Take a paycut for a potentially more fulfilling job?

[tonyharrisonboosh]

Dislike my current job although it's fairly well paid for an admin role. Staff on my team that have left have never been replaced. There are now only two of us left (me and my manager) and my refuses to take on anymore workload due to her wanting to move away from secretarial work. In a way I understand this as she wants to move into the finance department and has done for a while.

Things have been stressful and being honest I just don't enjoy the job. I know I'm lucky to have a job amidst a pandemic where many are struggling but I feel like I'm not achieving anything. I feel anxious everyday about my work and because I'm quite an introvert I find I don't ever have the courage to speak up. An example is that it has been hinted at that it would be a massive inconvenience for me to book more than a few days at a time off as there is no-one to cover for me.

I have had an initial interview for a research job and although it went really well, my salary would drop by about £6k. During the discussion the interviewer did say there was potential to work my way up within a short time, as although I don't have experience of this particular industry, I have transferable skills and the right educational background. I really think I would enjoy this role so much but £6k is a lot to lose. As a family we would manage but it would be tight. We would have to put plans on hold.

I'm just so confused. Has anyone else been in this situation and if so what did you decide?

I totally get it. Sometimes it's not all about the money but the fact there's opportunity to grow and progress could work out for you. If you genuinely are not happy in your current role and you think this one would be more fulfilling and your family could manage financially it seems like it could be a great move for you.

Thanks @Soboredofitall - the interviewer emailed me today and told me to take some time to think about the role and whether I would want to progress any further (he was very nice and the interview was very relaxed). I think I'm going to have to sleep on it. I've asked DH what he thinks but he is very much on the fence. I think he would be concerned about the money but also wants to me to cheer up and be happy!

I've just done it and am excited about going to work for the first time in ages. We need to economise but I'm hopeful I'll progress in the new company and I will make up the difference in the long run. If you can afford it then go for it.

I did so many years ago. Took a £4,500 pay cut which (90s) was a lot of money.
Never regretted it.
If it won’t cause you financial difficulty, do the job you will enjoy.

Thanks for your replies. It has made me feel a little less guilty about taking the paycut.

Make the move . Send them your last payslip and ask if they will increase the starting salary for you? They can only say no.

A £6k drop in salary in terms of take home pay could work out at around £350 less per month.

I'd take the hit and go for the new role. You seem like you'll be happier and there'll be more opportunity for development.

Things will never change in your current role, more than likely you'll just get more and more work piled onto you. I would take the job in your position, sounds like a great opportunity - I know the pay drop can seem scary, but if you think you can manage it then your health & happiness is much more important.

I did it.
No regrets. I'm much happier in my new job.

Go for it.

Admin jobs are the road to nowhere; an ever expanding workload, stagnating salaries, no development or training. There is nothing to love about admin jobs.

I was in a similar-ish position to you.

Last job I worked part time (3 days PW) for averaging around £18k a year, sales based job and heavily commission based. Some months I'd take home £800, others it'd be £2k. Absolutely hated the job. I'm a uni graduate and just felt like I wasn't using my brain at all. It went from dull to manic, constant sales pressure and weird hours - 10-6, weekends and bank hols.

After 2 years, in Dec 2019, as a single mum to a 2 year old, applied for a stepping stone job in social care for my local council. £18k a year for full time. So not a drop in money but hourly much worse off as doing FT not PT, and because of the increase in childcare costs my take home was tiny. I claimed UC on top to survive. However, I absolutely loved the job 6 months in I applied for a massive promotion. I got it, and now for 8 months I've been working my dream job. Now on £27k and very comfortable - I live in the North West so cost of living is relatively cheap. My employer is wonderful, I can work flexibly and fit childcare around my job. Great pension.

Best thing I ever did. Don't do a job you hate, life is too short. Get experience, throw yourself into something you love and work up! Good luck