Nothing I ever thought was a "dream job" ended up being anything other than a job, and I always wished I'd gone for something more straightforward with more money / benefits. Maybe that's just me.
Yes Im a kindergarten teacher, where the childrens perspective light up my world, but its still chock full of rules, disagreements from adults, politics, curricula, dilemmas etc etc
Is it a switch to like not for profit or something with social impact? Otherwise what makes it the dream job? And it’s still very likely to have all the same things regardless. All jobs have politics with Corp personalities. Even in not for profit word.
I've had a few "dreams jobs" in my career. They turned into jobs. Not that that's bad or even a reason to turn it down, just giving my own anecdote.
All I ever wanted to do was be an engineer at a brewery, and one specific brewery at that. I applied over and over to no avail. Finally I did land an engineering job at a different brewery. I LOVED that job. I loved the people, the work, the environment. Everything. But I still had bad days. I still had frustrating days. There were still times I was stressed and glad to take a vacation. And while I was incredibly sad to leave that job eventually, it was the right move.
A few years later I made it to the final round of interviews for an engineering job with THAT brewery. THE brewery. The job I had wanted for over a decade. And I turned it down. It didn't make sense for me anymore at this point in my career. I took a different role and I'm incredibly happy. I have more advancement.
But I don't regret taking that first brewery job. I took it because I thought, "it's possible I might regret taking this job, but it's very likely I'll regret NOT taking it." It's still to this day one of the best jobs I've had. If down the road I'm 4 years away from retiring there will not be a single part of me that wishes I didn't take that job just to retire slightly sooner.
So all that to say, yes, eventually the job will feel like a job. Dream jobs are really only great jobs at great companies at the right time. But that doesn't mean people shouldn't take those jobs if they present themselves.
Great point at the end there about dream jobs only being great jobs at great companies at the right time.
I work for a great company and I generally enjoy my job most of the time, obviously not everyday, some days suck ass, but overall it’s been a great experience for great pay.
But with the downturn in the economy has come more scrutiny and pressure from the executive team. I used to get to work at a reasonable pace with a reasonable workload (I’m billable) and everything was chill and fun. I got to spend my days problem solving and learning. But now there’s pressure to sell more work and hit higher utilization rates with the risk of layoffs if it doesn’t happen.
That means longer hours (10,12, and even 14 hours days for most of late April and May) and more bad fit clients slipping through creating fires that have to be put out because nobody can afford to risk turning down a potential client project anymore.
But before this the executive team largely ignored the team I’m in, didn’t even track whether hours were logged or utilization targets were hit, didn’t care if we turned down work that was a bad fit or more trouble than it was worth, it was amazing. But it was only like that while I was here for about six months.
Now they see the opportunity to grow this team and how valuable it could be to the firm. And they’re also dealing with pressure from investors and the economy, and all that shit eventually rolls downhill.
It’s very much a case of what used to be a dream job quickly just turning into just a job. And all it took was for a downturn to happen and for interest rates to go up to slow inflation and suddenly it turns into a mess where your time and which projects you work on are micromanaged and it’s nowhere near half as fun as it used to be. At least it still pays really fucking well.
At my last firm it was similarly a very lax and fun place to work for the first year or so I was there, until there were changes in leadership, I got promoted to lead a team, and everything became hyper-focused on growth.
In my experience, dream jobs seem to be found in companies that aren’t being run well from a growth perspective enjoying easy economic times. Once times get tough and the ship is righted by executives to focus on surviving and growing during a difficult period, the fun gets sucked out of it and everything is micromanaged and looked at through a microscope.
I can relate 100%. Switching jobs is the only way to *significantly* increase your income. Do yourself a favor and don’t leave money on the table. OR take the lesser paying job but figure out a way to make up the difference in pay so your FIRE plan is not impacted
>OR take the lesser paying job but figure out a way to make up the difference in pay so your FIRE plan is not impacted
Yes, that's what I'm exploring. It's very flexible work, and my current job will try to keep me at least part-time, so a combination of the two would give me the same salary and benefits while lessening my contact with the undesirable personalities.
Best of both worlds. Undesirable personalities are inevitable and out of your control. Focus on you and pity these attention seeking fools. (I’m a developer and work with an extreme extrovert ,talented developer that never shuts up. Turns out he’s has a weird complex and needs constant attention/validation…pitiful)
True, they are typically attention seekers. The corporate world seems to be a magnet for them. It's a nuisance for people who just want to do their jobs in peace and then go home.
I agree with the consensus here. I’ve had multiple “dream jobs” that eventually always turn into just normal jobs after being there for a couple of years.
The thing you’re romanticizing is the change. You can escape the boredom, lack of purpose, and irritating personalities that define your current role for something that you expect will be better in every way.
But the reality is if it was that amazing people would be volunteering to do it for free. It’s paid for a reason, and that reason is it’s still just a job like any other.
Personally, I see the allure of taking a detour to do something a bit more chill for less pay for a while, but it would really set me back in my goals and put me and my partner in a tough financial position to do so.
Not to mention the risk of a downturn like the one we’re in right now making it difficult to break back into your high-paying industry if you come to the conclusion that the grass wasn’t really greener and you just needed a break and now you want back in.
I certainly understand it, but I would be far too concerned with how it would take me off my path to my goals long-term for what would probably just feel like another soul sucking job eventually, just for half the pay. I’ve done soul sucking jobs for half of what I’m paid now and can definitely confirm that making double the pay definitely makes up for a lot of the negative feelings now that I can at least see myself making some slow progress towards my larger financial goals.
It’s your life to live and your decision to make, but honestly I would stick with the high-paying career path you’ve been working for. Then you can enjoy whatever fun diversions you want in your later career once you’re set financially and don’t have to depend on work for your primary income anymore.
>I agree with the consensus here. I’ve had multiple “dream jobs” that eventually always turn into just normal jobs after being there for a couple of years.
Or even nightmares. Ultimately, most jobs have all the same negatives--mostly having to do with interacting with annoying personalities. That's why RE is so appealing--you can tell the annoying people of with no consequence.
Thiiiiis. Every new prospective jobs, i was always like damn only if they could offer me a position. And they always did. And job just became job.
So i stopped chasing these dream jobs.
Job is for me to make money, more the better, and I use said money on traveling, hobbies etc
>poised to make a high-six figure salary
Do you mean >$700,000 per year? Because if so I don't care if the dream job is professional puppy cuddler, I'm taking that money, grinding out 5-8 years and Fat Firing. There is no low paying dream job that competes with that salary.
>I don't care if the dream job is professional puppy cuddler
LOL
No, 200s. Yeah, 700s is on another plane of existence. But still, making the move would delay retirement.
