has anyone given up a high paying job for lesser pay and less stress?

**227melissa** · 12-09-2011, 08:49 AM

My Dh just changed job, making 9000 less a year and could not be happier which in turn makes me happier. We were lucky to receive my WC settlement and paid everything off, to make this a possibility.

**bookwormpeg** · 12-09-2011, 04:22 PM

You have to take care of yourself as no one else will....I think all those who left stressful jobs did a good thing! I retired in June because I just couldn't take it anymore. I wanted to go another two years but knew I would be dead by then. I am just now feeling good. I would not go back....yeah, it's tough...I am living on 1/5 of what I made but thankfully I have a husband who is still working. Money can't buy happiness or your health!!!

**arnie** · 12-10-2011, 08:06 AM

Amen Peg!
Yesterday was my last day. This has been a week of emotional ups and downs as so many of my staff members, and coworkers were hugging me goodbye and telling me how much I will be missed.While that is flattering to hear, after going out to dinner with coworkers twice this week, I am glad it is over.
I feel a little guilty for a minute for abandoning them, but I know that they will grow attached to their next boss/coworker and it is just the anxiety of change that makes them apprehensive.

**starsapphire** · 12-10-2011, 07:38 PM

I had a decent gov't job w/pension and everything and I gave it up to go to school about 2 years ago. I was burned out from an overbearing workload with work that was all time-sensitive. When I resigned, I felt like I was stepping off a cliff and didn't know if I would smash into the ground, or land softly.

In May I'll be completing the first step towards what I really want to do. I was worried about finding a job that would work around my school schedule (have to go back to work soon) but it looks like I've got an interview (have to call back on Monday) and it's even related to the field I'm going in.

I thought about all this long and hard before I moved forward with my plan, and now I don't have one single regret. I'm 47 years old and I'm happy to have one more chance to reinvent myself before I get too old.

I loved reading all your inspiring stories so I thought I'd add mine. Way to go, arnie and mommynurse!

Remember, when we take that leap of faith, a net will appear!

**Carlad** · 12-10-2011, 08:39 PM

I took a 25% pay cut for less stress and less commute.

Actually other than the pay this may very well be the best job I have ever had. No more deadlines, paranoid boss, no more bank issues to solve and no more long commute thru some rough parts of the city.

Sometimes I am a little mentally bored at work, but I try to find new challenges for myself.