Just took a pay cut to go part-time. Best decision ever.

Dec 91 min read

Wanted to share because I know a lot of guys struggle with this. I'm 42, been in marketing for 15 years, and was making good money. But I was traveling 2-3 weeks a month and missing everything with my kids (6 and 9).

Had this moment where my daughter asked me if I was coming to her soccer game and I literally couldn't remember what day it was.

Cut to now: I negotiated a 3-day/week arrangement, went from $140k to $95k. It stings, but we could make it work with my wife's income. That was 6 months ago and I don't regret it once. I'm at soccer games. I pick them up from school. I even meal prep on Fridays.

My job is still there. I'm still relevant. But I'm actually present. If anyone's on the fence about this, happy to talk it through.

9 comments437 views

Comments(9)

PPaul W.RegularDec 10

Been thinking about doing something similar but I'm the primary earner so the thought terrifies me. How'd you handle that pressure? Are you covering healthcare through your wife or did you find something else?

DDex J.New DadDec 10

This hit different because I'm 41 doing the exact same thing rn. The guilt about missing soccer games and school stuff... I didn't realize how much it was eating at me until I read this. Might actually have that conversation with my director.

AArchie K.RegularDec 10

The 2-3 weeks traveling is the killer. I did that for a few years and missed my oldest's entire second grade year basically. Everyone says "you can't have it all" but this is the one change that actually made a difference for me too. Pay cut was real but worth every penny.

DDan M.RegularDec 10

This is huge. The traveling schedule is what kills it - you're making money but missing the actual life. Curious what the financial hit was like going from full-time marketing salary to part-time? And did your family adjust okay or was there pushback?

RRob K.RegularDec 10

This is huge man. The travel schedule is killer - I did that for 6 years and barely knew my kids's teachers. Did you have to negotiate benefits carefully going part-time, or did your company make that smooth?

AArchie M.RegularDec 11

lol my company would never allow this but good for you man. At what point did you realize the money wasn't worth the trade-off?

CCarl L.RegularDec 11

lol everyone at my work acted like I was insane when I brought this up. they act like money is the only thing that matters. glad it worked out for you

JJared C.RegularDec 11

Did you keep any of the travel or did you negotiate to go fully domestic? 2-3 weeks a month is basically another job

WWill S.RegularDec 12

How much of a pay cut are we talking? I'm seriously considering something similar but the math is scary with two kids in school