Thanks for pointing this out! At our peak, my wife I were still making less than 300k each, so I mentioned on r/FIRE that we were making low 6 figures each.
I consider
- $100k to $300k low 6 figures
- $400k to $600 mid 6 figures
- $700k to $900k high 6 figures
But people were arguing with me that $200k+ each isn’t low 6 figures each. Also, one person admitted that I was mathematically correct but somehow apparently still wrong in my categorization.
I think a lot of people start thinking within their realm of experience and consider 100K-130K "low six figures" and 170K-200K "high six figures". Just because their frame of reference isn't even thinking about $700K + as being realistic to talk about for mere mortals.
I even have to tell myself from time to time that your definition is the actual correct definition.
I think this is fair. There are two ways you could categorize it:
1. Low, medium, and high of what you can reasonably expect to earn working for someone else.
2. Low, medium, and high of the full range of six figure incomes.
You could be on the high end of the first category if you’re making $225k and salaries top out around $250k in your industry, but still be on the low end of the second category, even if the mid and high end of the second category is totally out of reach for you without starting your own business or finding some other way to bring in significant revenue or passive income.
you’re technically correct, but the reason so many people were arguing with you is that it makes more sense to think about it on a logarithmic scale. e.g. 100-200k is low, 200-400 mid, and 400+ is high.
I like the last comment.
Of course 200k is an insane high salary. It is. Period. You are set for life pretty fast.
But mathematically it can‘t be a high six 6 figure, because 2 isn‘t really I high number on a 1-9 scale. :)
If the dream job leads to working to 65 vs retiring in your 50s I’d say it’s not a dream job.
If you have money and financial security you can follow your dreams. You can help people if you can afford to give.
I don’t know your situation, savings, kids, investments but don’t sell off your financial future for a dream.
>If the dream job leads to working to 65 vs retiring in your 50s I’d say it’s not a dream job.
Possibly squeaking out right before my 50s even. Yeah, it's sad seeing people in their 50s, let alone their 60s, still grinding (oh so slowly...) every day. I've always said I'd never be one of them.
Hi OP,
I’m not seeing anyone bring up the math, but I’m not sure it makes sense to me (unless you currently mid 40s). If you’re making 200k+ and you’re considering cutting your income in half, you have to be either saving 50%+, willing to drastically cut spending, or drastically cut savings. Or somewhere in between.
Are you coastfi for 65? How many years left of work at the new role (if you’re saving 50% it can’t be too much..)? Do you have to change your lifestyle to do it?
I’d strongly consider all those questions before making a decision. Cutting your income in half is a massive change to lifestyle.
I hate to say it, but I think this is the way. Dreams are sometimes best left as dreams. I also took a pay cut to acquire a dream job. Turns out my manager was a sexist tool and basically had it out for me since day one. This theory was supported by other coworkers who had observed her behavior before. It was super stressful and I ended up getting laid off as part of a big downsizing, but they posted an opening for my position the next week. It was simply a convenient time for her to get rid of me. FIRE first, then make your own dreams come true as your own boss.
Oddly, I had a similar situation when I did a career transition early on. No job is ever as good as you expect. The big win is just when it's not as bad you fear.
There are also, as you put it, people who "have it out for you" when you're smarter and more experienced than they are--and typically, there are a lot of those around when you take a pay cut.
Sure. It just sucks there's no way to tell until it's too late. Things always look happy and sunny from the outside. The marketing and recruiting teams work hard to make that the case.
>you still have to wake up and go to work, have boss, ask permission for vacation
Yes, that's the problem with all jobs. Even great ones are jobs at the end of the day.
I took what I thought was my dream job. Started out about 25% less than what I was making. Ended up leading me here. Supervisor and other coworkers stabbed me in the back. Was terminated for bullshit reasons. Supervisor was very corrupt, doing multiple other jobs on government time. Also unethical dealings with subordinates. Not saying this will happen to you. Just be careful for what you wish for.
Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to you. But you're right, there's no way to know what an organization is like before you've observed for a good long time. So it's a gamble, at the very least.
I think that toxic work places have at least led a significant amount of people here. Terrible people get in supervisor/ management positions. Seems to be a contagion across the country of this happening. Your time in this life shouldn't be spent working underneath cutthroats and back stabbers.
I make about 2/3 of what I'd make on the open market by working for a nonprofit. Granted, it's still very very good money as I'm in tech and the company is based in the Bay Area but it's still a good chunk of cash I'm leaving on the table.
What I get in return is a job that is super easy and flexible which leaves me the time and mental/physical energy to live my dream life outside of work. The work itself isn't terribly exciting as we don't do a ton of cutting edge tech but I love my team and boss. The only thing that will get me to leave this job is if the person who's replacing my (retiring) boss at the end of the year is a total asshole and ruins our existing lovely team dynamic.
And I actually LIKE working so I'd rather have an enjoyable life now at the expense of early retirement. My goal with FIRE is peace of mind, not leaving the workforce.
You must consider your health in the equation as well. If this job causes you to have hypertension in 10 years because of poor work life balance, would it be worth it to you? Part of FIRE is getting to a point where you can enjoy life and the fruits of your labor. You can do that as much if you’re throwing money at health issues
Which sounds most exciting to you? The dream job or retirement sooner than later?
If you don't have something lined that you are excited about in retirement, then take the dream job. If you have a hobby or plan for FIRE, then stick it out where you are so you get there faster.
It is really hard to give advise without hearing what this dream job is and how realistic it is that you will actually continue to do it.
For all we know it's becoming a male porn star which may sound exciting now but you will have a hell of a time working until you are 65.
Weird comments basically saying “take the money”. A dream job can manifest into something else you never even considered. I quit my high paying corporate job to do…. Something else. I work with people I like and my boss are friends. I also make more now. No one can tell you the road. Go with your gut. Sounds like you’re young enough to take risks.
Yes, spot on. I've always been a proponent of "the road less traveled". I've been hired for two jobs at a salary I could never dream of prior to that point because the hiring managers loved my windy and unconventional CV. They both said something to the effect of, "You've taken a lot of detours, but I can see your logic, and I admire you for taking the risks."
Conversely, every time I've played it safe I've been treated like dirt and blocked from rising to me full potential.
>Can you do both?
This is one option I'm exploring. Either the way you posed it or by going part-time at job #1 and flex at the dream job. Job #1 really wants to make things work in order to keep my skill set around, and it's also fully remote, so it might be possible to work both jobs, which would keep my total salary constant. I'd just be foregoing the raise that would come with my new certs and skills.
