Would you take a 10% pay cut to work somewhere more interesting?

[Anonymous]

Currently going through this internal battle. Current job pays great, I’m left alone, my boss trusts me, etc. but I am BORED. Industry is established, processes are old, nobody has a desire to modernize or fix things because quite frankly we don’t have to.


New industry is tech. It’s sexy and has a lot of opportunity to shape how the company will ultimately become more profitable. I believe in the service and the ability to scale. But it pays less & I don’t have the internal reputation I do now.

[Anonymous]

It depend on a lot of other variables-

For example if I was a single parent making 200k or under and didn’t try have sufficient retirement savings or college funded then no. If I was part of a dual income household netting 400k+ and savings were on track then absolutely.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would. More important to do something that makes you happy than make 10 percent more.

[Anonymous]

Yes but tech isn’t necessarily greener. For starters there are a lot of aggressive men in that business you spend a lot of energies dealing with their shitty personalities.

[Anonymous]

Definitely a lot of other variables. How secure is the new job? Is the company profitable? What about the hours/workload? TW and scheduling flexibility?

[Anonymous]

How do you leave out the amount you are to lose? Maybe it would put you into lower tax bracket.
I make $2200 a month. No problem making $2000 a month doing something interesting. I was poor before and poor now.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't but that's because my partner already has a low paying passion job so I'm not willing or able to take a pay cut. If you don't NEED the money, and think there's a strong prospect of higher increases, maybe.

[Anonymous]

No, not at this stage in my life (40s, kids, mortgage). I would find a way to be interested in my current position, or in a new position that pays at least as much.

Being bored is in your control. Write an article on your area of expertise; start a mentoring program or host a training event; get a relevant certificate or degree; start a coat drive or office bowling league. Or job hunt for something that pays more.

[Anonymous]

Most tech jobs pay more

[Anonymous]

I would because I hate being bored, but I think you underestimate the stresses of the new job. The “sexiness” of the workplace usually negatively correlates with QoL. A disorganized tech workplace can be hell in a special way.

[Anonymous]

If they won't give you the 10% more, they don't want you very badly. That's a gap in respect that's very hard to make up later

[Anonymous]

Can you afford potential volatility in the new position? What if you get laid off after a year or 2? How old are you? Tech has a shelf life. Weigh the options of stability vs not being bored. There is probably no wrong answer at face value but it’s important to factor in your personal financial needs at this time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Currently going through this internal battle. Current job pays great, I’m left alone, my boss trusts me, etc. but I am BORED. Industry is established, processes are old, nobody has a desire to modernize or fix things because quite frankly we don’t have to.


New industry is tech. It’s sexy and has a lot of opportunity to shape how the company will ultimately become more profitable. I believe in the service and the ability to scale. But it pays less & I don’t have the internal reputation I do now.

Yikes. Sounds like a disorganized startup or (yikes) a private-equity owned tech company.

[Anonymous]

I took a 50% paycut to become a teacher and have never looked back. I am so much happier.

I did it pre-kids though, when the only person who would suffer at the loss of income was me. Is the 10% pay cut fun money? Or tighten your belts money?

[Anonymous]

nope