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

Fruitloops

I was in a similar situation when I was younger. I'd taken the job for the higher salary, as my partner at the time was only getting part time hours and the rent needed to be paid. I left a job I adored (and is still the best job I had to this day) to take this higher paid position.

The Managing Director's PA decided I was a good target for her daily bullying, snarky comments, talking behind my back and so on. Thankfully, everybody in the small office appeared to be on my side, though nobody would say anything to her, which was understandable. I mentioned the issue to my line manager and was told they had spoken to her, after which the problems stopped for a very brief period of time before resuming.

Eventually, I grew to despise my job, hated waking up knowing I had to go there, felt thoroughly miserable every single day, both at work and at home, all due to this woman. I handed in my resignation and despite being asked to stay, told I could take my complaint higher and offered several changes to ease my workload, I declined and still left. It was too late, I loathed everything about the job by then.

It's not an easy decision when you need the extra pay, but as others have said, it can quite easily affect your health in a bad way and your daily life outside of work. Is it worth this risk? Will you be so stressed you won't be able to study properly? If you feel you can stay with a view to leaving once you complete your course, go for it and keep your eye on your future goal knowing that you will be out of there soon enough. Otherwise, take the lower pay if you feel you will be happier and healthier.

view

Absolutely 100% yes.

The reason I say this is because I took a 9k hit to leave an incredibly bullying nasty rude arrogant belittling insecure idiot of a man who was my direct boss. I don't use the word idiot much or lightly.

It was 5 months of hell. One of the most awful situations I've been in . I used to wear sunglasses on the bus to hide my tears, even if it was cloudy outside. Yes the pay cut hit us, I had to make sure the money still covered bills, but just shuffled things around and we're doing fine. I didn't even have a job to go to immediately and spent 2 months unemployed. Very stressful, so if you have a job lined up then do not hesitate.

Best thing I ever ever did and if I ever experience this type of behaviour again I would have no hesitation in leaving.

The most important thing is will a lower wage cover everything. If yes, then don't hesitate.

Callie22

Yes, I've done exactly that and it was one of the smartest things I've ever done. Within about six months I'd been promoted in my new job and so got back up the same wage level.

Jobseeeker

yes (but only when you have a definitie offer)

Wyndham

I'm currenly going through a stressful time at work, and have decided that the job in it's current form is not for me, but I'm not seeing a way out. I'm seeing my manager today, and also have an appointment with occupational health, and I do feel I need to use these opportunities to give my feedback in a constructive manner, and see if anything can be changed. And, having done some 'savings maths' I've also decided that if nothing changes, then I will go, even if I don't have a job to go to.

I think OP you need to talk to your manager's manager, even if they are friends. That way they at least have a chance to do something, even if they don't take it. If you don't, then the behaviour will continue, and while it may not then concern you, it will be affecting someone else. If you are in a union, you may want to get them involved.

In the meantime, apply for the job, go for the interview, see where it leads. Once you have something solid to consider, it may help the decision.

But one conclusion I'm rapidly reaching is that my health is more important than all the money in the world!

Lilith1980

I am leaving a job soon and taking a £5k cut in the process. The travel costs will be lower so it kind of balances out.

Although there was no bullying, I was so stressed. There were only two of us 'on the shop floor' as it were, and when the other lady left they gave me all her duties so I was effectively a one-woman-band juggling everything.

I would have trouble getting to sleep and then would wake up early worrying about what had to be done. I didn't think I could survive on the drop in money but it's made me realise that my health is so much more important.

I start a new job in a few weeks' time and it will be a huge relief to be able to do a 9-5 and leave it behind when I go home. This current role seems to invade every part of my life

See if you get an interview. If you get offered the job then go for it - you can think about whether you can afford the course once you're in the new job. The important thing is you are happy where you work, and then the other things will fit into place

gazzak_2

Life is way too short to be stuck under a scumbag like that who makes you miserable. A temporary pay cut is 100% better than the situation you are in now. Go for it, absolutely. It's a no brainer.

ditzyat50

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

Definitely Yes without a shadow of a doubt. I didn't even need to read the full post. The word YES just screamed out. Good luck.

lemontart

yes
do not need that stress get enough of it at home

Transformersfan1988

I quit a job after two months because I was so unhappy it was making me unwell. My new job wasn't a massive step on my career ladder but the friendly staff made it worth the while.