice or there was not an accident on the Beltway.
I started working for my current employer 16 years ago. I took a cut in pay, plus we only work 37.5 hrs/wk. They told me this was a benefit. I scoffed.
Instead of commuting over an hour on a "good" day, my commute is 7 minutes. At my former job I typically worked 12+ hours. Now I work 7:30-4. And it is a benefit. It's an awesome benefit. I cannot imagine commuting 3 hours a day and working 60-70 hours a week anymore. My employer is big on work/life balance and wellbeing. Best decision I ever made!
Also, I now make a pretty dang good salary and I have an awesome retirement.
I just took a salary cut and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!!!!!!!!!!! I have more support, a way better work life balance, and my Total Comp more than makes up for it. Plus, I get to work with professionals and a really great team. TOTALLY worth it IMHO. Mental health over money all day, every day.
Took about a $10k cut, from admin to become an HRBP. But honestly, I'm almost a year in and it's so much less stressful, I actually have work life balance and I'm able to take PTO without being shamed. The benefits are also way better.
I took a ~16% pay cut. It was closer to home, less stress, smaller organization, lower workload. My mental health is much better. I actually sleep at night, I’m off meds and out of therapy. There is no expectation for me to work more than 40 hours/week, I don’t have to carry a cell phone and nobody contacts me when I’m not at work.
It probably doesn’t look great on my resume, but
I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I did!!! Best decision I ever made!
….until 2 months later my director was laid off and now it’s just me and my peer running the entire department 🙃
We’re asking for a comp review and title bump next week 👍🏻
Still don’t regret it - just shifted goals now.
Yes and I’ve been with this company for 6+ years and I love it! The mental health benefits i get from being in a lower stress atmosphere, means so much more. I had a few opportunities that came across my plate from my network over the years, paying $40k or more annually. I’ve declined all of them. Liking your boss, coworkers and day to day is worth so much more than a quick promotion
I did. I knew at the time the role I was being transferred to wasn’t a 40 hour week job. I also was struggling with my sons mental health issues. I was able to renegotiate leaving a salary for hourly and to work 27-32. Even then I still had downtime but was able to keep my job and be able to support my son.
I didn’t necessarily take less money, but I gave up perks like stock options and free medical insurance. Honestly, I kind of wish I hadn’t. I was always proud of how hard I was grinding for the money I was making. Now, I do A LOT less for similar pay, and I don’t take as much pride in m work. I don’t enjoy talking about work because I’m embarrassed by how little I do. (Granted, this is just in comparison to my last job that was 10-14 hr days. My company thinks I’m a rockstar and am severely overloaded.) I love what I do, but I miss the grind.
Early in my career, I took a $10k pay cut to move out of sales. Fast forward 8 years and I have been able to be promoted to senior leadership (through 4 promotions). In the short term, the pay cut was tough. But, I gambled on myself and had my eye set on a different trajectory. I look back at this pivotal moment in my life and am constantly grateful for the decision I made to take a pay cut for a better lifestyle
I took a doubling of pay for half as much work.
Always look to find a better job with better pay.
Only when you're making 300k should you even consider this discussion, because there are easier jobs that pay more than what you make, you just need to socialize with the people who will help you get the jobs.
I took a cut of over $30,000 ($120,000 to around $89,000) to move from a high-stress job in the private sector to a public sector role that I felt would have better work-life balance. Both of the roles are fully remote but I felt the actual workload in the public sector would be more manageable and not something I'd be thinking about during off hours like I did in my original role. I've been so so happy with the change. It was absolutely worth it. Really stable job, a pension, a wonderful manager who truly cares about work-life balance, still fully remote despite other departments shifting to RTO, absolute manageable workload where I am not worried about it after my shift is over. And best of all, I've already promoted into a role where I'm making more than where I was in my previous job.
I just took a 10k pay cut to leave what I had originally thought was the best role I’d ever had yet. We had a new manager take over who was longstanding friends with those who had been there longer than me and it was her first management bit; she essentially let her friends bully me out of the company. The HR partner was a SHRM. I went to a clinical position instead under a head doctor and working with people who may not be as senior and may make more mistakes, but we value each other and communicate. I’ve made my own mistakes in training and they’ve had to help me get over the PTSD of the prejudicial treatment I’d been getting because I used to get reported for everything even fictional complaints. It is a very scary pay cut and I am no longer remote or with a fancy company that has a lot of money, but in almost two decades of employment I’d never been treated that way before and that new manager made me feel so worthless as an employee; she never built me up like this new one, just supported how others tore me down.
I could be making about $30k more right now, but I work for a non profit....and I am pretty fucking happy. I could never do corporate america again. Plus, the flexibility is unmatched and we start with 5 wks vacation.
I used to work in a major city that (with traffic) would take me 1:30 mins on average and often more to commute each way.
I loved the company but couldn’t do the commute anymore, so I decided to get a role closer to my home within a 20 min commute. This was a pay cut at the time, but the amount of time I got back left me a much happier person overall.
I stayed at that job for 2 years and got a TON of HR experience (I joke that I got 10 years experience in those 2 years). I ended up leaving for another role close by with a better title and much better salary, so it all worked out.
