To take a pay cut for happiness?

[PhDPepper]

Aibu to take a giant pay cut for increased (potential) happiness?

I currently work nights as a bank worker for nhsp, I took this position as it paid better and I can pick my own shifts- no Christmas etc

I applied for a job ages ago and just heard that they want to offer me the job.. it would be a lot less pay because it will be a mix of days and nights and no choice of shifts or holidays. However, I’ll be part of a team again and be able to make friends and not be the general dogs body and feeling less than helpful because my swipe card doesn’t open the clean utility or the drugs trolley etc etc.

Please help!

It depends how much less money and how much more happiness.

Basically, happiness is everything so you need to do what will make you happy. That said, being skint makes everything stressful. So if it is a big pay cut, I would keep looking til you can find something which pays the same as you get now.

If you think it really will make you happier then go for it! I do think however being able to pick your own shifts is priceless. I have no choice but to work Xmas eve, Xmas day and Boxing Day and am hoping to move to bank so I can work what I like.

That said I took a big pay cut this year to move from private to public sector. For me the decrease in stress and hours as been worth the pay cut twice over. I'm so much happier and actually have time to have a life.

Life is far too short to be unhappy

If you can afford it, do it.

I changed career a few years ago and my pay dropped £5k - best thing I’ve ever done, I was so miserable!

I did, I worked in a role where I was basically on duty 24/7/365 - and was (rightly) paid an enormous salary to do so.

I left 2 years ago and took just over 50% pay cut. I’m now home everyday, get to have a life, see my friends and family (all of which I hadn’t really seen for almost 6 years)

If you can afford to do it- do it.

If it will make you significantly happier you should do it, but be sure it isn't just a case of 'the grass is greener'.

I am in teaching and went part time 4 years ago, down to 3.5 days, taking a 30% pay cut. Best thing I ever did

I did essentially. I was in a full time role where I was made to feel worthless and where I was discriminated against. Every day I cried at my desk. I left for a part time job (at the same hourly rate) which meant that realistically I earn 35% of what I used to. For me lower childcare costs help to balance it out (part time and term time only) and we could just about take the hit. It is more stressful because we don't have the same lifestyle but we're comfortable enough. I am so much happier and am grateful for our circumstances every day.

I did do all of my calculations first and would suggest you do the same. If you can be happy through work it's so important to hold onto that. Mental wellbeing is very important.

If it makes you happy and you can afford it, go for it

I took a pay cut and stepped down from a manager position despite being told I was committing career suicide as I felt my work/life balance was suffering. Never looked back

Will you actually be happier though OP? There is more than money to consider, what if you have a terrible off duty that doesn't come out until 4 weeks before, meaning you can't plan things. Or you are given all the rubbish shifts / double backs etc?
I'm leaving ward work myself for these very reasons.

Similar story here - I changed sectors, went part time and took an £18k pay cut in the process. I was so unhappy in my old role and incredibly stressed. The move was the best thing I did and the whole family is so much happier as a result.

If you can make it work financially and logistically, then go for it.

My DSIL is a nurse and took a pay cut for a less stressful position and she does not regret it. She even occasionally still picks up a couple of bank shifts here and there for some extra cash when she needs if, so maybe that’s something you could consider?

My husband was so miserable. I loved my job. So we swapped, I went full time and he quit his job and took on a part time driving job that has zero stress ffour hours a day. Life is short. If you can afford to (and that's important because money worries are the worst), then go for it!