Walking away from the money

[CaptainSlow]

Has anyone made a career decision that saw a negative effect on their pay packet but greater happiness, and what were their reflections on the decisions?

Somehow I've got to a position after chasing the banding/salary where I'm doing a job that I don't get any personal satisfaction or sense of achievement however the financials are great. Friends and family think I'm mad for considering giving it up but I'm confident that I could still earn good money doing something I enjoy more. It will still involve looking at spreadsheets all day, I'm not looking at a massive change. Anyone else been through it?

[CaptainSlow]

Thanks for the replies. For me it isn't about long hours, stress or long commute. I can work from home but that drives me mad!

It's about being passionate, being proud on what I'm doing and using my skill sets. It's about seeing a result of my work and having a target to achieve. Also, the environment I'm in is very quiet, there's no buzz, laughter or excitement. I need to be in a more active atmosphere.

[CaptainSlow]

rosbif77 said:

Downsizing from a well paid but stressful job to one with a smaller pay cheque and less stress is fine if you've got cash in the bank or a lot of equity/mortgage paid off.
However, not everyones in that position so we just try to keep our heads above the water, or in my case work two jobs and still not have enough to last each month!

Looking at your life story post, you haven't chased the money..you've gone with your vocation. Plus some bad luck on the marital side.

[CaptainSlow]

I've been considering going contracting for those exact reasons.