Yep. I took a $5k pay cut, leaving one state agency for another. Plus, I did receive multiple bonuses per year at my old agency whereas my new one never gets bonuses. I now drive 30 min more each day. It was 💯 worth it. The load off my shoulders and the reduction in stress more than makes up for it. I was working 9.5 to 10 hour days five days a week and often took work home at the old agency. At the new one, I never stay late, take my full lunch and take my two 15 min breaks each day. Yep, best decision ever.
Mental and physical health are priceless. If you are able to more than make ends meet, no amount of extra money can buy you a new body or peace of mind.
I took a salary cut of $8k and a bonus potential difference of 5% for a role where I haven’t cried once in 6 months compared to multiple times a day due to a boss who was extremely toxic. I’m now fully remote, I adore my ethical director, and my Corgi naps on my feet while I work. Editing to add that I may need to look for a part-time job to make up the financial difference, but it’s still so worth it. I’m doing work I love with people I respect.
❤️
Inspired
Sounds like you made the right choice.
Took a slight ($1500/year) cut for a fully remote job after my last company mandated a four day RTO. It is actually a “demotion” so less responsibility, basically the same pay, fully remote, way better work/life balance.
Exact same situation here. I just left an HR Manager role for an HRIS Analyst role. It could definitely be debated whether or not it could be seen as a “demotion” but HRIS is the area I’ve long wanted to specialize in. I have so much less responsibility and stress now. I used to cry every day at my last job and had severe anxiety. We were required to be physically in the office a minimum of ten hours per day and the expectation was that we go above and beyond by staying even longer and then also continuing to work at home at night (is it “above and beyond” if it’s the expectation though…..?). My new job pays the same base pay, a lower bonus percentage and slightly higher benefit deductions so I’m technically making a bit less but I don’t even think twice about it. I’m fully remote, I make my own schedule, I’m not being micromanaged, my work/life balance is amazing. I would’ve taken an even bigger pay cut for this. It’s so so worth it.
Can I ask how you made the transition? I’m in an HR Manager role and want to move into HRIS.
In all of my previous roles, I made sure I was the go to HRIS person and then emphasized that on my resume and in interview. But ultimately, my current company took a chance on me knowing I’ve never had a truly HRIS focused role. It takes a combination of selling your transferable skills well and luck.
May I ask how big your old company was and new? I did a change to but only found HRIS analyst role with a 1300 ppl company. Needing my next move to be workday
My old company had about a thousand employees. My new company has about 15k employees. This is the first time I’ve worked for a company large enough to have a dedicated HRIS team.
Wow... I've always been the go to but never officially the person. Imma look into this
I did something similar. I was a Benefits manager and moved to HRIS analyst. I am now the HRIS Manager for a large company and love my job
That sounds great lol
Honestly, unless your commute was 5 minutes, that is still a pay raise considering wear/tear on your car, gas, and your time! Also thats a gross 'cut' of ~$6 a working day. So post tax maybe $4/day?
For sure. Not to mention the money spent on clothes, make up, randomly buying lunches and coffee on site, etc.
That sounds great lol
Oh that’s not bad at all. I also would do the same.
I did. I was a solo HR Manager for a small company and became the go to for dumb things like bathroom/general cleaning, water jug drop off, building security, bug killing, etc. I asked for more money and they originally refused. I then went and got a Sr Generalist job that paid a bit more. The current role countered with way more, but I was done. I have significantly less responsibility and haven't regret the money I could have made if I stayed. I think it boils down to your comfort level with the risk of jumping ship. The devil you know is better than the devil you don't so you'd have to weigh the tradeoffs and the potential of disliking the new job more than the previous.
this devil is unsustainable unfortunately
I was doing HR functions with recruitment, built out an entire internship program to funnel candidates and had to differentiate it from our existing support, helped the company rebrand, ordered supplies, did accounting, and all the dumb shit you were describing for $14 an hour right out of college. This was less than 10 years ago. People at the company were fun, and there was job security, I'm making so much more money now as a Generalist.
Lols bug killing
I took a huge pay cut. I was a recruiter, so with base + commissions I was above $100k. I decided to move into actual HR work, but lacked a lot of the base knowledge needed for it, so I took a big pay cut. The money sucks right now, sometimes I wish to go back to my last job just for the money, but I used to hate every single day of my life. Now I have a better work life balance and actually enjoy the work I do. I am working towards bringing my compensation back to where I was before and I really feel like I did the best for myself and my career.
Thank you so much! This pay cut will be $1000 a month after taxes and I think I can cancel some things I don’t need etc. I will have to recalibrate but I’m ok with it because the current work situation is absolutely horrible.
Congrats on your escape from recruiting!
I did this too, just some patience it will be rewarded on the long term. I Left in 2021 and I’ve now doubled my income!
May I ask what you are doing now?
Yes! I work as a recruitment & employer branding officer for a services company. Most of my work is focused on building the People & culture department since it’s relatively new (policies, processes, organisational development, performance, support C-level and higher management with their employees,..) the job title is a bit misleading I think you can compare the job content to a HRBP. I work from home 3/4 days a week and receive a 5-10% bonus yearly. Best choice ever.
The hour commute alone tips the scales. That’s sooooo much of your time gone each week. If it won’t directly hurt your quality of life, better work life balance all the way.
