Took a pay cut for a shorter commute and I finally get it now

I left a job making $62k in Austin for one at $55k that's only 15 minutes from my house instead of 90 minutes round trip. Six months in, I save about $200 a month on gas and car maintenance alone. Plus I get home early enough to actually cook dinner instead of ordering takeout. Has anyone else taken less money for a better schedule and regretted it or was it worth it like for me?

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jason7523mo ago

Man that 7k difference hits harder than you'd think when you start adding up retirement contributions and all that. I've seen guys bail for the shorter drive and then freak out when their 401k match drops or they miss out on bonuses. You're probably fine now but wait until you wanna move or something and that salary history follows you around for years.

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riley8603mo ago

Salary history follows you around" - only if you let it. I'd argue having actual free time and less burnout makes you better at negotiating your next job anyway.

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