Just took a 15% pay cut for flex schedule and zero regrets

Dec 131 min read

Wanted to share a win because I see a lot of posts here about feeling trapped in demanding jobs. I switched from an aggressive startup role to a B2B SaaS company that lets me do 7-3 instead of 8-6. Lost about $12k/year but gained back 10+ hours with my kids (ages 5 and 8) every single week. My wife said I'm actually present now instead of just physically here. Took me 6 months to stop feeling guilty about the pay cut. If you've been considering it - seriously consider it. The mental load is so much lower.

12 comments242 views

Comments(12)

MMack G.New DadDec 13

15% is real money though. Did you have to cut anything else from your budget or did you just live tighter? I'm curious because I keep telling myself I'd do this but then I do the math and freak out.

WWill R.RegularDec 14

The 7-3 schedule is golden. You're getting afternoons with your kids. That's not small. Most guys don't realize how much they're missing by grinding 8-6.

SSam F.New DadDec 14

This deserves to be a bigger post honestly. So many dads think they're locked in forever. What made you finally do it?

MMarcus J.RegularDec 15

The B2B SaaS move is smart—less pressure than startups but still legit work. Did you find that people take you less seriously once you switched to 7-3 or has that not been an issue? That's what I worry about—looking less ambitious even though I'm more productive.

JJason K.New DadDec 15

How was the conversation with your ex about this if you have joint custody? I'm worried a schedule change would complicate things but if it works for you guys that's amazing.

FFred V.RegularDec 15

Did you have to take a step down in position too or was it the same role with different hours? That's usually the catch I run into—the flexible companies want you to take a title hit on top of pay.

HHector R.RegularDec 14

This is the move. Seriously. A lot of us trapped in startup culture think 15% pay cut is catastrophic when really it just means... slightly fewer luxury coffees. Meanwhile you get your life back. Good on you for actually doing it instead of just fantasizing.

GGrant C.RegularDec 16

lol I make the same money as I did at my demanding job and I'm actually THERE for my kids instead of yelling about conference calls. Worth every penny of that 15% not being able to get the premium craft beer. Congrats on breaking free.

DDustin P.New DadDec 16

How much juice did you lose on the 15%? I keep looking at similar moves but can't tell if it's actually doable financially or if I'm just daydreaming during 7pm work calls.

BBob G.RegularDec 16

This is huge. The mental math of "slightly less money = actually present for my kids' morning routine" is something corporate jobs never want you to do. Sounds like you crunched the numbers and made it work. That 7-3 schedule is a game changer.

LLeo R.New DadDec 16

This is huge. Congrats on actually pulling the trigger. A lot of guys talk about work-life balance but actually taking a pay cut for time? That's commitment. How's it actually been after the switch?

GGabe R.RegularDec 13

Startup culture is designed to make you feel like this is impossible. The sunk cost feeling is real even after you leave. Proud of you for doing the math and realizing you valued your time more than the extra 15%.