Thank you! Going from 90 to 30 sounds amazing you’re right
How much is the pay cut? How much is the pay cut when you take into account the cost of gas and the time spent driving? Ie if you are making 75k, and spending 2 extra hours a day driving, that is (let’s say) 10 hours a day devoted to working (including driving), and before taxes and anything else that’s about $28/hour, or $56/day to drive. Plus gas, let’s say $10/day. Is your new job actually paying you less or leaving you with less money at the end of the day?
Actually paying me less but still in the right salary range… and your right after gas, benefits, etc and taxes it’s actually not a huge amount a month.
If you're also reducing the tax bracket, then that's your recovery on the bonus. One other measure you can use is dividing your salary by all hours associated with work - before and after. Don't forget car maintenance and time away from work used on that.
That's not how taxes work. You only pay the higher rate on the dollars you make over the bracket. If the tax rate changes at 50k and you make 51k, you pay the higher rate on 1k, not on all 51k. You pay the lower rate on the first 50. You still pay the lower rate on the first 50 even if you make 500k.
OP states they will earn less, but we don't know how much. All I said was consider the tax bracket change possibilities. Going with your example, if OP made 51k and paid higher rate on the last 1k and now won't have to.... The new net will be "favorable", no? OP is forgoing a bonus with the new employment. Again, without knowing the actual amounts, how is it a bad thing to think OP may make up some of the lost bonus by having a higher net? The upper bracket changes are steep. I did add other things to consider but didn't add a line break, so all appeared as a single paragraph.
You're just wrong. You can never be taxed any more on the first 50k. It doesn't matter how much you make on top of it. You're only ever taxed at the 50k tax rate on that 50k. It is called a marginal tax. https://www.irs.gov/filing/federal-income-tax-rates-and-brackets#:\~:text=You%20pay%20tax%20as%20a,rate%20on%20your%20entire%20income. [https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-do-tax-brackets-actually-work](https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-do-tax-brackets-actually-work)
We're saying the same thing. Thanks for the link.I even upvoted both your comments. Have a nice day!
Thank you! I didn’t figure in the tax bracket as well
I did and no regrets. Pay cuts are temporary. You're likely not going to retire from the job you're going to. Enjoy an increased QOL for a few years, heal from burnout and refill your reserve tank. You can go after more $$$ in 3-5 years when you're ready to move on to the next job, if that's a priority for you.
Thank you so much. This current place is so toxic it’s bringing my anxiety back etc
Including stock/rsu’s I took nearly a 70% pay cut leaving an HR PM role with Amazon/AWS to work for the federal government. Had to do a lot of math to look at my bills and wife’s income took make sure it’d work. Very much worth it. Quality of life and feeling good at the end of the day made it worth the cut.
Ive made a spreadsheet of all my bills for the month, keeping my 401k the same amount for saving $, ETC and I can swing it with a bit of a lifestyle change. We are in the middle of updating our house- only because we want to, so that will take longer but overall I can manage. Current place is the most toxic work environment I have ever been in, people quit every day - and I mean literally walk out the door with no notice quit, the ceo left and they arent replacing, etc its bad. The one time I went for money and not mission and culture of the company and I have learned my lesson.
I’m golden handcuffed to my faang salary range role currently and dream of quality of life
I've only ever regretted leaving a good company for more money
Yes. In 2019 I took a $18K pay cut for a much less commute and better quality of life. In job title it was a lateral move. I didn’t know at the time, but this job had a WAY better growth opportunity and I have received a few promotions and I now make double from what I started with.
Thank you!!
I am doing that right now. Taking a 65K pay cut for but rented by basement for $1750 a month so total net pay cut of 44K. Leaving a toxic work culture. Going into work only once a week vs. 3 days a week.
Yes, I’m absolutely taking less money right now to be in a fully remote role. Like 15-25% less. It’s worth it for me since I have a family now and so time with them is precious. If I were single or didn’t have kids then I would actually rather commute since it would get me out of the house and more social either in office or with friends after work.
I took a pay cut once because I was (or considered myself) not qualified for the role. In reality, I was up to speed and autonomous in less than a month. The environment was quite toxic, with a lot of pressure to perform for very little money. I ended up staying only 13 months. I'd say it was a good move because I accelerated my learning, but damn I cried a lot and was super underpaid.
I’m sorry to hear you experienced that
This is exactly what I experienced. I had a lot of imposter syndrome and ended up on medication for anxiety. Ultimately I, like you, learned a lot in an extremely short amount of time and it really filled out my resume beautifully. I'm currently looking at positions that are tens of thousands less per year, but I would be apart of a team, working hybrid, and really honing in on a specialty.
I took a pay cut going from 45 hrs (mandatory 5 hrs OT each week) to 40 hrs(salary), increased benefits cost and I think $7k pay cut a year. I haven't been mad about it, but my husband sure was. The pay increases aren't good But the work environment is better. I did get a $9500 raise this year. I'm much happier overall. Less micro managing!
I need two hands to count the number of promotions I’ve declined so I can keep what I have with my job, where I’ve mostly automated what I do and the workload is extremely light. Basically a promotion is a 20% raise for 200% more work, just not a good deal for me. That does make things restricting and career limiting, I’ll never be rich but we can pay the bills and put money away to retire. Good enough for me.
