Taking a pay cut for “dream” job

[RosieLee2019]

I enjoy the work I do, but not the industry I do it in (professional services) and would rather work in the charity sector. However, the equivalent role in the charity sector is around 35% less pay. I could probably get by on that but would have to make a lot of lifestyle sacrifices.

So I’m curious… what would you do in this situation? I know everyone’s financial situation is different but interested to hear people’s views…

Hello. I'm in such a similar position that I had to double check I didn't post this!

I have a 2nd interview on Thursday for a job which is paid 65% of what I currently earn. It's NFP though not charity. I am currently in professional services...

I posted about this on the thread here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/work/4376082-Do-all-well-paid-professionals-work-really-hard-long-hours there is quite a lot about work life balance but lots of advice on moving into charity sector. I thought it may be of interest?

I am the main earner in our family but we don't have an expensive lifestyle so can afford to take the hit without too much impact, but it sounds like that may be different for you. Have you compared take home pay after tax, does child benefit kick back in etc.... ? Given tax and a better pension I would be taking home a fair bit less but not as much as it sounds from a salary perspective.

I did this, or something very similar. Went from professional services to a policy/NGO role. We have a fairly big mortgage plus extortionate nursery fees so the pay cut is only really manageable because my DH is the main earner and part of the reason for the change was to give me more flexibility for childcare. It was very hard when we were both client-facing and would both have calls early in the morning or in the evening. He's also going for a big promotion this year (also professional services) and so it's been useful that I can pick up more of the childcare while he focuses on that.

Spend 6 months living off that amount and then decide whether it's for you.

Charities are just other organisations. If you are passionate about a cause you can get involved in other ways.