[USER]

I’ve been offered a position and the base salary is ~12% lower than my current base (different field). My current company culture is toxic and our leadership is dysfunctional.

I am 48, married, no kids, live in LCOL area.

I have ~$680K saved in various savings/retirement plans (401k, IRAs, brokerage).

Can I make it to FI with the cut? Retiring early is a priority, but a more positive work environment is a bigger priority at this point in my life.

Please help me think through this.

[Rob]

Take the job and keep looking for a new, better job at a relaxed pace.

[Nick]

What’s your FI number? Current savings per month? Age? Estimated FI date?

[Jay]

Just my own experience- changing fields within my career has put new life into me. And prolonging retirement a few years is actually quite alright based on my new happiness/less stress from my job.

Hope this helps. Can always optimize something/save more somewhere if you really want to.

[Char]

Can you afford to live on that income? What would your savings be? The question is not whether you will reach FI but when.

You will get there because you already likely have the right financial habits but your path might be longer.

At the end of the day you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

If you can live on the lower salary, you’ve evaluated the work environment (to the best of your ability) and you can still save, you should leave.

[Noa]

I got out of a toxic workplace for a 30% increase… You dont have to get paid less bc the place isn’t toxic

[Dave]

Money comes and goes, but your sanity is more important — take the pay cut and move on.

[Sonja]

I’d take a 12% cut to get out of a toxic workplace. I’d still want to make ends meet and have a surplus to save towards the future.

[Author]

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