What would make you take a job with lower salary?

[JC001]

Not quite the same as opting for a pay cut, but a similar comparison... When looking for a new job after being cut from my long term employer my background allowed me to consider doing different jobs at different levels of pay. During my job search, I chose to pursue lower paying jobs that I knew I would enjoy doing, wouldn't require a lot of overtime (regardless of whether it was paid or not), had less stress, had flexible hours, did not require me to be on call or work nights and weekends, and was a reasonable commute.

I was in a contract (temporary) position that met my criteria except for the commute. My project ended and was told I would be called back when another started. Before they called me back, I jumped at another contract assignment much closer to home that had me taking a pay cut and offered less paid time off. To me the cuts in pay and time off were worth working closer to home.

[Wolffie]

If they purchased a home for me and/or offered to pay off all of my student loans.

Although I'll say, if my current job decided they were going to make pay cuts, I would honestly seriously consider staying. I still make an entry-level salary seeing I'm entry/mid level, but my job is so fun and so flexible.
- I can work from home whenever I want essentially. Don't feel good? Work from home instead of taking a sick day - nothing like curling up on the couch in your PJS and coding/designing while you just relax. 4 feet of snow outside? No need to commute to the office, just work from home.
- I can bring Deezel to work - just applied for the bring-your-dog-to-work program since you have to be working there for 6 months before you're allowed. There are 40+ dogs in the office per day.
- Benefits are pretty outstanding.
- People are passionate and amazing.
- Company's focus is animals, which is what I love.
- I'm utilizing my degree I spend a jillion dollars on and doing what I love every day.

I am very fortunate for the job I have. There is only room for growth right now, but if it ever came down to having to take a pay-cut, I probably would to stay.

[Macy]

My DH just did this last week. He made a lateral move for slightly less $. However, the trade off is he is now working for a stable, long term company. His previous employer had gone thru a buy-out and has a history of closing small offices with no notice. The stress of the unknown with previous employer was unbearable. He was very pleased to land this new gig.

[Gibbysmom]

Wolfie, sounds like you have a great job!!! I took a significant cut in pay when we moved from AZ to Wy. I was there for 5 winters. I thought it would be really tough to get used to less pay. However, it wasn't that big of a deal, my take home amount didn't change as much as I thought it would since I was paying less to taxes.

[voodoo]

less pay for less stress and better location...but more pay can be a great thing too depends on your standard of living and job position. I wouldnt take less pay if I didnt make that much in the first place...gotta be towards the top of the ladder, not the bottom rungs.