Would you take a lower paid job to escape bully boss?

Mockingjays

Hi all,

I'd be interested to know what folk think. I'm desperately unhappy at work, my boss is a bully and making my life a misery, but her manager (and the person I'd talk to) is her friend.

I've been looking for other jobs for and have found one to apply for that looks really interesting, with the chance of future progression. Only down side is it pays £5K less than what I'm currently earning which could create problems of another kind if i lose that money, with the cost of living increasing. My partner was made redundant so we have only my wage at the moment.

I had hoped to start a college course in September which my current salary would help towards hugely, and which may be difficult to fund if I take the lower paid job. Ultimately the course could help me get an even better job in the future.

So I just wondered what what other people would do? Try for a lower paid job or stick with the current one and go to college in September to improve my prospects further?

Thanks for reading.

Lagoon

I'd always leave the job I was unhappy with, yes. To me, no amount of money is worth being unhappy.

Stress affects you in a big way. It doesn't just destroy your experience at work. It eats into your personal time, destroys your time off, affects your health. Think of the physical effects as well as the mental ones, and I think it'll help you to make up your mind. Would you keep your job if you were being PHYSICALLY harmed by your boss every day?

Cut down your expenses elsewhere (plenty of people here can help with that, of course), and find ways to increase your income outside of your full-time job. Alternatively, keep looking for another job now, and find one that pays better before you jump ship.

Osarkon

Being in a similar situation at the moment, im also looking at lower paid jobs. Yes I'll have less money, but at least I can enjoy days off, and not spend them worrying.

Life is too short to be miserable every day.

blckbrd

Completely agree with Lagoon. There is no amount of money that could keep (has kept) me in a job or work environment I hate.

We spend many hours at work; sometimes more than the quality time we have for family and friends. I really would rather be skint than seriously unhappy.

Are there alternatives to going to college for the course you want to do? Or a part-time rather than full time option?

telboyo

It is not really a £5000 pay cut because you will be paying £1000 less tax £500 less NI and possibly £450 less student loan. Looking at it that way it is only a £3,050 pay cut. That is £60 per week ish. Are the travelling costs much different even £2 per day reduces your loss to £50 per week.
£50 per week for happiness is not that bad.

Mockingjays

I really appreciate all the comments, it's confirmed what I was thinking. The reality is I'm so unhappy at work that I spend all weekend feeling sick about going in the following Monday so it is having a huge impact on me.

I'm going to apply and fingers crossed I get the job!

Osarkon, I hope something comes up for you soon.

Thanks again.

pimento

If I had to leave I would make it as awkward for the bully boss as I could, though.

coinxoperated

It does amaze me that because someone has the word 'manager' in their title, they feel they are needed to be bullies. 'Manager' to me means supportive, forward thinking and moving a department forward. Making your staff hate you is so not the way forward!

I would leave, sod it. At the end of the day, you'll survive on whatever money you have. Nobody died of leaving a job they hated !

Best of luck!

johnnythefox

I agree with what has been said. Especially seeing as you feel sick with nerves on your days off. My girlfriend left a job similar to that and her relief afterwards was huge.

Don't spend your life worrying. My girlfriend took a pay cut too, after a couple of months of unemployment too.But she said she was spending all that money on chocolate when she was in her old job, as a substitute for happiness.

It's totally worth it. Let the relief shine through when you tell your manager too. They'll know that they might have influenced your decision and might improve their attitude. It won't be much use to you, but it'll also put a smile on your face to leave them a little bit stunned.

bargainbetty

Honey, I'm currently on anti-depressants because I tried too hard for too long to put up with stuff. Luckily, my bosses have responded well to my complaint about the bully and a few other small things, and I hope to be able to keep my job in the long run. However, I was prepared to take a serious pay cut to find happiness and regain my health. I'm still thinking about retraining into a lower paid field, just so I can be my own boss!

ntb1

without hesitation i'd take the pay cut. lifes too short. in my career i've changed paths three times for different reasons twice taking a paycut both times i've ended up on more money with in a year or two