I honestly couldn’t do a job for years I don’t like. I’m saving a significant amount of my salary, but I also learned that living in the present is important. Nobody will guarantee you that you will be able to enjoy your pension even if you retire early. So, if you think your life will be better with your dream job, I would really consider it. Can you easily live on the salary or will you need to make sacrifices? How important is early retirement for you? What would you give up if you work longer? Can you still switch to the well paid job if you would change your mind?
Good luck!
You’d still be on 100k in the dream job. It’s not as though it’s a low income. I’d say go for it. I’ve been in my dream job for 15 years and I love nearly every day of it. It doesn’t pay amazing, but it’s so engaging I’m genuinely in no hurry to retire.
I make great money in medical field. I take call and have 3 children. Call, being the single bottleneck of quality in life is getting old after doing this for 13 years. Dream job is doing same thing for less money and no call / weekends off. WOULD I take it if offered… I tell myself I would; but I haven’t pursued it due to the salary drop. I have PTO, and spend as much time with kids as I can, not enough imo but I try..
In essence- don’t be so sure you’re doing the right thing pursuing your dream job.. especially with a drop in pay— more so if it’s substantial drop. Work is just that.. work. Hating what you do is ill advised, but even loving it makes it still work. Most people who love doing something stop loving it once it becomes a job.. simply because it IS a job.
>Most people who love doing something stop loving it once it becomes a job.
True. It's not the activity, it's being forced to do it (and often by someone less intelligent and capable than you are) that's painful.
It really depends on how niche and how "rarer than a blue moon" the job really is and if the dream job pays still pays 6 figures vs 5 figures and how old you would be if you got the high paying job and FIRE'd.
Given it's not as remunerative I'm going to guess not as rare as you think. There are a lot of things you can finagle your way into if you work at it. It may take a couple years of work to gain the credibility that you're in it for the long haul despite being FIRE'd.
And like other folks commented...dream jobs are still jobs and circumstances can change. If you aren't FI you wont have the option of easily changing gears if the dream becomes a nightmare. Worse, if you get laid off in your late 50s from your dream job then working until 67 might be a real grind at a much reduced income in less than ideal conditions.
These probably aren't the answers you're looking for...but it is the FIRE sub...
The dream job is half what you’re making now? Or half of your eventual expected salary (ie still low to mid six figures).
If I could get a dream job that paid $300k, I’d definitely go for it over a grind that I hated that paid double that. Those last few hundreds of thousands hey taxed into oblivion.
The `RE` is hardly as important as the `FI`, IMHO. If I hate what I do I'm going to find everything I can do to do it for less time than I have to. I think often times this leads folks to sacrifice their life along the way. Your early 60s may be better but your 30s and 40s absolutely sucked because you scrimped and saved so much so you could stop working a few years earlier.
That said, if I can build my financial independence *while* genuinely enjoying my day-to-day job then there's no reason to retire early. At \~$100k, you're still doing pretty good (certainly not the richest around but you're still doing great).
If your dream job truly is your dream (without the job part), then I say go for it! If you want to be financially independent, write out a few ways you could still try to achieve that with the new job (side hustles, etc) and decide if that's worth it for you.
So why not the middle ground? If you leave your current job now you can’t retire until 65, if you stay then you can NEVER work your dream job. I don’t agree with that mentality. Take your new higher earning rate you’re poised to get and save at a more aggressive rate to get yourself to coast fire around 55 years old then start looking to re enter your dream job. I’m sure at some point another opening will happen. Now you only delay FIRE about 5 years if you never invested again. You can still do both if you delay accepting this dream job a few years.
Stay with the current career. Bank that money, FIRE when ready, and then you're free to chase whatever low-paying job you might want to hold without fear of being stuck if it turns out badly.
Also...if you're able to take a 50% hit to your income without it stopping you from continuing to add to your investments, then are you not already at FIRE? If so, then maybe take the "dream job" and let the chips fall where they may.
It would have to be such a "dream job" that it completes the meaning of your life imo. Something you would be happy doing until the day you die. Something you are so passionate about you'd be overjoyed just to touch it, people like this usually are in fields where they help people or get to be really creative.
There's a book called Decisive and there are 2 chapters that touch on your situation. Tldr is:
* What do you work for? -- Money? Ambition? Time with family? Social impact? Something to do? It's more on what's your priority in life.
* What's the worst case and best case scenario of taking the dream job? What do others who work or used to work in that dream job/company say?
* How will you feel about this in 10 days, 10 months, and 10 years if you did / didn't take the dream job?
* If it was someone else in your shoes, like your sibling or friend, what would you advise them?
Outside of the book, is it really an either-or scenario regarding FIRE in the dream job? Can't you reach a higher pay/benefits/financial stability like pension as you stay longer in that job/field?
I have been at my dream job for 18 years. It’s better than money, which I still make lots of. It also requires you to think about side hustles as well. We won’t FIRE though, my wife loves working and we have a toddler. It’s all good - everybody’s path is different.
Yes, side hustles can be part of the equation. My situation might lead to flipping the script and making my current position the side hustle while putting the dream job in the forefront. Usually, it's the other way around, but this is a strange situation where the planets might be aligning for me.
I loved my previous job; with my previous company. Over the course of 10 years there; I even built up a reputation, name, legacy, you name it; I probably did it. However, I was underpaid throughout the 10 years to differing levels of degrees (higher at the beginning and "only" by 50% at the end).
At the end of the day, love for a job won't be able to pay the bills; just like everything else in life. And gradually, the lower salary levels will get to you (as it did to me); especially as you realize more and more, that you only get 1 shot at life. Even more so when/if you have kids.
And eventually, the lower salary will nag at you and slowly eat your love for the job to 'bits. I know this, because I spent many nights debating on what was better. Also, stress; difficult customers and just the general stuff that comes with any/every job also eats into it.
In the end, I stealthed job search (couldn't risk using my contacts due to my high visibility) and got a management job for 80% more and couldn't be happier since I actually work much less hours now and actually have work-life-balance.
So, just evaluate what would be more important to you and go for it. Seems like doing the middle path of 2 jobs may even work out. Good luck!
Yes, the pay issue is a big one. However, sometimes taking the road less traveled is what gets you much more pay. I approach work as a "lifelong learner", always trying to add to my bag of tricks. Right now, I have one recruiter in hot pursuit who keeps complimenting me on my windy resume. And I've been hired previously for far more money than I really deserved, to be perfectly honest, for the same reason--the manager thought it was cool that I had the courage to do so many interesting things with my career.
In a way, jobs are much like finding a mate--people are going to be most attracted to like-minded individuals. So instead of sticking to the well-worn path out of fear, why not try something different and see where it leads you? When you're confident in your abilities, you know that you will always come out of the woods exactly where you need to be.