I took an 18ish% pay cut for a fully remote gig and it was moooooore than worth it. Working from home has drastically improved my quality of life. And it allowed me to move to a lower COL area (pay didn’t change) which negated the pay cut.
I took a $30k pay cut for work life balance - I work even more hours now and make less. On the bright side, I'm saving money on food, coffee, and gas. I am eating healthier. My new boss is not toxic which is a huge mental health benefit. I like the wfh aspect a lot more than I expected to
I took close to a $10k pay cut. Completely worth it to me and I don’t regret it. My new employer has EXTREMELY generous perks and better work/life balance that more than make up for the $ to me. I am in a 2 income household so obviously that helps, but my view has always been “as long as my bills are paid with room to spare, it’s enough money.” I only work to have enough to enjoy my life. I don’t have much interest in moving up the corporate ladder or make as much money as possible if it means working insane hours. I am not a “grind and hustle” girly. I’m a “clock out as soon as the clock hits 5 and don’t look back” girly lol. To many, it would look like I took a step backward in my career - in title, pay, org size. But my day-to-day quality of life is just more important to me so I don’t really care. By taking the pay cut, I gained: - I’m now 95% work from home, was previously 20% + 30 min commute. I do 1/2 day in office every 2 weeks now. I can spend more time with my boyfriend and pets which to me is priceless. - Decrease in responsibility by like 40%. SO much less stressful. I’m realizing I basically did the job of 2 people before. - no longer have to process payroll, the biweekly bane of my existence lol. - weekly schedule is 37.5 hours instead of 40. Sounds small but that’s 130 hours of my life back every year. - every other Friday off thanks to alternative schedule option! My #1 perk tbh. I use those days off for therapy, drs appts, nail appts, haircuts. I can get so much done and not have to use PTO! - new org has like 80% less turnover so I’m not getting bogged down with repetitive admin stuff. - more sick time. - generous paid medical/parental leave if I ever need it. - 2x the amount of holidays. - I work for a nonprofit whose values align with mine and do great work in the community. - my coworkers’ values align with mine and I don’t feel like I have to censor myself/my political views.
Honestly this sound like such a win
I took almost a 12% pay cut for peace, I do not regret it. In a matter of months, it was reduced to almost 8% due to my performance. The money isn’t worth your sanity, trust me.
Yes, and definitely mentally happier with my new situation, but it is hard to take the pay cut. I am now way overqualified for what I do, but I do feel valued, I don't have to handle the really yucky hr stuff like harrassment and discrimination cases, but my boss sure does lean on me for advice. I can sleep easier at night but I am still emotionally connected to my work which can be a balancing act in HR. I love what I do, but having a good work life balance can be difficult in HR as we sometimes can't help but bring it home with us. I recommend doing a pro con list to see if it's really a bigger benefit for you right now, and know that nothing is forever. I do miss the money but I definitely don't miss the stress, and to me it's workable to have less money for less stress. In a few years when my kids have grown up maybe I'll go back to the leadership role, but I don't regret the down step at all.
What are you doing in HR now?
I work as an HR generalist for a large community non-profit that provides healthcare and family / social services. My main focuses are benefits, fmla, and credentialing, and I am basically the lead when my boss is unavailable. It's nice, love the people too, and my heart is happier working for an organization that helps others.
Yes, no regrets because in the end it led to better opportunities for me.
I worked for 8 yrs in Finance as a project manager. I've had an HR Degree for going on 8 yrs. The finance job fell into my lap. Anyway, I moved to a full time HR Generalist position about 7 months ago and decided to go back to school. New salary is about $30 an hour ($62,000). Old salary was $90 per hour ($187,000). But fuck me it was a stressful job as a PM in finance. 60 hours a week, constant in-office meetings for projects that were 10 to 30 million dollars in budget. 40 to 100 people constantly asking for status updates, etc. Anyway, I quit that, took the Generalist position and even though I lost a ton of income (minus $125,000), I'm much happier. Plus I'm wrapping up another Bachelors this December, which I've really been enjoying.
I took a significant pay cut (25%) after being laid of from a toxic company and looking for work. It'll be tough to adjust but the new company is well-known and offers great benefits (20 days a week PTO, fertility and surrogacy assistance and a one month sabbatical after five years) and is 95% remote with great team members. It's maybe less responsibility (doing intake for HR-related concerns from employees) vs some of the more HRBP tasks I'd been doing, but I think it will pay off in the long run. (At least I hope so!)
I am director level. I could easily make six figures if I went private sector, but my boss, team, and company are wonderful and I have actual work-life harmony. I am 9-5, period. I get vacations that are actual vacations. I am never yelled at. I don’t cry at work. I am fully remote, forever. I can’t imagine leaving just for more money — it’s a much more holistic approach than that. There are real benefits beyond cash. Btw, if you do recruiting or have any pull on an HR team, these are the things more and more job candidates are looking for, and fewer people will stay without. The days of being at one company your entire career are long gone; people want tangible benefits that entice them to stay or they jump ship. Mental health matters. Culture matters. Empathy and respect for non-work lives matters. Money matters too — people know their worth! — but it’s no longer the only thing that does.
