Take a £7.5K pay cut to progress career?

[daphine2004]

I’m educated up to a Masters and working as mid-level Management within an international company. I have been doing this role for two years, but it’s not quite what I expected - lack of variety, opportunities to develop and the team has been micromanaged (up until Manager left recently) etc. However the money and benefits package overall is very good.

I have seen a role paying £7.5K less and I know it will not have a comparable benefits package, but the skills and experience would be fantastic to continue my career progression which has stalled in my current role.

Speaking about it with DP and he was advising caution. We both earn good salaries so whilst there would be a drop if I got the role it would be fine. I wouldn’t be able to save as much - currently save £500pm and this would drop to roughly £250.

I also don’t think I’m happy, I know I’m not happy where I am, but the package has kept me there for now.

WWYD? Stay or leave?

I don't see what your level of education has to do with it, but if you think this would be a positive career move and you can clearly afford the drop in income, go for it.

I would wait and apply for a better role at a similar salary to what you are on.

Leave.

These are not the only two jobs in the world, look around for a better paid one that will advance your career.

Go for it!

I would never advise staying where you are unhappy for the sake of money if you don't have to due to responsibilities/financial commitments etc. If you want to change your career and you want this other job and it won't really affect you negatively, then why the hell not? Money isn't everything.

Thanks for all of your views. Much appreciated. I’m going to go for it.

A move for more skills / experience is an investment.

Will you be able to progress to jobs paying more than your currrnt one in tne near future?

You can always go for the job and then negotiate, or throw yourself into it and push for a pay rise in March.

£250 per month isn't worth your happiness and job satisfaction. You will succeed better in the role you are cut out for.
Best of luck

Apply, and if/when you're successful see if there's any room for negotiation in salary, either from the outset, or after a probationary period/linked to KPIs. At the very least you could ascertain what your expected progression would be.

You may discover the role/company are not for you during the application and interview process, in which case nothing lost.