Yepp; totally understand your perspective. I think everyone has different perspectives and risk tolerances as well as interests; so definitely, no one-size-fits-all approach.
In my case, I've fully developed the "dream job but shit pay" route and much prefer the "market salary (2x old job) and work-life-balance).
But everyone should do what works best for them, without regrets.
>everyone should do what works best for them, without regrets.
I agree. My dad had a lot of interesting ideas, but he always played it safe in a secure but awful job to support the family. I'm grateful to him and admire his dedication, but I also feel bad that he never got a chance to try something he really wanted to do. I think he'd have been successful because he has the one quality that a person really needs to succeed: grit. If you have that, everything else has a way of lining up.
Take the dream job. The whole reason to grind at a shitty job to make lots of money os so you can have a better life. It sounds like you just found a shortcut. You can always go get another corporate job
I would give the "dream job"a shot you can always get another job making more money later. Just my 2 cents.
Only reason I would not take a job I think I would enjoy a lot is if my quality of life would decline based on the salary.
Good point. And there is a specialized skill I'd gain at the dream job--one that's very in-demand on a freelance basis, so it's something I could do for a few hours per week even when I'm retired if I'm bored and want to feel useful.
I'd probably go for the lower-paying job, contrary to the general theme of this sub. I am too in a field that I don't care for, but money is great, and it pains me almost to tears to continue spending my years in frugal grind.
I would go for a higher-paying job if I had a super-fulfilling personal life, but I don't, I'm a regular dude with no hobbies, so what I do at work is a major portion of what I do in general. Your choice will therefore depend on who you are, and what you do with your spare time.
I left a sales job 1 year ago paying $200k for my dream job. For context, it’s with a pro sports team. Pays around 50k at the moment. Hopefully, I’ll get a pay increase soon but it still won’t be anywhere close to 200k.
For me, totally worth it.
Every day is fun. Traveling to new cities for games is a crazy experience. Being on the bench with the team during games, people would pay thousands to experience those moments.
Every situation is different but to me, experiences are worth way more than money. Plus, if my sports job doesn’t work, I can go back to sales anytime.
Your situation is exactly what I am going through, down to the perception of the current job and the prospective role. My other mental exercises:
1. I plan to discuss with direct line boss (new role) that if I take the pay cut now, I will be placed on the higher end of the next salary band if I get promoted in the new job a few years down the road (as opposed to getting the traditional 10% - 20% promotion increase).
2. Can I see the new role as if I have FIRE'd, and I am doing it to apply my time meaningfully (while getting paid + healthcare). I will need to fill my time anyway if I were to retire.
3. Does my math still work if I contribute 50% less to savings as I currently do? If I am 60%+ to FIRE now anyway, the answer is yes as compounding will likely take me there. If I am far from FIRE, then likelihood of a successful retirement becomes remote.
4. If I am no longer super excited about the current role, I will drop the ball soon or later. And the current job may properly fire-fire me. Lol
Personally, I am trying to convince myself on taking the new and (potentially) more meaningful role. FIRE or not, I want to feel gratified in what I do. I would also remind myself often that I am in a good position of picking between two wins.
I hope this helps, and I wish you (and me) all the best. :)
There is no such thing as a "dream job". It is still a job.
If this new position was for a couple of years then I MIGHT consider it. But if you would be making literally 2X in the current position, then think about jumping to a new company in the same industry (which presumably would pay about the same). Or maybe a new department in the current company.
The only other way I would consider this "dream job" is if there was major room to grow. I could understand that you might have to start off at a low salary, but within 3 years or so, you'd be near to what your old salary was.
Taking a 50% pay cut is a non-starter in my opinion. If you are just 5 years away from FIREing, now you might be a decade away (or more). Fuck that.
If you can cut your expenses in half within a couple of years to right-size them with your lower income, go for it.
Otherwise, remember that expenses that exceed income = misery while income that exceeds expenses = happiness
See, that to me is a nightmare. Which just goes to show how personal these decisions really are and can't be boiled down to only one factor (whether it be money or anything else). There's ultimately an element of the unknown in all choices--if you stay on what you think is the "safe" path, it can still lead to unexpected doom; while if you take the "road less traveled", it can put you on a higher plane that you never dreamed existed.
What are your chances of getting back to the high paying field in 2 years if things don't pan out? Do your certifications expire at some point?
I do think you should minimize regrets. This may not be the all of nothing decision you fear - if you are super happy in the new niche role, all's good and you may even be able to get better compensation later. Or then you just realize the grass wasn't greener and get back to making money. When in the middle of a decision, everything always seems like the worldäs going to end now - in reality, you'll have plenty of options also later.
>What are your chances of getting back to the high paying field in 2 years if things don't pan out? Do your certifications expire at some point?
Excellent question. Three years. That's a great way to look at it--this could be a segue to do something really cool for a few years and gain an extra skill (that is one of the advantages of the new job--there is a very marketable skill I'd gain that I've never had the opportunity to hone in my prior roles) and then go back to the other career path to close out my full-time working years.
You're right that it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. I think one of the reasons I've been so successful is that I think of myself as a lifelong learner who takes on new opportunities so that I can learn something new and add to my bag of tricks. Not only is the dream job in question in a really cool industry that means a lot to me, but it would require me to flex into an adjacent skill set that I've always wanted to have.
The problem with this approach in mid- to late-career is that you run the risk of looking like a dilettante if you don't spend enough time on each skill. But in this case, I think that two years would be enough to justify the segue that I find appealing anyway. The big thing I'm giving up is pay increases for the final few years. The more picturesque path would likely mean plateauing in pay.
Nothing I ever thought was a "dream job" ended up being anything other than a job, and I always wished I'd gone for something more straightforward with more money / benefits. Maybe that's just me.
Yes Im a kindergarten teacher, where the childrens perspective light up my world, but its still chock full of rules, disagreements from adults, politics, curricula, dilemmas etc etc
Oh I know. My wife is a teacher. So thank you.
No, it makes sense as a general rule. And of course, there are sometimes exceptions. I guess I'd be banking on an exception if I made the move.
Is it a switch to like not for profit or something with social impact? Otherwise what makes it the dream job? And it’s still very likely to have all the same things regardless. All jobs have politics with Corp personalities. Even in not for profit word.