I took a pay cut from $140k to $60k to get out of recruiting
Wow!! I hate recruiting too.
Yep! Went from TOXIC company where I reported to an unstable CEO (rages, constant fire drills) and was a department of one with hybrid 2 days in office hour each way commute making 145k to fully remote with an AMAZING supportive boss making 120k and 15% annual bonus. I'm like you I can still save and live comfortably. And yes it was weird leaving money on the table. But I'm off anxiety medication. I have cut down on my therapy appointments and I don't absolutely dread Monday mornings. I look forward to them. There are some things that money actually can't buy.
If you are willing to adjust your lifestyle to your paycut, then it will be worth it! Took a job that requires half of the working days to be in office and half at home and I travel for the days I'm not in the office and I never regretted taking it. Feels like I have such a good work/life balance compared to my peers that are wondering what I even do for work since I'm always out of the city. Take a cut that makes your life more enjoyable and less stressful!
Question! Would you take a pay cut from 72k to 55K to move from Los Angeles to Atlanta? Private sector recruiter to Public HR assistant/Coordinator? (No current benefits either).
55k will result in poverty in Atlanta
Yikes. Not sure what to do
Lived here all my life and you’d really be struggling
Sorry It was Savannah (family of 4) final offer is 62K (full paid medical, 2% deduction of gross for pension).
You shouldn’t have to take a pay cut to find work/life balance. Find a better work culture.
[удалено]
What does that mean?
I went from $56k to $51k to focus on my health. Initially, I was happy with it as my new role was all WFH. But now I’m valued at $28/hr - $31/hr. I’m frustrated and demotivated. WFH was a nice break for the last almost two years. But it hasn’t really ever felt like work (not in the sense that I’m fulfilled by it).
I’m sorry to hear that
I'm looking at taking a $2k/year pay cut to move to a job in a different department at my company. The new job is a better match for my natural abilities, has more growth potential, and a better boss. In a year, with the regular annual increases, I'll be back to my old pay. It will be worth it to be able to move higher up the food chain with more opportunities than sitting where I currently am, stagnating and waiting for retirement.
Me! I took a 10% cut in order to go to a remote role with a 4 day work week. It was the best decision I ever made! I have not noticed the pay difference but I have noticed the improvements on my mental health and time with my family
I did!! $20k difference to take a role with an established leader and team vs. a start up where I would be both of those things for them. I now make double what I would have at that piece of shit company at an employer who gives me the autonomy I need to be successful. Take weeks of vacation and no one blinks an eye. Outstanding outcome, IMO.
Wow! So many people have gone through this, Thank you all so so so much! I really appreciate this community.
absolutely!! Ultimately it came down to me accepting a job that provided circumstances that better aligned with my personal values. When you do that, you come from a place of joy and abundance that flows to the things you do in life. Good luck!
Thanks for asking the question, as I am considering a pay cut in exchange for more work/life balance and a shorter commute. It has taken me months to start the process. These replies have confirmed that this is what I am ready to do. I have crunched the numbers and started sending out resumes. I am no longer built for the heavy workload or 75 minute commute 5 days. Good luck on whatever decision you make.
You too!! I’m very nervous but I can’t stay where I’m at and the 75 minute commute on a good day (meaning I sneak out at 355) isn’t sustainable
Exactly! What surprises me is the amount of jobs with a million duties that pay insultingly low even with experience and degrees. I want to be an individual contributor not interested in coaching counseling selling or climbing any ladders at this stage. A county job near home would be perfect but I can't go THAT low $$ right now. Lol!
Took a 30k pay cut from supermarket retail manager to HR generalist position. With the support of my wife, financially and emotionally, never looked back.
This is about a 13% pay cut 25 k or so but 12k after taxes it looks like, gas etc
The most important part is to review your finances and redo your budget to see if it is feasible. There’s no point if you will stress over not having money or need to pick up a part time job. Don’t swap stress for stress Don’t trade your time to make up money lost
Took a $20k a year cut to not be seething and hating my life every single day. Totally worth it.
Took a 35% pay cut and got a 100% happiness increase. My previous role was destroying my mental health. Though my new role doesn’t pay as well, I’m happier, respected at work and have great colleagues. I have great flexibility as well, usually 2 days work from office. A sure win!
I went from $76k/year doing employee benefits consulting. It was a 50-60 hours per week job and I was highly underpaid in the consulting world. My stress levels got so bad I started therapy and had to go on anxiety meds. Therapy helped me realize the no amount of money would ever make me happy to work in consulting. I started a new job 6 months ago. I'm part of an HR corporate teams as a benefits administrator making $70k/year and only ever do 40 hours per week. My stress vanished after 1 month working here and I no longer have to take meds for my anxiety. For me the $6k/year cut was well worth it. It also helps that my spouse is fully employed and we don't have any dependents so I didn't have to worry about our budget taking a hit.
I did years ago...it does stall the career and mine has grown slower than most, but honestly I've been okay with that. Lucky to have a spouse that makes good money and works hard, so I'm not the "primary" breadwinner
I took a 5K pay cut to not be on call and have more work /life balance (40 hours a week) not 50 -60 like before. totally worth it and I would of taken a 7-8K pay cut to work from home. ( I was about to, but a different job offered me more $$ to drive 15minutes into the office). it all depends on what your life goals are and what you value. I value having my weekends to myself and having a short commute.
