I have done this to smaller degree. I used to work in the city where I had a long commute and was frustrated with the train company for good reasons. Also frustrated with my employer for selling me as a consultant and placing me on the opposite side of town, while that was not agreed on. I then accepted a job very close to home and accepted a 15% lower salary. From when I started there, a lot of weight was removed from my shoulders. I got A LOT more free time, as I had a much shorter commute and half an hour shorter working time. I still don't want to think of going back to work in the city for a higher salary with the long commute. But on the other side, my current job has a lot more job related stress than my previous job. This job has since last summer not been good for my health.
I have a friend who is a lawyer. When she was younger she worked at a lawyer company, working very long days and in a pusher (correct word?) culture. Her husband, also a lawyer, has always worked at either the tax institute or some other governmental institute. He always worked normal work hours and has lots of time for training. My friend also trains a lot, but needs to do that on her way from and to work (running or cycling instead of driving) or at other inconvenient times. She also worked at a ministry for some years, but mentioned to me that it only paid like half the salary that she could earn otherwise. Now she is back, working for an accountant company, with colleagues that try to steal her ideas to get promoted. I don't understand that she wants to do it. But some people like to make a carrier, I think, and want to work there where the action is. While others think that having a life is more important than having a carrier.