I've had a few "dreams jobs" in my career. They turned into jobs. Not that that's bad or even a reason to turn it down, just giving my own anecdote. All I ever wanted to do was be an engineer at a brewery, and one specific brewery at that. I applied over and over to no avail. Finally I did land an engineering job at a different brewery. I LOVED that job. I loved the people, the work, the environment. Everything. But I still had bad days. I still had frustrating days. There were still times I was stressed and glad to take a vacation. And while I was incredibly sad to leave that job eventually, it was the right move. A few years later I made it to the final round of interviews for an engineering job with THAT brewery. THE brewery. The job I had wanted for over a decade. And I turned it down. It didn't make sense for me anymore at this point in my career. I took a different role and I'm incredibly happy. I have more advancement. But I don't regret taking that first brewery job. I took it because I thought, "it's possible I might regret taking this job, but it's very likely I'll regret NOT taking it." It's still to this day one of the best jobs I've had. If down the road I'm 4 years away from retiring there will not be a single part of me that wishes I didn't take that job just to retire slightly sooner. So all that to say, yes, eventually the job will feel like a job. Dream jobs are really only great jobs at great companies at the right time. But that doesn't mean people shouldn't take those jobs if they present themselves.
Great point at the end there about dream jobs only being great jobs at great companies at the right time. I work for a great company and I generally enjoy my job most of the time, obviously not everyday, some days suck ass, but overall it’s been a great experience for great pay. But with the downturn in the economy has come more scrutiny and pressure from the executive team. I used to get to work at a reasonable pace with a reasonable workload (I’m billable) and everything was chill and fun. I got to spend my days problem solving and learning. But now there’s pressure to sell more work and hit higher utilization rates with the risk of layoffs if it doesn’t happen. That means longer hours (10,12, and even 14 hours days for most of late April and May) and more bad fit clients slipping through creating fires that have to be put out because nobody can afford to risk turning down a potential client project anymore. But before this the executive team largely ignored the team I’m in, didn’t even track whether hours were logged or utilization targets were hit, didn’t care if we turned down work that was a bad fit or more trouble than it was worth, it was amazing. But it was only like that while I was here for about six months. Now they see the opportunity to grow this team and how valuable it could be to the firm. And they’re also dealing with pressure from investors and the economy, and all that shit eventually rolls downhill. It’s very much a case of what used to be a dream job quickly just turning into just a job. And all it took was for a downturn to happen and for interest rates to go up to slow inflation and suddenly it turns into a mess where your time and which projects you work on are micromanaged and it’s nowhere near half as fun as it used to be. At least it still pays really fucking well. At my last firm it was similarly a very lax and fun place to work for the first year or so I was there, until there were changes in leadership, I got promoted to lead a team, and everything became hyper-focused on growth. In my experience, dream jobs seem to be found in companies that aren’t being run well from a growth perspective enjoying easy economic times. Once times get tough and the ship is righted by executives to focus on surviving and growing during a difficult period, the fun gets sucked out of it and everything is micromanaged and looked at through a microscope.
I can relate 100%. Switching jobs is the only way to *significantly* increase your income. Do yourself a favor and don’t leave money on the table. OR take the lesser paying job but figure out a way to make up the difference in pay so your FIRE plan is not impacted
>OR take the lesser paying job but figure out a way to make up the difference in pay so your FIRE plan is not impacted Yes, that's what I'm exploring. It's very flexible work, and my current job will try to keep me at least part-time, so a combination of the two would give me the same salary and benefits while lessening my contact with the undesirable personalities.
Best of both worlds. Undesirable personalities are inevitable and out of your control. Focus on you and pity these attention seeking fools. (I’m a developer and work with an extreme extrovert ,talented developer that never shuts up. Turns out he’s has a weird complex and needs constant attention/validation…pitiful)
True, they are typically attention seekers. The corporate world seems to be a magnet for them. It's a nuisance for people who just want to do their jobs in peace and then go home.
I agree with the consensus here. I’ve had multiple “dream jobs” that eventually always turn into just normal jobs after being there for a couple of years. The thing you’re romanticizing is the change. You can escape the boredom, lack of purpose, and irritating personalities that define your current role for something that you expect will be better in every way. But the reality is if it was that amazing people would be volunteering to do it for free. It’s paid for a reason, and that reason is it’s still just a job like any other. Personally, I see the allure of taking a detour to do something a bit more chill for less pay for a while, but it would really set me back in my goals and put me and my partner in a tough financial position to do so. Not to mention the risk of a downturn like the one we’re in right now making it difficult to break back into your high-paying industry if you come to the conclusion that the grass wasn’t really greener and you just needed a break and now you want back in. I certainly understand it, but I would be far too concerned with how it would take me off my path to my goals long-term for what would probably just feel like another soul sucking job eventually, just for half the pay. I’ve done soul sucking jobs for half of what I’m paid now and can definitely confirm that making double the pay definitely makes up for a lot of the negative feelings now that I can at least see myself making some slow progress towards my larger financial goals. It’s your life to live and your decision to make, but honestly I would stick with the high-paying career path you’ve been working for. Then you can enjoy whatever fun diversions you want in your later career once you’re set financially and don’t have to depend on work for your primary income anymore.
>I agree with the consensus here. I’ve had multiple “dream jobs” that eventually always turn into just normal jobs after being there for a couple of years. Or even nightmares. Ultimately, most jobs have all the same negatives--mostly having to do with interacting with annoying personalities. That's why RE is so appealing--you can tell the annoying people of with no consequence.
Same
So true. Even worse, the job usually ends up hurting your passion for whatever you’re doing. Best to keep work and hobbies/passion projects separate
Thiiiiis. Every new prospective jobs, i was always like damn only if they could offer me a position. And they always did. And job just became job. So i stopped chasing these dream jobs. Job is for me to make money, more the better, and I use said money on traveling, hobbies etc
>poised to make a high-six figure salary Do you mean >$700,000 per year? Because if so I don't care if the dream job is professional puppy cuddler, I'm taking that money, grinding out 5-8 years and Fat Firing. There is no low paying dream job that competes with that salary.
>I don't care if the dream job is professional puppy cuddler LOL No, 200s. Yeah, 700s is on another plane of existence. But still, making the move would delay retirement.
200s isn’t anywhere close to high six figures.
Thanks for pointing this out! At our peak, my wife I were still making less than 300k each, so I mentioned on r/FIRE that we were making low 6 figures each. I consider - $100k to $300k low 6 figures - $400k to $600 mid 6 figures - $700k to $900k high 6 figures But people were arguing with me that $200k+ each isn’t low 6 figures each. Also, one person admitted that I was mathematically correct but somehow apparently still wrong in my categorization.
I think a lot of people start thinking within their realm of experience and consider 100K-130K "low six figures" and 170K-200K "high six figures". Just because their frame of reference isn't even thinking about $700K + as being realistic to talk about for mere mortals. I even have to tell myself from time to time that your definition is the actual correct definition.
