Would you take a paycut?
By cutepenguin
@cutepenguin (6431)
Canada
March 29, 2013 5:52pm CST
my husband starts a new job next week. This job is a salaried position that does not pay overtime, whereas his previous job was salaried but you could be paid overtime, so even though the base salary is higher, he will be bringing home less money.
The reason he did this is because it's a step (a big step) closer to what he wants to do with his career. If he just had this new job for the rest of his career, he'd be pretty content, and the new job has a much better chance of advancement.
Would you take a paycut if it meant a job that you would like better? He liked his old job, too, so it's not like it would have been hard for him to stay where he was.
2 people like this
10 responses
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
30 Mar 13
If you both can handle less money.. I think its a good idea. have a great day there.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
30 Mar 13
The less money part is going to be hard. The hours are better, though, and the work is more interesting. But the less money is going to require some work to recover from.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
30 Mar 13
We can make it work. And odds are good that this will lead to better things.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
30 Mar 13
Sorry to hear that. I hope in the long run it works out better for you guys. Take care there. :)
@maddysmummy (110)
• United States
30 Mar 13
If it means job advancement into something he wants to do, I say why not? I know it would be hard with the paycut, but if you can afford to make the change, then go for it. My husband had to do the same several years ago and has progressed in his job and is earning more than what he did before he decided to make the change. And he's happy :D
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
30 Mar 13
Happiness is important, I think. His current job is nice, but the new job is more interesting work and more fulfilling, I think. Glad to hear it worked out well for your family!
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
1 Apr 13
Sometimes, we need to make some small sacrifices for us to achieve a goal. The most important thing is that he enjoys what he does and is willing to work real hard for for him to reach the place where he wants to be.
@doroffee (4222)
• Hungary
30 Mar 13
It depends. If I could live reasonably okay from the salary at the new place, I would definitely opt for it, of course, after I have talked it over with whomever I live with, because if I live together with someone, my decisions are going affect him as well. But if I could, I would definitely choose the jobs which make me more professionally fulfilled or which have a chance for my evolvement and get a nicer job later which I really like.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
30 Mar 13
We're hoping it leads to more opportunities for him. It affects our son as well, which makes it harder to take a risk, but we can cut back in some areas. In the long term, I don't think our son will notice if we take fewer vacations or eat simpler food, but I think my husband would regret it if he didn't try to move forward in his career.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
30 Mar 13
Well, he'll be happier. I don't know where it will lead, but we have to try, right? And if all else fails, he can go back to a similar job to the one he had.
@dagami (1158)
• Rome, Italy
30 Mar 13
he was taking home a higher pay from his old job because of overtime so he was also working more hours. if his 2nd job doesn't require that he works overtime with no pay , then i guess i would choose this. this would mean that your husband would have more time for you and your family. if he really wants to earn more, he can take odd jobs during his free time. you never know, maybe his boss will appreciate the way he works and he'll get a promotion after a few months.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
30 Mar 13
It would be nice if he could get a promotion or a raise, but he won't be able to once he's there. It's a government job, and they've frozen raises because of the budget.
He actually won't have free time because I work when he doesn't, so he will have to be home with our son. We were hoping that the new schedule (it's a better schedule) would mean that I could work more but it doesn't look like it will. However, we'll have to see how it all works. Fortunately we do have a buffer and we can cut back in a couple of areas.
The old job actually gave him a lot of time at home with us during the hours that our son is awake. I don't know that this will happen for the new job.
In the end, though, he will like this job better and will be healthier because of it (no more working night shifts). And he can't put his career on hold forever.
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
30 Mar 13
I think job satisfaction is a very important content of a job package. Most often people just concentrate on the pay package and miss the rest. Often this leads them to lead a discontented life and their performance dropping over the long run and then the pay also starts to fall. I think you hubby might just have done the right thing by going for where his heart lies though it means that he might be taking a temporary pay cut.
Cheers!
Ram
@vidhyaprakash_2 (7116)
• India
30 Mar 13
Hi friend, good to hear that your hubby got a new job and like it a lot. There is nothing wrong in doing the highest paying job. As we need more money for our day today activities. If i am in this position, surely i will take the new job and do my best to achieve a lot
@skyandgrassplot (1497)
• China
30 Mar 13
As for me,I will do the same thing as your husband,I think as for the current salary,career is more important,and I think that this will not last long,when your husband get used to his new job then his salary will be more higher and stable than previous one,and what you need to do is need more patience,thing will get better and better.
