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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To give up well paid job

42 replies

hlende · 24/02/2026 19:00

I have a job which pays exceptionally well on paper. However, it takes up my entire life. I have become unhappy as a person and quite frankly work only for the weekend or holidays, which even then are disturbed by work. I work around 70 hours a week.

AIBU to give this up even though I am not wealthy? I haven’t bought so no mortgage and have some savings

The work itself is fine but the pressure and high stress environment is making me unhappy

OP posts:
RollOnSunshine · 24/02/2026 19:46

Happiness > Money

Don't be fooled into thinking more money makes you happy by default. It does not work like that.

NoArmaniNoPunani · 24/02/2026 19:42

Are we talking 200k+ exceptionally well? I'd stick it out another couple of years, buy a property then quit

Egglio · 24/02/2026 19:38

If you are working 70 hours a week, what does that make your equivalent pay per hour? Also do you actually get to take much annual leave? That might be quite eye opening to see what you are working on per hour.

LameBorzoi · 24/02/2026 19:36

If you are working 70 hour weeks, your pay per hour isn't actually that great.

It sounds as if everyone in similar positions are working similar hours? There's no potential to say no?

The pay isn't worth your health.

Itsmetheflamingo · 24/02/2026 19:33

I wouldn’t dream of it. Set financial targets and leave when you’ve achieved them. Just refocus the purpose of it all. Don’t underestimate financial privilege

category12 · 24/02/2026 19:32

Life is too short to do something that makes you unhappy for 70hrs a week.

Take some time off to protect your MH and then "quiet-quit" to get some time/space to look for something else.

Original poster
hlende · 24/02/2026 19:31

Of course I would look for another job before quitting this one. The issue is that it’s the type of work (banking). I could move to a company which will cut my pay in half

OP posts:
FlapperFlamingo · 24/02/2026 19:30

Before you give it up I think you should take advice on how to make it less stressful or consider reducing your hours. Seems crazy just to give up a well paid job without anything else unless you don’t need the money at all.

EBITDAisMyHappyPlace · 24/02/2026 19:20

Are you planning on buying a house? Could you work to focus on securing your deposit and house then step back (considering new salary for mortgage obv)

what would you do if you leave and how much are you actually paid?

MuffinCoffee · 24/02/2026 19:20

Is there a part time option. When I was made redundant from a hectic job (didn’t enjoy stayed for the money) I felt relief but couldn’t cope with not doing anything. Do you have a plan for what’s next. Like a pp says easier to find a job when you are in one.

Mumofteenandtween · 24/02/2026 19:06

It sounds dreadful Op and completely unsustainable long term.

Would you be able to get another (less well paid but still paying “enough”) job?

If you want to buy then it would be easier to do so with the high income. (Noting that you should only borrow enough that you can still manage with the lower paid job.) So I would do that first if so.

If not then I would probably make a plan for when you stop - “stick it out until I have X in savings”, “stick it out for one more month”, “stick it out until I get another job offer”. I suspect that it will be easier to deal with once you have an exit plan.

Freeasparagus · 24/02/2026 19:04

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 24/02/2026 19:02

I’d take sick pay if you are entitled to it then make a decision after a period of rest

Sorry but this is dreadful advice.

If she decides to move on and find a new job they might ask about her absence in a previous job.

Its going to look great if she’s had loads of absence.

FazeleysRoyale · 24/02/2026 19:04

Is there any way you can reduce your full time hours, or go part time ?

It sounds like you are at risk of burnout which may affect your health.

Can you find the same type of work in a less demanding, less stressful environment ? For a better work-life balance.

ilovesooty · 24/02/2026 19:03

What are your plans after you give it up?

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 24/02/2026 19:02

I’d take sick pay if you are entitled to it then make a decision after a period of rest

Keroppi · 24/02/2026 19:02

Are you planning on buying? Your salary being high would be advantageous for the affordability criteria for getting a mortgage, so I would feel like sticking it out if you wanted to buy soon.

Hatty65 · 24/02/2026 19:01

Can you look for something else? It's always easier to find work when you are already employed. But yes, I would look at alternatives if you feel life is just a treadmill.