Career change what do i do?
I’m currently weighing a career decision and would appreciate some perspective.
At my current position (Job A), I earn a higher income and have access to consistent overtime opportunities. However, I’ve found myself increasingly unhappy there—I often feel drained and unmotivated, and it’s begun to affect me on a deeper level.
I’m considering another opportunity (Job B) that would involve a leadership role. While the base pay is lower, it’s a position I feel more passionate about and it offers greater long-term growth and advancement potential. There are also opportunities for overtime in this role, and there’s a clear ladder to keep climbing—so eventually I would be able to earn more, though it will take time.
It’s also important to note that I wouldn’t be completely leaving Job A—I would be reducing my hours there to 24 per week, with a total of about 76 working hours per week between both jobs.
Financially, I’m currently working through Baby Step 2 of Financial Peace, and my debt exceeds $45,000. I’m the sole income earner in my household while my wife stays home to take care of our kids, and I’m already working as many hours as I can to stay on track. Because of this, income and stability are major factors in my decision.
I feel some urgency in making the right choice, as this opportunity may go to someone else if I don’t decide soon.
Given this situation, would it be wiser to stay in a higher-paying role where I’m unhappy but financially secure, or pursue a lower-paying leadership opportunity that brings more fulfillment and future growth?
Posted Apr 9, 2026, 9:09 PM UTC