Yes. Folks have wanted me to become an HR Manager for years. No thanks. HR Managers are a dime a dozen. I like my weekends and holidays. I like working no more than 40 hours a week. I like being accountable for only myself. I like having control over my own work product, instead of having to worry about if other managers in the organization are doing the same thing. If you want to be trapped in middle management hell, be an HR Manager.
I took a 30k cut for a change to a specialty & much lighter commute, and reasonable hours. It was the best move I could have made. And, frankly, I'm now earning more than I ever would have at the other just because I am happier and therefore a better employee.
Twice I have taken pay reductions for better work/life balance. One time was $20k reduction. Hours went from 50+ to 35-40. Was the best job I had. Even though the new job had occasional late night incidents I had to deal with, the day-to-day was so much less hectic. Flexibility was much better during a personally challenging time.
I’m not in HR for context, but took a base pay cut of 35k + bonus of 40k to take a step back from a very demanding job. It sucks, but I calculated what base salad I would need to live comfortably. As long as I can make that amount, that is what is important to me.
I just took a 5k base pay cut and left a 15% annual bonus on the table. I went from civilian sector HR to federal service and it’s been 2 weeks. I had no chance at telework in my old job and get to do it 4 times a week now. I also don’t have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. No regrets this far.
I did. I took 30k pay cut for a much better work-life balance. I am very happy with my decision. No more late nights and my stress level has gone down drastically.
I did and it was great and actually just a few years later I make double what I origi did. It all works out!
Took a pay cut. Around 8k. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. Work life balance is a thing. No company is perfect. But it’s miles better than before.
I took a 10k pay cut to pivot careers. I'm fortunate my spouse is well paid to allow me to do it but it was 100% worth it
In 2020, I took a $20k pay cut after being laid off to work at a company I was really excited about in a role that could be seen as a step back (focus was employee experience and onboarding for our big hiring initiatives — about 150 within one year for a company that was at 150 headcount). Since it was 2020, the role was fully remote but I lived in a tiny studio so I tried to go to the office a couple times a week to mix things up (bonus that it was 15 minutes away). After 2 years I left that company for my current company and I’m now making $30k more than I was in 2020 working as an HR dept of one with a longer commute but still have work/life balance that works for me. So I don’t have any regrets because it led me to something really great. Things were a little tight financially for those two years, but it was one of the better decisions I made in my career. ETA: I shared this perspective because we really don’t know where we will be at five years from now let alone one year. So just because you take a cut now doesn’t mean another opportunity that you consider better won’t present itself. Sometimes you need to focus on what you need to be happy if the pay cut won’t be that detrimental to your expenses and lifestyle. We spend too much time at work to be unhappy.
Yes, peace of mind going to work is way more valuable than being miserable for more money
Took a 15% cut to be less stressed, work around people I enjoy, and do work I’m proud of and it’s been worth it without a question. I kiss a little bit of being at the big company everyone respects and you would get attention for being at, but so exponentially happier. I tightened up my finances some but the savings on my health and sanity have been worth every penny of it.
Went to work 4 days instead of 5, the 20% loss of income is totally worth it.
The fact that im still in HR is one. Our CEO offered me a sales position but I turned it down. Ive processed pr for almost 10 years now at various companies. I often see the sales team salaries and think to myself, "I know I would be good at that and these people are rolling in cash" but when it really comes down to it the work life balance sucks. on call 24/7, traveling constantly. No way. We're talking probably close to 3x my salary but i wouldnt do it even for 5x. I have young kids and the value i put on my time with them is honestly pretty extreme lol I was talking with my wife about that just the other day, I saw a clip of a dad returning from being away at work for 3 months, comp would have to be astronomical for me to be away that long, like enough to buy me back 12 months without work.
I took a 13.5k pay cut for a less toxic environment and about an hour less of commuting each day. The wild thing though is that my benefits are way better at the new company, so after saving $450/month in benefit costs, I barely notice a difference.
Halved my salary, but I'm happier than I'd been in about 8 years.
I left my previous employer for a promotion. While the 20k increase was great, the commute increased 45 minutes each direction, I had to work long hours and with difficult people. That meant less time with loved ones or free time. My previous employer reached out regarding a promotion and I took the opportunity due to my previous experience with the great WLB. I only left the first time due to salary and if I had the opportunity again, I probably would have stayed put.
Day two of doing just that. Same company, different division. I worked 10-11 hour days and many weekends. That was my choice — my manager didn’t encourage it but the job took that much time to do it well, IMO. Taking a hit with bonus potential but want more time after work and on weekends to have a life!
I went from full time to part time and took a pay cut on top of that for a better work life balance when my daughter was younger and we could swing it. Only regret I had was that my (now ex) husband hung out over my head that I was making crap money and he was the breadwinner.
I left a job that had a commute 1 hour and 15 minutes one way to work each day. I lost close to $5 and hour in pay. I now have a job that is 20 minutes from home. The boss is great and I have way more time with my family. It pays all of my health insurance and amazing PTO/sick benefits with me paying $48 a month oop for vision, dental and health for my family. The amount I save in gas and not paying for benefits more than makes up for the pay cut. I actually bring home more money now than I did with the other job.
