Switched to a lower-paying job and never looked back

Nov 261 min read

Five years at a demanding corporate job. Made good money but was basically checked out from my family. Stress, long hours, constant travel. My 7yo told me I was mean because I was always tired and angry. That woke me up real quick.

Took a role at a smaller company - 20% less salary, way lower stress, no travel, done by 5:30pm most days. Yeah, we tightened our budget. We don't go on fancy vacations. But my kids have their dad back. I coach my son's soccer team now. We have family dinners. The anxiety I had every day just... disappeared.

I know not everyone can do this financially, but if you're on the fence: the money doesn't matter nearly as much as you think it does once you actually try living with less.

11 comments93 views

Comments(11)

RRussell D.Regular27m ago

This is the kind of post that needs to exist more because everyone pretends the corporate grind is worth it. It's not, especially when your kid literally tells you you're mean. Glad you course-corrected.

KKeith L.Regular23h ago

This is honestly inspiring because so many dads stay trapped in the high-pay-checked-out cycle. Did you have to cut your lifestyle or did the salary reduction just mean less stuff but same quality of life?

RRandy S.Regularjust now

I respect this so much but also want to know the real cost. Did you have to cut things? Move? Is there resentment lurking or did everyone actually adjust okay?

AAndy S.Regular22h ago

How's the salary cut feeling now that you're a few years in? Like do you ever regret it financially or is the mental health/family thing worth it across the board?

DDale J.Regular10h ago

Real question: how is your family reacting to the lifestyle adjustment? Because 20% less is real money. Are they on board or is there tension about it?

PPat H.New Dad7h ago

Bold move and I respect it. Most dads feel trapped by the salary thing and never actually try to change it. You did.

CChris T.Regularjust now

The "you're mean because you're always tired" comment from a 7yo hits different. That's the kind of thing that makes you reevaluate everything. Good on you for actually making the move instead of staying in a bad situation. 20% less salary might be worth the mental health payoff, especially if your kid's noticing the difference in your mood.

PPatrick W.Regularjust now

This is real. I took a similar-ish path (not quite as dramatic salary drop but way less demanding) and the shift in how my kids interact with me is noticeable. They actually want to hang out now instead of just tolerating my presence. Worth it.

BByron S.Regularjust now

20% pay cut for actually being present is the kind of trade that looks insane on paper and perfect in reality. How are you doing with the adjustment otherwise? The lower stress part actually holding up?

AAl G.Regularjust now

This is exactly what more parents should do but the financial pressure is real. Glad it worked out for you - what field are you in where the lower-stress role is actually attainable? Because in some industries there's no middle ground.

NNate H.Regularjust now

Your 7yo telling you that you were mean because you were always tired hits different than a boss performance review ever could. Props for actually listening.