Take a 44k pay cut for a job I think I'd love? If not that, what?

I have a career situation people would generally kill for. I work a remote job and make 107k + bonus, plus a part time job in person for another 37k. Total flexibility, nobody looking over my shoulder, both employers cool with each other, even have time to do some freelance work for a couple extra thousand a year.

But I'm filled with anxiety about the potential loss of my remote job, the program is shrinking a bit, company is doing alright but not as well as it used to. No reason for immediate fear of job loss, but after 10 years with the company I do wonder what the future looks like.

I recently found another job that I expect to receive an offer on after 2 interviews. Probably just under 100k salary. With some drawbacks its my dream job as far as doing what I love and have always wanted to do. But I'd have to take a 44k per year hit and start commuting an hour each way.

I have 3 kids and own a house, 2 cars, private school and daycare costs and all that.

I don't know what to do. And if not this new job, I don't know how to find a job that would give me a 150k yearly salary. I feel like I'm stuck. Take less money? Work current jobs if/until something happens? Find a career counselor to seek higher salary jobs? What would you do?

Jobadvisor

First, let's break down your situation objectively. You're earning about 144k base (107k remote + 37k part-time) plus bonuses and freelance, with total flexibility—no micromanagement, remote perks, and employer harmony. That's a rare setup, especially with 10 years of stability. On the flip side, the anxiety about the remote job's future is valid, even if not immediate. The new role sounds fulfilling but comes with a roughly 44k hit (dropping to under 100k, likely losing the part-time gig due to commuting and hours), plus an hour-each-way commute, which adds time, stress, and costs (gas, wear on cars). With 3 kids, a house, 2 cars, private school, and daycare, your expenses are likely high—family budgets like that can eat up 100k+ easily in many areas.

Should You Take the Pay Cut for This Job?

This boils down to your financial runway, risk tolerance, and how much "dream" fulfillment outweighs the downsides. Here's a pros/cons based on common experiences:

Pros of taking it:

- Greater job satisfaction and passion can reduce burnout and anxiety long-term. Many who switch report being happier overall, even with less money, because they're aligned with what they love. It could also open doors to growth in your preferred field, leading to higher pay later.

- If the remote job shrinks, this provides a proactive pivot rather than reacting to layoffs.

- Potential for better work-life balance if the role's fulfillment spills into home life, though the commute might offset that.

Cons:

- Financial strain: A 44k cut (about 30% of your current total) could force lifestyle changes—cutting private school, daycare tweaks, or dipping into savings. Run the numbers: estimate your monthly take-home now vs. new (factor in taxes, commute costs ~$500-1k/month extra). If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or have little emergency fund, this risks debt or resentment.

- Family impact: More commute time means less with kids, plus added stress. Benefits/perks might not match (e.g., no remote flexibility).

- Opportunity cost: You might regret it if the "dream" fades under real-world pressures, or if you could find similar fulfillment at higher pay elsewhere.

Before deciding, negotiate hard on the offer—ask for more salary, signing bonus, or remote days to offset the cut. Also, assess if this is truly irreplaceable: Is there room to incorporate "what you love" into your current setup via freelance or side projects?

If the finances don't add up or the commute kills the appeal, I'd pass. But if you've got 6-12 months of expenses saved and the passion is burning, it could be worth it—some who took 40% cuts say it paid off in happiness and eventual career gains.

 If Not This Job, What Else?

Don't feel stuck—your skills (implied by 10 years of experience and multi-job juggling) are marketable. Aim for roles that maintain or exceed 150k total while incorporating more fulfillment. Here's a step-by-step plan:

1. **Build a Buffer While Staying Put:** Keep your current gigs for now—they're stable and high-earning. Use the time to save aggressively (aim for 1 year's expenses) and reduce anxiety by upskilling or networking. Monitor your company's health via internal chats or industry news, but don't jump ship prematurely.

2. **Hunt for Higher-Paying Alternatives:** Target 150k+ jobs in your field (or adjacent ones) with remote/flex options. Common paths to 150k+ include senior roles in tech, management, healthcare, finance, or sales—e.g., engagement managers, data architects, or executives. Without a degree? Look at pilots, real estate brokers, or construction managers. Remote options abound in tech/sales.

   - **How to Find Them:**

     - Update LinkedIn/Indeed with keywords from your "dream" elements—network with 10-20 people in similar roles weekly.

     - Use job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter for "remote 150k" filters.

     - Upskill via free/cheap courses (Coursera, Udemy) in high-demand areas like AI, project management, or your passion field to qualify for promotions or switches.

     - Consider freelancing more aggressively in your dream area to test the waters and build income without quitting.

3. **Consider a Career Counselor:** Yes, this could help unstuck you. They provide objective guidance to clarify goals, identify high-salary paths you haven't considered, refine your resume/networking, and boost confidence for negotiations or interviews. Benefits include uncovering passions, exploring options, and creating a personalized plan—many see faster job landings or salary bumps. Cost: $100-300/session, but often worth it for mid-career folks like you. Start with certified ones via NCDA.org or platforms like BetterHelp.

 What Would I Do?

In your shoes, I'd stay put for 6-12 months: shore up savings, ramp up freelance in the "dream" direction, and job-hunt strategically for 150k+ roles that blend stability with passion (e.g., a senior remote version of the new job). The pay cut feels too steep with family commitments unless you've crunched numbers showing it's sustainable. Life's too short for unfulfilling work, but it's also too short for financial stress—find a middle ground. If the anxiety persists, a counselor could accelerate clarity. Good luck; you've got strong leverage here.