To consider taking a massive pay cut for new job?

[Metalhead]

I've got an interview for a new job next week that I think would really suit me and I'd enjoy doing.

However, I'm now suddenly bricking it about potentially making this change as it would mean taking a huge pay cut (about 50%) and also involve some Saturday work. At the moment I work part time for a big London firm and have a good pay packet and benefits, BUT I absolutely hate my job and have done for a number of years. It's making me feel quite times and I don't have much confidence in my abilities anymore as I constantly feel like I'm just winging it (though no one has ever criticised my work).

Of course I might not get the new job, but am I mad for even considering this?!

I'm in a similar position Metal (except I've only just submitted the application - so not even short-listed yet). I'm looking at potentially moving to around 60% of my current pay - though the new job would be 20 hours a week rather than 25.

I really do not like my current role at all for many many reasons. The new job will be back in a field I enjoy (social housing) and a lot less desk bound. I think the paycut will be worth it for not spending Sunday evenings in dread.

If i do get shortlisted, I will be using the interview to answer a lot of my questions about the job to decide if it is worthwhile or not.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Thanks who, and good luck to you too! It's hard, isn't it? I think I applied for this new job not really expecting to get anywhere with it, and I'm so desperate to leave my current role that I thought anything would be better than this, but the more I think about it the more I worry that the money would just be too tight...

50% pay cut is a lot, and won't mean 50% less stress. Public sector can be very pressured with funding cuts etc.

Go for the interview. See if it's really as much better as you think it will be. And if so, go for it. Money isn't worth risking your mental health and family happiness for.

How did the interview go Metal ?

I did this. While I like my new job and find it much less stressful, I'm afraid I do resent using my hard-earned skills and experience for so much less than they are worth. I didn't think I would, but I do.

I decided to cancel the interview who, in the end talking it through with DH again I realised that I just couldn't justify losing so much money and basically leaving us with no spare cash.

I'm still hoping I'll eventually find that elusive job that pays enough and is not utterly depressing... or else manage to get through the next few years until DD2 starts school and I don't have to pay nursery fees anymore, which should leave me free to take a less well-paid job.

I took a 48% pay cut just over a year and a half ago and it is the best thing I ever did. We have had to be really careful this last year and use some savings as not only did I take a cut but days/hours are different so childcare went up hugely but youngest should get free hours from Sep and then eventually will be at school. I look back and can't believe I stayed in a job I hated for so long. Everything is better, I feel better and life is far, far too short. I've already had one internal promotion at my new place too. Go for it!