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Should I accept a job offer paying half my current salary?

20 replies

Jynxed · 05/05/2021 21:08

I have been in my current job for more than 10 years, and a similar role in the same sector for more than 20 years. I’m good at it, I know the job inside out, and have huge emotional loyalty to the organisation. I used to love it, but I am a little bit bored and jaded. But most significant of all is the Director I have had for the last two years. I absolutely loath him, he is a nasty, misogynistic psychopath - universally agreed by all who have the misfortune to work for him. He makes my life a misery, along with everyone else who is not a male sycophant. Every new starter we have had has left with a few months.

A job has come up delivering the same role in a completely different field, one that I have a personal passion for. So a chance to take my skills to my hobby. It is also fewer hours, based at home, and the people seem lovely. BUT it pays literally half of what I already earn, has fewer days annual leave, and a very basic pension. I am desperate to get away from my toxic work environment, and fantasise about telling my current boss where he can stuff his job. But I’m just not certain I can afford the pay cut. My husband and eldest child have lost their jobs through COVID and my two younger children are at Uni and financially dependent. I have to decide whether to accept the job by tomorrow - help, what do I do??

OP posts:
user113424742258631134 · 05/05/2021 21:13

I wouldn't I don't think. Not with the wider financial circumstances - out of the frying pan and into the fire springs to mind. Financial pressures can be very destructive.

Are you actively job hunting? Are there many other prospects?

user113424742258631134 · 05/05/2021 21:15

Also, and secondary, I'm always a bit wary of making a hobby your job - it can be a very effective way to kill any enjoyment you took from the hobby!

Howshouldibehave · 05/05/2021 21:17

If I halved my salary and my DH had lost his job, we couldn’t pay the bills, so no. Can you pay the bills and support your family single-handedly?

Retrievemysanity · 05/05/2021 21:18

How likely is it that your DH will find another job? And if he gets the sort of job he had before, can you afford to take the pay cut? How about savings-do you have enough to live on in the meantime? I think if you can afford to change then do so but if it will cause massive financial issues then don’t but keep looking.

MeanderingGently · 05/05/2021 21:18

If it was me, I'd take the job offer and get away from the toxic environment. It's a chance to do something different, to make a change and why stay in such an awful environment when there's the possibility of something else?

I sympathise, I too have had a difficult job offer choice to make recently. In the end I have gone for the lower paid work but it will be better for me in the long run.

Astronaut8 · 05/05/2021 21:19

Giving the financial circumstances no I wouldn’t take it

womaninatightspot · 05/05/2021 21:21

I think given the wider financial circumstances of your family I'd stick it out where you are whilst DH finds a job/ youngest graduates.

Doyoumind · 05/05/2021 21:24

I would keep looking. You've found another job once. You can find one again. You're tempted because it gets you out of a toxic environment but it's too risky. Don't settle. Find a job you love that pays what you're worth.

Jynxed · 05/05/2021 21:49

Do you think it would be worth trying to negotiate a higher salary? They are offering way below the industry standard, presumably because they are a charity. If I could get them up about 3k a year then the figures would add up - luckily the mortgage is paid off now. The main financial pressure is covering the Uni students accommodation costs.

OP posts:
happinessischocolate · 05/05/2021 23:12

I took a wage reduction a couple of years ago as I wanted to get back into an area I had previously left 20 years ago, due to my previous experience I quickly took on more work than was originally intended, but my wage didn't increase. I loved the job and working with my colleagues, but the lack of a decent wage was so demoralising that I left within 6 months.

I did give me the recent experience I needed to gain another job in the same field, but it was such a shame as I still miss my old colleagues. I wouldnt take a big pay cut again, it was incredibly depressing.

Cbd333 · 05/05/2021 23:13

I took a job 2 1/2 years ago in the NHS (non/clinical) that was less than half the salary of the job I was leaving. Taking that pay cut allowed me to move back to my hometown and create a life for my daughter that was more balanced and simply just better.

I've had two quick pay rises and am now on 15% less than I was and am much happier.

Life is too short for a toxic environment to be your experience of work. Make the move! It sounds like you're great at your job so I'm sure you will get a pay rise in a short space of time.

I would 100% use your current salary as leverage with the new organisation though and negotiate a higher starting salary.

Jynxed · 06/05/2021 22:42

Thanks Cbd - I asked and I got 😁😁😁 . I decided that I couldn’t take the job on the salary offered, and I had nothing to loose by putting my cards on the table. I told them the minimum I needed , and after a couple of hours they called back and agreed the extra £7k I had asked for ☺️. It’s still a pay cut but much less, and the hours are also fewer. Work life balance will be so much better, and I won’t need to dread work any more. Looking forward to handing in my resignation letter tomorrow!

OP posts:
MamaWeasel · 06/05/2021 22:49

Good luck!

Cbd333 · 07/05/2021 06:57

@Jynxed brilliant news and shows how much the new organisation values you already!

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Dozer · 07/05/2021 07:02

No way, it’d also affect your medium and long term earnings and pension. Would stick it out and continue to look for a well paid option.

rookiemere · 07/05/2021 07:03

@Jynxed brilliant news, well done and what a negotiation.

Dozer · 07/05/2021 07:03

Also, the voluntary sector has its fair share of difficult people too!

Dozer · 07/05/2021 07:05

Sorry, missed your follow up post!

Retrievemysanity · 07/05/2021 11:36

Well done and congratulations!

happinessischocolate · 08/05/2021 06:04

Well done. OP, so glad you didn't just accept what they offered

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