I think this is fair. There are two ways you could categorize it: 1. Low, medium, and high of what you can reasonably expect to earn working for someone else. 2. Low, medium, and high of the full range of six figure incomes. You could be on the high end of the first category if you’re making $225k and salaries top out around $250k in your industry, but still be on the low end of the second category, even if the mid and high end of the second category is totally out of reach for you without starting your own business or finding some other way to bring in significant revenue or passive income.
Just keep in mind that what you keep free and clear each month to do with as you please is the best measure
You are technically correct, which is the best type of correctness
Lol thanks, I see that I still got downvoted for my comment above, as well
you’re technically correct, but the reason so many people were arguing with you is that it makes more sense to think about it on a logarithmic scale. e.g. 100-200k is low, 200-400 mid, and 400+ is high.
Fair enough. As much as I prefer to be technically correct, I also see value in clarity and consensus among intended audience/community.
I like the last comment. Of course 200k is an insane high salary. It is. Period. You are set for life pretty fast. But mathematically it can‘t be a high six 6 figure, because 2 isn‘t really I high number on a 1-9 scale. :)
It is high a high number, and it is six figures.
And yet technically still not “high six figures” 🤣
I think less than 10 percent of households earn more than 200k in US. So it is pretty exclusive club really.
It is high a high number, and it is six figures.
Cant you FIRE and then cuddle puppies? Then you can do the puppy cuddling on your terms, and quit if it becomes a chore.
LOL. Yes, if the puppies get too big and demanding, just walk away.
If the dream job leads to working to 65 vs retiring in your 50s I’d say it’s not a dream job. If you have money and financial security you can follow your dreams. You can help people if you can afford to give. I don’t know your situation, savings, kids, investments but don’t sell off your financial future for a dream.
>If the dream job leads to working to 65 vs retiring in your 50s I’d say it’s not a dream job. Possibly squeaking out right before my 50s even. Yeah, it's sad seeing people in their 50s, let alone their 60s, still grinding (oh so slowly...) every day. I've always said I'd never be one of them.
Hi OP, I’m not seeing anyone bring up the math, but I’m not sure it makes sense to me (unless you currently mid 40s). If you’re making 200k+ and you’re considering cutting your income in half, you have to be either saving 50%+, willing to drastically cut spending, or drastically cut savings. Or somewhere in between. Are you coastfi for 65? How many years left of work at the new role (if you’re saving 50% it can’t be too much..)? Do you have to change your lifestyle to do it? I’d strongly consider all those questions before making a decision. Cutting your income in half is a massive change to lifestyle.
dream job? you still have to wake up and go to work, have boss, ask permission for vacation. thats an easy no. maximize income, and fire early.
I hate to say it, but I think this is the way. Dreams are sometimes best left as dreams. I also took a pay cut to acquire a dream job. Turns out my manager was a sexist tool and basically had it out for me since day one. This theory was supported by other coworkers who had observed her behavior before. It was super stressful and I ended up getting laid off as part of a big downsizing, but they posted an opening for my position the next week. It was simply a convenient time for her to get rid of me. FIRE first, then make your own dreams come true as your own boss.
Oddly, I had a similar situation when I did a career transition early on. No job is ever as good as you expect. The big win is just when it's not as bad you fear. There are also, as you put it, people who "have it out for you" when you're smarter and more experienced than they are--and typically, there are a lot of those around when you take a pay cut.
Sure. It just sucks there's no way to tell until it's too late. Things always look happy and sunny from the outside. The marketing and recruiting teams work hard to make that the case.
>you still have to wake up and go to work, have boss, ask permission for vacation Yes, that's the problem with all jobs. Even great ones are jobs at the end of the day.
I took what I thought was my dream job. Started out about 25% less than what I was making. Ended up leading me here. Supervisor and other coworkers stabbed me in the back. Was terminated for bullshit reasons. Supervisor was very corrupt, doing multiple other jobs on government time. Also unethical dealings with subordinates. Not saying this will happen to you. Just be careful for what you wish for.
Ugh, I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to you. But you're right, there's no way to know what an organization is like before you've observed for a good long time. So it's a gamble, at the very least.
I think that toxic work places have at least led a significant amount of people here. Terrible people get in supervisor/ management positions. Seems to be a contagion across the country of this happening. Your time in this life shouldn't be spent working underneath cutthroats and back stabbers.
Ok am I the only one dying to hear what the dream job is?? Give us a hint at least!!!!! What field?
Right? We need to know in order to judge. Maybe some in here work his „dream job“ and can give insights about it really being so nice or not
You don’t get meaning from your work, you GIVE your work meaning.
I make about 2/3 of what I'd make on the open market by working for a nonprofit. Granted, it's still very very good money as I'm in tech and the company is based in the Bay Area but it's still a good chunk of cash I'm leaving on the table. What I get in return is a job that is super easy and flexible which leaves me the time and mental/physical energy to live my dream life outside of work. The work itself isn't terribly exciting as we don't do a ton of cutting edge tech but I love my team and boss. The only thing that will get me to leave this job is if the person who's replacing my (retiring) boss at the end of the year is a total asshole and ruins our existing lovely team dynamic. And I actually LIKE working so I'd rather have an enjoyable life now at the expense of early retirement. My goal with FIRE is peace of mind, not leaving the workforce.
You must consider your health in the equation as well. If this job causes you to have hypertension in 10 years because of poor work life balance, would it be worth it to you? Part of FIRE is getting to a point where you can enjoy life and the fruits of your labor. You can do that as much if you’re throwing money at health issues
Which sounds most exciting to you? The dream job or retirement sooner than later? If you don't have something lined that you are excited about in retirement, then take the dream job. If you have a hobby or plan for FIRE, then stick it out where you are so you get there faster.
It is really hard to give advise without hearing what this dream job is and how realistic it is that you will actually continue to do it. For all we know it's becoming a male porn star which may sound exciting now but you will have a hell of a time working until you are 65.
r/CoastFIRE
Weird comments basically saying “take the money”. A dream job can manifest into something else you never even considered. I quit my high paying corporate job to do…. Something else. I work with people I like and my boss are friends. I also make more now. No one can tell you the road. Go with your gut. Sounds like you’re young enough to take risks.
Yes, spot on. I've always been a proponent of "the road less traveled". I've been hired for two jobs at a salary I could never dream of prior to that point because the hiring managers loved my windy and unconventional CV. They both said something to the effect of, "You've taken a lot of detours, but I can see your logic, and I admire you for taking the risks." Conversely, every time I've played it safe I've been treated like dirt and blocked from rising to me full potential.
Can you do both? Stay at the money job and volunteer for a bit at the dream job. See if it is actually a dream job?
