I’ve just applied for a new job.....

[Nonestopcaberet]

After 18 years in my current one.
I would be taking a 50% pay cut IF I was offered it. Am I mad?
We could just about afford it day to day, but have savings to fall back on anyway.
I am so, so unhappy at my current job at the moment. It used to be such a lovely friendly place to work, but it is now three times the size of when I first started there. A new manager (not mine) was brought in about 12 months ago. He is gradually getting more involved with every aspect of the business and is now involving himself in my department although he has no experience. There is no way I can work alongside him as he is a foul mouthed bully (imo).
On top of that the volume of work has increased so much that I now work 7.30 to 16.30 without a break. I only work three days a week, but really need to do 4 in order to get through all the work I have. I really, really don’t want to increase my days.
I am cutting corners and making mistakes. I rarely speak to anyone else in the building, I am in my own office, as I just don’t have time. I don’t sleep properly as I am constantly thinking of what I have to do the next day.
Tell me I’m doing the right thing please!
And sorry for the very long post,

Sounds absolutely awful! I don’t blame you for wanting to get out. Of course you’re doing the right thing applying elsewhere if you can manage the pay cut. Concentrate on doing really well in your new role and then hopefully the pay rises will come. Good luck!

Ugh no one should have to drag themselves into work everyday. It’s not worth it. That said, taking the pay cut might just bring you a different kind of stress.

Have you tried talking to your manager about how unhappy you are and that you’ve considered leaving? Can you suck it up a bit longer while you look for something closer to your current salary?

I’m all for a positive work life balance but I’d be worried that the pay cut might become a regret if you can’t comfortably afford it