new job, lower pay

[dhc]

I know it sounds silly when I put it like that, but I'm excited about a new job starting in a couple weeks where I'll have (slightly) lower pay but also fewer hours and (significantly) lower stress.

The only downside? My old 401(k) match is stupidly after-the-year-ends, and I've already maxed it out, so I'll lose the whole match. The upside? New 401(k) has less-stupid rules and a better match as well.

My ideal situation would be to semi-retire anyway (I'd love to work about 2 days a week, or 4 months a year, or something similar), so this at least is a baby step in that direction. I can't tell for sure yet, but new company also seems like it might be more open to something like that eventually.

[GreenShirt]

Congratulations! Transitioning to a new job is always a little bit stressful, at least in my experience. If I had the ability to, I would probably do the same thing; move to a lower pay job that is more rewarding and less stressful. Are other factors, like location, commute time, going to change as well?

[Shor]

New jobs are always exciting. Don't dwell too much on the lower pay, focus on that increased freedom every week, time for yourself, time to do what you want to do.
Also, be sure you don't go over the 401k's $18k max. That's a total employee contribution cap, so you don't get to apply it twice across 2 companies in the same year. Just be sure you're aware so that you don't go over the limits for this year where they overlap.

[Metric Mouse]

Congrats! And good luck!

[Primm]

Me too! I've just started mine though, 3 weeks in. Higher hourly rate but no penalties (and no weekends or nights) and only 4 days per week. I haven't been there long, but I'm starting to believe it's one of my smarter moves.

[stashyMel]

Congratulations! I have reduced my work scheduled to 80% and only work 4 days a week as well. I happy to have Fridays off and to know that I can only work an 8 hour day. They can't make me work longer because they aren't paying me for it. Plus I still qualify for full pension credit under a policy exemption. I view it as early retirement too.   

[soccerluvof4]

Congrats! I agree don't worry about the difference in pay as much as something you will be happy at and or have room to advance. The DW and I have been looking for something part time and mindless that will take care of our HC woes till we see how that pans out. She has had a few offers and is excited about taking one. I have had some good interviews but nothing yet I feel i could get away with doing really little so probably she will just do hers. So were excited to get that stress of our back with not knowing whats going on with the ACA.

[clarkfan1979]

Congratulations. My wife recently switched from full-time (46 hours) to part-time (15-20 hours). Her income decreased from about 60K to 20K-25K, but she still makes about the same hourly. You eventually get used to the lower income. We couldn't be happier.