A few months ago I decided I had enough of my current position and that I needed a change. I was tired of supervising and being responsible for everything on the teller line. When they eliminated my office manager position in February, I decided to give the teller supervisor position a try. I kept the same pay, but my job responsibilities greatly shifted. Instead of being responsible for opening accounts, meeting sales goals, and managing the office, I was in charge of the teller line and spent every day working as a teller while supervising the staff. It just wasn’t something I was interested in. I figured I had a few options: quit and find a new job, look for a new position within the company, or go part time and transfer to a new branch. All sounded good to me, but I didn’t really want to give up my 5 years seniority plus vacation time.
I decided that the best idea would be to try to find a new position within the company. I searched the available postings and found a position for a relief team member. When you’re on the relief team, you travel to different branches to help out when they are short. I figured that position would be a good change of pace for me since I wouldn’t be stuck at the same branch every day and have to deal with the crap that comes along with it. Plus, the branches I would be going to would be happy to see me because they are short and would most likely be nice to me.
The only downfall about the position was that it was a lower pay grade than I had been. I talked it over with Mr. Money, and despite everyone’s shock at work, I accepted the position. I figured the less stress the better, so why not. I was tired of always being stressed out about work and thinking about it. I didn’t want to live my life that way forever. I don’t want work to be my whole life. That’s the last thing I want. I also figured that if I accepted this position it would be easier for me to go part time if I chose to, or even quit when we have kids. I figured it would be a win-win situation.
I’ve been in my new position for over two months now. I’ve been hesitant to write about it because I was afraid people would think I was stupid for taking a pay cut. Sure the economy’s bad, I’ve got bills to pay and savings goals to make, but what’s the point of life if you’re miserable? I’ve found myself much more relaxed and happier since I’ve been on the relief team. Sure, it’s not perfect every day, but nothing’s going to be. I’ve learned to let a lot of stuff roll off my back because if something bothers me, I know I’m not going to be there permanently so it’s really not that big of a deal. It feels good.
I always thought that career decisions would be based mostly on money. I am thankful that I’ve gotten past that and have the ability to do something that I really wanted to do, versus being tied down to making more money because my lifestyle demanded it. I’m happier now, and that is worth more money than any pay raise or promotion.
Would you take a pay cut to do something you really wanted to do?
