“Would it be foolish to take such a large pay cut, even if it means moving to a job I would feel passionate about?”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

“Dear PoPville,

I’m struggling with a job-related decision and would love to hear others’ thoughts on my dilemma. I know it’s ultimately a decision only I can make, but it always helps to hear from others.

I am currently in a job that I don’t love or feel passionate about. It’s alternately boring and exhausting. The hours are long and the work isn’t particularly rewarding most of the time. However, I’m making a good amount of money that allows me to save a lot and pay down my student loan debt aggressively.

I’ve received an offer from a “dream company” for a “dream job” in another field that I’ve been wanting to break into. The pay is significantly lower (about a 30% cut), but would still allow me to cover my bills, student loans, etc.

I’m married and my husband also works full time. We’re hoping to have a family within the next few years and move closer to my family in another state within the next two years. So, I have about two years left in DC, where both my current job and this newly offered job are located. The place we’re hoping to move has a lower cost of living.

My question is, would it be foolish to take such a large pay cut, even if it means moving to a job I would feel passionate about? Have others done this? Has it been worth it? Is there anything I’m not considering?”