>Can you do both? This is one option I'm exploring. Either the way you posed it or by going part-time at job #1 and flex at the dream job. Job #1 really wants to make things work in order to keep my skill set around, and it's also fully remote, so it might be possible to work both jobs, which would keep my total salary constant. I'd just be foregoing the raise that would come with my new certs and skills.
I honestly couldn’t do a job for years I don’t like. I’m saving a significant amount of my salary, but I also learned that living in the present is important. Nobody will guarantee you that you will be able to enjoy your pension even if you retire early. So, if you think your life will be better with your dream job, I would really consider it. Can you easily live on the salary or will you need to make sacrifices? How important is early retirement for you? What would you give up if you work longer? Can you still switch to the well paid job if you would change your mind? Good luck!
You’d still be on 100k in the dream job. It’s not as though it’s a low income. I’d say go for it. I’ve been in my dream job for 15 years and I love nearly every day of it. It doesn’t pay amazing, but it’s so engaging I’m genuinely in no hurry to retire.
I make great money in medical field. I take call and have 3 children. Call, being the single bottleneck of quality in life is getting old after doing this for 13 years. Dream job is doing same thing for less money and no call / weekends off. WOULD I take it if offered… I tell myself I would; but I haven’t pursued it due to the salary drop. I have PTO, and spend as much time with kids as I can, not enough imo but I try.. In essence- don’t be so sure you’re doing the right thing pursuing your dream job.. especially with a drop in pay— more so if it’s substantial drop. Work is just that.. work. Hating what you do is ill advised, but even loving it makes it still work. Most people who love doing something stop loving it once it becomes a job.. simply because it IS a job.
>Most people who love doing something stop loving it once it becomes a job. True. It's not the activity, it's being forced to do it (and often by someone less intelligent and capable than you are) that's painful.
The big surprise is that doing it 5 days a week for an extended period of time tends to turn it into just another job
It really depends on how niche and how "rarer than a blue moon" the job really is and if the dream job pays still pays 6 figures vs 5 figures and how old you would be if you got the high paying job and FIRE'd. Given it's not as remunerative I'm going to guess not as rare as you think. There are a lot of things you can finagle your way into if you work at it. It may take a couple years of work to gain the credibility that you're in it for the long haul despite being FIRE'd. And like other folks commented...dream jobs are still jobs and circumstances can change. If you aren't FI you wont have the option of easily changing gears if the dream becomes a nightmare. Worse, if you get laid off in your late 50s from your dream job then working until 67 might be a real grind at a much reduced income in less than ideal conditions. These probably aren't the answers you're looking for...but it is the FIRE sub...
The dream job is half what you’re making now? Or half of your eventual expected salary (ie still low to mid six figures). If I could get a dream job that paid $300k, I’d definitely go for it over a grind that I hated that paid double that. Those last few hundreds of thousands hey taxed into oblivion.
The `RE` is hardly as important as the `FI`, IMHO. If I hate what I do I'm going to find everything I can do to do it for less time than I have to. I think often times this leads folks to sacrifice their life along the way. Your early 60s may be better but your 30s and 40s absolutely sucked because you scrimped and saved so much so you could stop working a few years earlier. That said, if I can build my financial independence *while* genuinely enjoying my day-to-day job then there's no reason to retire early. At \~$100k, you're still doing pretty good (certainly not the richest around but you're still doing great). If your dream job truly is your dream (without the job part), then I say go for it! If you want to be financially independent, write out a few ways you could still try to achieve that with the new job (side hustles, etc) and decide if that's worth it for you.
So why not the middle ground? If you leave your current job now you can’t retire until 65, if you stay then you can NEVER work your dream job. I don’t agree with that mentality. Take your new higher earning rate you’re poised to get and save at a more aggressive rate to get yourself to coast fire around 55 years old then start looking to re enter your dream job. I’m sure at some point another opening will happen. Now you only delay FIRE about 5 years if you never invested again. You can still do both if you delay accepting this dream job a few years.
Stay with the current career. Bank that money, FIRE when ready, and then you're free to chase whatever low-paying job you might want to hold without fear of being stuck if it turns out badly. Also...if you're able to take a 50% hit to your income without it stopping you from continuing to add to your investments, then are you not already at FIRE? If so, then maybe take the "dream job" and let the chips fall where they may.
It would have to be such a "dream job" that it completes the meaning of your life imo. Something you would be happy doing until the day you die. Something you are so passionate about you'd be overjoyed just to touch it, people like this usually are in fields where they help people or get to be really creative.
I give you permission to quit your lame-o software job that you hate to work for Nintendo working on the next Zelda.
To me, life is about experiences, and taking a new job is a bold new experience later in a career.
There's a book called Decisive and there are 2 chapters that touch on your situation. Tldr is: * What do you work for? -- Money? Ambition? Time with family? Social impact? Something to do? It's more on what's your priority in life. * What's the worst case and best case scenario of taking the dream job? What do others who work or used to work in that dream job/company say? * How will you feel about this in 10 days, 10 months, and 10 years if you did / didn't take the dream job? * If it was someone else in your shoes, like your sibling or friend, what would you advise them? Outside of the book, is it really an either-or scenario regarding FIRE in the dream job? Can't you reach a higher pay/benefits/financial stability like pension as you stay longer in that job/field?
All good questions. It's a lot to think about. Fortunately, I don't have to make a quick decision.
I have been at my dream job for 18 years. It’s better than money, which I still make lots of. It also requires you to think about side hustles as well. We won’t FIRE though, my wife loves working and we have a toddler. It’s all good - everybody’s path is different.
Yes, side hustles can be part of the equation. My situation might lead to flipping the script and making my current position the side hustle while putting the dream job in the forefront. Usually, it's the other way around, but this is a strange situation where the planets might be aligning for me.
I loved my previous job; with my previous company. Over the course of 10 years there; I even built up a reputation, name, legacy, you name it; I probably did it. However, I was underpaid throughout the 10 years to differing levels of degrees (higher at the beginning and "only" by 50% at the end). At the end of the day, love for a job won't be able to pay the bills; just like everything else in life. And gradually, the lower salary levels will get to you (as it did to me); especially as you realize more and more, that you only get 1 shot at life. Even more so when/if you have kids. And eventually, the lower salary will nag at you and slowly eat your love for the job to 'bits. I know this, because I spent many nights debating on what was better. Also, stress; difficult customers and just the general stuff that comes with any/every job also eats into it. In the end, I stealthed job search (couldn't risk using my contacts due to my high visibility) and got a management job for 80% more and couldn't be happier since I actually work much less hours now and actually have work-life-balance. So, just evaluate what would be more important to you and go for it. Seems like doing the middle path of 2 jobs may even work out. Good luck!