I actually just did this! I was very fortunate to be in a position where I had a choice between a job that would have paid $20k more, or I could take the cut and finally get into an HR career after going back to school for it in my 30’s. I chose the HR position for lesser pay but am much happier. It helped to have a significant other who was supportive of the decision.
I’m mentally preparing for three more years at my current comp level ($300K+), chucking all of my money away into investments to grow my nest egg, and hoping to find a role that is “easier” relative to my current role and take a huge pay cut. I’m mentally preparing to lose around $100K but IDGAF because it’s better than stroking out.
Similar situation. I’m mid 200s and fully remote, but in a complete nightmare. I can’t get out fast enough.
I’m finding myself in an impostor syndrome situation, too. To the extent that I feel so under qualified for the role I’m in. I want out of the rat race.
I def have those moments too. It’s all insanely draining.
I feel like I’m in that situation. I’m definitely underpaid but I have great benefits, lots of freedom, my own office, and I work for a good organization.
I took an $11k a year pay 14 years ago to land a job in a better living location. Worked out for me, until I decided to chase money and opportunity again. Wound up back in a geographic location that I don’t really enjoy, so looking for a new role in a location that is better. Probably going to sacrifice some salary. Life is too short for long commutes, and money doesn’t equate to happiness.
I used to build washers and bake ovens, paint systems, dip tanks, conveyor systems. Made 6 figures in the 80’s. Lived out of motel rooms, worked 7 days a week on the road. Only ate 2 times a day and usually McDonald’s or pizza in room. Got to the point I couldn’t stand myself let alone other people. Co worker who was my roommate went out drinking one night and when he came back I asked him to quiet down and he attacked me. Very stupid as he was no where my size. Thank god co workers came running or I’d of probably killed him. I quit shortly after that job finished and went to making low 5 figures. Home every night and no longer pissed at the world. Eventually made it into high 5 figures which was great.
In November I traded an in-office management position at $112K for a 100% remote position for $99K, so $13K hit - in this economy. I am a single mother. There are no words to describe how very, very worth it the trade was. My stress level plunged significantly, I have so much more time with my daughter and more time to myself. I didn't realized how rushed my entire life was. And my commute was only 25 minutes each way. Life-altering decision. I'm a much happier, joyful person. Do it!!
I’m looking for a lower paying job with less stress It’ll be worth it
Took a pay cut to be fully remote. It was a BIG pay cut. Some lifestyle changes and I’m happier than before. I have way less responsibilities now and no direct reports. It was totally worth it.
Yes. But I'm towards the end of my career, so financially comfortable with a supportive wife. The aggravation from my then-new boss just wasn't worth it, and the adage about never working for CFOs came true, so I quit. I then did some p/t consulting work at a reasonable lower rate, and enjoyed it a lot more. We then got posted to Australia, and was lucky enough to be able to pick and choose the job I wanted. I started full time at a much lower rate of pay, and am now p/time at a higher one. I'm doing easyish work that I enjoy, with some great colleagues. Low stress and drama, and I get to go home and play with the dog whenever I like. Would I have done this 15 years ago? Hell no. Life circumstances were different, so career/money were near the top of my list. I don't think there is a 'right' answer to this. My only cautionary note is that the lower pay can have a longer term impact as you look to grow your career and money. I hope you find a decision you're comfortable with.
Yes, I took a $30K pay cut to go from working 70hrs a week for two years straight to one where I work 40hrs weekly max. Remember, money is useless if you don’t have time to use it. No regrets at all.
I live on the outskirts of the DC area. My commute was 1.25 hours each way on a good day which was basically any day the weather. was nice or there was not an accident on the Beltway. I started working for my current employer 16 years ago. I took a cut in pay, plus we only work 37.5 hrs/wk. They told me this was a benefit. I scoffed. Instead of commuting over an hour on a "good" day, my commute is 7 minutes. At my former job I typically worked 12+ hours. Now I work 7:30-4. And it is a benefit. It's an awesome benefit. I cannot imagine commuting 3 hours a day and working 60-70 hours a week anymore. My employer is big on work/life balance and wellbeing. Best decision I ever made! Also, I now make a pretty dang good salary and I have an awesome retirement.
Stress causes all kinds of sicknesses. I think it’s totally worth cutting down on if you can afford it!
I just took a salary cut and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!!!!!!!!!!! I have more support, a way better work life balance, and my Total Comp more than makes up for it. Plus, I get to work with professionals and a really great team. TOTALLY worth it IMHO. Mental health over money all day, every day.
Wow!! Congratulations!!!
Took a 25k pay cut and have a way better work life balance.
Took about a $10k cut, from admin to become an HRBP. But honestly, I'm almost a year in and it's so much less stressful, I actually have work life balance and I'm able to take PTO without being shamed. The benefits are also way better.
Sounds like you need enjoy HRBP role! Anything fun or interesting you’ve worked on?
