Would you take a pay cut for job satisfaction?

[cupcakesmakeyouhappy]

I have been offered a job in a nursery (basic pay), meaning leaving the NHS (slightly more money with potential increase as I'm at uni half way through a mental health nursing degree). Currently, shocked by the demands, staff, responsibility and feeling challenged, drained, tired, physically sick and slowly losing compassion, focus and drive for the position of a mental health nurse. Not enjoying! At all! In fact it has has a big impact on my own mh.
I have written pro's and con's and con's to stay with the NHS are long. Con's for the nursery is just the salary.
I just want routine, structure and a happy working/family life.
At the moment I recieve maintenance and tax credits which in 8 years will stop.
Has anyone taken a pay cut for a happier life?

Hi Cupcakes, I'm just wondering if you have spoken to your uni yet? There may well be the option to have a break for up to two years (whatever current nurse training regs are), while still keeping the option of returning.
I would hope your uni would also give a transcript and credit recognition for the modules etc completed, possibly as a HE Cert or HE Diploma.
And yes, I have taken pay cuts for better work-life balance, time to be me etc

I took an enormous pay cut in order to stop commuting and get away from a nightmare boss. Worth every (lost) penny.

It is very rewarding cupcakes, in my previous roles I took a lot of time off with my MH and I can honestly say that in the almost 2 years I have worked at the nursery I could count on one hand the amount of time I have taken off unwell and not one of those was because of my MH.
My DC have a happy mum and I wouldn't swap that for all the money in the world.

Hi everyone and thankyou.
Positive feed back, that's great.
I have spoken to my uni and they have given me the opportunity to take 6 months out.
I was worried I wouldn't go back but the more I think about it the more I think it's what I need to do, right now, for me.
I'm excited about the job offer. Just scared I suppose.
Thankyou all :)

So exciting . . . good luck!

Good luck. I took a big pay drop to start a brand new career and I really enjoy what I do. Someday hopefully I'll get more than minimum wage someday but it's definitely had an impact on my happiness.

Thankyou so much! I have just been to a meeting at uni and the decision has been made. I feel so so relieved. I feel a little excitment which I haven't felt in so long.

I did it about a year ago and couldn't be happier and kick myself that I didn't do it sooner. The pay cut was difficult but we've made changes and adapted our lifestyle and I have not regretted it for a second

Thats great! Lots of inspiring stories here, which makes me feel better.

Did it eight years ago and ended up regretting it hugely. The low stress low paid job was great for about a year, and after that I began to really regret it as there was no challenge, no recognition, no respect from anyone as I was at the bottom of the professional heap again. And I did, I must admit, miss the money. I missed having holidays and spare cash, and progression through a career.

It took me three years to get back to having a professional job which is three years I won't get back and I'm sure I'd be better off now if I'd just stuck out the crappy career job longer until I could get something similar in a different environment. I'd be cautious with what you'd potentially be throwing away.

I left a very good job with plenty of promotion for a fairly basic job. It was without doubt the best decision I made. I was stressed and my relationship with dp was poor. I don’t get paid nearly as much, but I have time to do things I want to do. I’m not stressed, I’m chilled out and more importantly my job isnt the first thing on my mind anymore.

I have done it, tiger into a career where I had more satisfaction but also opportunities to progress. I would definitely try to finish your degree as I really think you'll regret it if you don't - you've already invested so much time and money into it. Unless you have the willingness and acumen to run your own nursery one day, I'd say your earning opportunities without the degree will be so limited. How long do you have left?

Taking six months out sounds great.

Six years ago I had to stop working in my very stressful and well paid job due to illness. Since then I've been self employed working very little, doing what I love. I also have a very part time job contributing to the development of local maternity services. I don't have much money but I'm so much happier. I do have my degree though which is always there to fall back on.

I am also in this position. I am currently working part time as a mental health nurse and hate all the stress involved. It is affecting my health. I have the opportunity to work in a support role which I have previous experience of and liked but the salary is so much lower. I find it a very difficult decision to make. It's good that you have 6 months break to think about your studies. Unfortunately I can't see the stress of nursing getting any easier.

Tabsicle sorry to hear that! I think it depends where you decide to work. I will have no professional status at the nursery and the room leaders are about 15 years younger than me but I want to be apart of the development of little people. I'm hoping they're lovely to work for. Trust me, I have come across many professionals that have absolutely no compassion. It's an eye opener out there!
TammyswansonTwo glad you're happier. It's important. Our mental health is so important. I have 18 months left. I think it's great I have the opportunity to put it on hold. I'm just scared I won't want to go back. In 6 months tgat will be the biggest decision for me.
Hippiechic I'm sorry you are feeling the pressure. It makes me sad! You can take the support work and keep your pin can't you? We never know when we are making the right decision but I honestly believe we should look after our own mental health too. The more I see out there the more I don't want it.
Thankyou everyone. To all that are happier this makes me happy to read! To all that are feeling how I am, or was until yesterday when I finally made the decision. Good luck! I believe in making a decision and not looking back. Make that decision work for you, at this minute. A good piece of advice I was given was to take the fear out of the decision then make it :)

I have changed jobs, but always for more money. Over my working life I have continued to complete courses and training. When I have been looking for things that I enjoy, I have done these outside work. The money I earn has helped me pay for the things that I enjoy. I have also volunteered. Ultimately it is your choice. I would suggest that you complete your degree, you may not have the chance to complete it again in the future or the funds.