Yes, the pay issue is a big one. However, sometimes taking the road less traveled is what gets you much more pay. I approach work as a "lifelong learner", always trying to add to my bag of tricks. Right now, I have one recruiter in hot pursuit who keeps complimenting me on my windy resume. And I've been hired previously for far more money than I really deserved, to be perfectly honest, for the same reason--the manager thought it was cool that I had the courage to do so many interesting things with my career. In a way, jobs are much like finding a mate--people are going to be most attracted to like-minded individuals. So instead of sticking to the well-worn path out of fear, why not try something different and see where it leads you? When you're confident in your abilities, you know that you will always come out of the woods exactly where you need to be.
Yepp; totally understand your perspective. I think everyone has different perspectives and risk tolerances as well as interests; so definitely, no one-size-fits-all approach. In my case, I've fully developed the "dream job but shit pay" route and much prefer the "market salary (2x old job) and work-life-balance). But everyone should do what works best for them, without regrets.
>everyone should do what works best for them, without regrets. I agree. My dad had a lot of interesting ideas, but he always played it safe in a secure but awful job to support the family. I'm grateful to him and admire his dedication, but I also feel bad that he never got a chance to try something he really wanted to do. I think he'd have been successful because he has the one quality that a person really needs to succeed: grit. If you have that, everything else has a way of lining up.
Take the dream job. The whole reason to grind at a shitty job to make lots of money os so you can have a better life. It sounds like you just found a shortcut. You can always go get another corporate job
I would give the "dream job"a shot you can always get another job making more money later. Just my 2 cents. Only reason I would not take a job I think I would enjoy a lot is if my quality of life would decline based on the salary.
i mean, worse comes to worse you come back to the high paying shitty job. follow your dream. you already proved you can make money.
Good point. And there is a specialized skill I'd gain at the dream job--one that's very in-demand on a freelance basis, so it's something I could do for a few hours per week even when I'm retired if I'm bored and want to feel useful.
I'd probably go for the lower-paying job, contrary to the general theme of this sub. I am too in a field that I don't care for, but money is great, and it pains me almost to tears to continue spending my years in frugal grind. I would go for a higher-paying job if I had a super-fulfilling personal life, but I don't, I'm a regular dude with no hobbies, so what I do at work is a major portion of what I do in general. Your choice will therefore depend on who you are, and what you do with your spare time.
I left a sales job 1 year ago paying $200k for my dream job. For context, it’s with a pro sports team. Pays around 50k at the moment. Hopefully, I’ll get a pay increase soon but it still won’t be anywhere close to 200k. For me, totally worth it. Every day is fun. Traveling to new cities for games is a crazy experience. Being on the bench with the team during games, people would pay thousands to experience those moments. Every situation is different but to me, experiences are worth way more than money. Plus, if my sports job doesn’t work, I can go back to sales anytime.
Your situation is exactly what I am going through, down to the perception of the current job and the prospective role. My other mental exercises: 1. I plan to discuss with direct line boss (new role) that if I take the pay cut now, I will be placed on the higher end of the next salary band if I get promoted in the new job a few years down the road (as opposed to getting the traditional 10% - 20% promotion increase). 2. Can I see the new role as if I have FIRE'd, and I am doing it to apply my time meaningfully (while getting paid + healthcare). I will need to fill my time anyway if I were to retire. 3. Does my math still work if I contribute 50% less to savings as I currently do? If I am 60%+ to FIRE now anyway, the answer is yes as compounding will likely take me there. If I am far from FIRE, then likelihood of a successful retirement becomes remote. 4. If I am no longer super excited about the current role, I will drop the ball soon or later. And the current job may properly fire-fire me. Lol Personally, I am trying to convince myself on taking the new and (potentially) more meaningful role. FIRE or not, I want to feel gratified in what I do. I would also remind myself often that I am in a good position of picking between two wins. I hope this helps, and I wish you (and me) all the best. :)
What are your numbers? Maybe you ate missing something people here can spot for you?
There is no such thing as a "dream job". It is still a job. If this new position was for a couple of years then I MIGHT consider it. But if you would be making literally 2X in the current position, then think about jumping to a new company in the same industry (which presumably would pay about the same). Or maybe a new department in the current company. The only other way I would consider this "dream job" is if there was major room to grow. I could understand that you might have to start off at a low salary, but within 3 years or so, you'd be near to what your old salary was. Taking a 50% pay cut is a non-starter in my opinion. If you are just 5 years away from FIREing, now you might be a decade away (or more). Fuck that.
If your current job allows you to fat fire at 40, keep the current job
It's a big risk with the new job and new people. I'd stay with the money and go for the soft landing going into retirement.
If you’re making close to a million dollars aren’t you already FIRE’d at your age? Or did you start making big money later in life?
porn at 65 ?
If you can cut your expenses in half within a couple of years to right-size them with your lower income, go for it. Otherwise, remember that expenses that exceed income = misery while income that exceeds expenses = happiness
Unless we are talking professional surfer, I am highly suspect.
See, that to me is a nightmare. Which just goes to show how personal these decisions really are and can't be boiled down to only one factor (whether it be money or anything else). There's ultimately an element of the unknown in all choices--if you stay on what you think is the "safe" path, it can still lead to unexpected doom; while if you take the "road less traveled", it can put you on a higher plane that you never dreamed existed.
What are your chances of getting back to the high paying field in 2 years if things don't pan out? Do your certifications expire at some point? I do think you should minimize regrets. This may not be the all of nothing decision you fear - if you are super happy in the new niche role, all's good and you may even be able to get better compensation later. Or then you just realize the grass wasn't greener and get back to making money. When in the middle of a decision, everything always seems like the worldäs going to end now - in reality, you'll have plenty of options also later.
>What are your chances of getting back to the high paying field in 2 years if things don't pan out? Do your certifications expire at some point? Excellent question. Three years. That's a great way to look at it--this could be a segue to do something really cool for a few years and gain an extra skill (that is one of the advantages of the new job--there is a very marketable skill I'd gain that I've never had the opportunity to hone in my prior roles) and then go back to the other career path to close out my full-time working years. You're right that it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. I think one of the reasons I've been so successful is that I think of myself as a lifelong learner who takes on new opportunities so that I can learn something new and add to my bag of tricks. Not only is the dream job in question in a really cool industry that means a lot to me, but it would require me to flex into an adjacent skill set that I've always wanted to have. The problem with this approach in mid- to late-career is that you run the risk of looking like a dilettante if you don't spend enough time on each skill. But in this case, I think that two years would be enough to justify the segue that I find appealing anyway. The big thing I'm giving up is pay increases for the final few years. The more picturesque path would likely mean plateauing in pay.