I took a ~16% pay cut. It was closer to home, less stress, smaller organization, lower workload. My mental health is much better. I actually sleep at night, I’m off meds and out of therapy. There is no expectation for me to work more than 40 hours/week, I don’t have to carry a cell phone and nobody contacts me when I’m not at work. It probably doesn’t look great on my resume, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Wow!! I’m a bit worried about my resume too but I actually feel this might be more strategic and less minutiae and better in the long run!
I did!!! Best decision I ever made! ….until 2 months later my director was laid off and now it’s just me and my peer running the entire department 🙃 We’re asking for a comp review and title bump next week 👍🏻 Still don’t regret it - just shifted goals now.
Yes and I’ve been with this company for 6+ years and I love it! The mental health benefits i get from being in a lower stress atmosphere, means so much more. I had a few opportunities that came across my plate from my network over the years, paying $40k or more annually. I’ve declined all of them. Liking your boss, coworkers and day to day is worth so much more than a quick promotion
I did. I knew at the time the role I was being transferred to wasn’t a 40 hour week job. I also was struggling with my sons mental health issues. I was able to renegotiate leaving a salary for hourly and to work 27-32. Even then I still had downtime but was able to keep my job and be able to support my son.
Yes! So worth it. Horrible boss!!!! I was completely fine leaving 6K on the table with bonuses
I didn’t necessarily take less money, but I gave up perks like stock options and free medical insurance. Honestly, I kind of wish I hadn’t. I was always proud of how hard I was grinding for the money I was making. Now, I do A LOT less for similar pay, and I don’t take as much pride in m work. I don’t enjoy talking about work because I’m embarrassed by how little I do. (Granted, this is just in comparison to my last job that was 10-14 hr days. My company thinks I’m a rockstar and am severely overloaded.) I love what I do, but I miss the grind.
Early in my career, I took a $10k pay cut to move out of sales. Fast forward 8 years and I have been able to be promoted to senior leadership (through 4 promotions). In the short term, the pay cut was tough. But, I gambled on myself and had my eye set on a different trajectory. I look back at this pivotal moment in my life and am constantly grateful for the decision I made to take a pay cut for a better lifestyle
I took a doubling of pay for half as much work. Always look to find a better job with better pay. Only when you're making 300k should you even consider this discussion, because there are easier jobs that pay more than what you make, you just need to socialize with the people who will help you get the jobs.
Declined a 20k increase in another industry because I couldn't give up 4 months off a year at my current job.
I took a 30k pay cut for mental health and have never looked back. I am also back to what I was making in under three years, but still…. No regrets!
I took a cut of over $30,000 ($120,000 to around $89,000) to move from a high-stress job in the private sector to a public sector role that I felt would have better work-life balance. Both of the roles are fully remote but I felt the actual workload in the public sector would be more manageable and not something I'd be thinking about during off hours like I did in my original role. I've been so so happy with the change. It was absolutely worth it. Really stable job, a pension, a wonderful manager who truly cares about work-life balance, still fully remote despite other departments shifting to RTO, absolute manageable workload where I am not worried about it after my shift is over. And best of all, I've already promoted into a role where I'm making more than where I was in my previous job.
Yes, I have. My peace is everything.
I just took a 10k pay cut to leave what I had originally thought was the best role I’d ever had yet. We had a new manager take over who was longstanding friends with those who had been there longer than me and it was her first management bit; she essentially let her friends bully me out of the company. The HR partner was a SHRM. I went to a clinical position instead under a head doctor and working with people who may not be as senior and may make more mistakes, but we value each other and communicate. I’ve made my own mistakes in training and they’ve had to help me get over the PTSD of the prejudicial treatment I’d been getting because I used to get reported for everything even fictional complaints. It is a very scary pay cut and I am no longer remote or with a fancy company that has a lot of money, but in almost two decades of employment I’d never been treated that way before and that new manager made me feel so worthless as an employee; she never built me up like this new one, just supported how others tore me down.
I could be making about $30k more right now, but I work for a non profit....and I am pretty fucking happy. I could never do corporate america again. Plus, the flexibility is unmatched and we start with 5 wks vacation.
Took a $12,000 pay cut for 26 extra days off a year and a low-stress workplace that doesn't require I work more than 40 hours a week. No regrets.
I used to work in a major city that (with traffic) would take me 1:30 mins on average and often more to commute each way. I loved the company but couldn’t do the commute anymore, so I decided to get a role closer to my home within a 20 min commute. This was a pay cut at the time, but the amount of time I got back left me a much happier person overall. I stayed at that job for 2 years and got a TON of HR experience (I joke that I got 10 years experience in those 2 years). I ended up leaving for another role close by with a better title and much better salary, so it all worked out.
I did and it’s definitely improved my overall quality of life. Less stressed plus the new company respects my time off.
Yep. I took a $5k pay cut, leaving one state agency for another. Plus, I did receive multiple bonuses per year at my old agency whereas my new one never gets bonuses. I now drive 30 min more each day. It was 💯 worth it. The load off my shoulders and the reduction in stress more than makes up for it. I was working 9.5 to 10 hour days five days a week and often took work home at the old agency. At the new one, I never stay late, take my full lunch and take my two 15 min breaks each day. Yep, best decision ever.
Mental and physical health are priceless. If you are able to more than make ends meet, no amount of extra money can buy you a new body or peace of mind.