Paycut to work on something meaningful?
Is it worth it to take a 30k pay cut (90K to 60K) to switch from being a support engineer at MS in Dallas to being an associate Product manager at a healthcare startup in Chicago? I’m tempted to take it for the role switch and for the opportunity to work on something making a real difference in the south side of Chicago. My ultimate plan is to get an MBA and continue working at tech companies with social enterprise focus but is the pay difference too big? I’m single, recent grad
Having worked at a medical device manufacturer in a past life, it’s really rewarding, but a total grind due to the regulatory environment.
It's your personal decision. I like your thinking though. You can read 'Thursdays work Morrie' to encourage yourself in taking up meaningful decisions.
Don't do it. I worked in healthcare and at this level you wouldn't get the opportunity to see the 'real difference'. You would probably be writing some codes or churning out some reports everyday.
TC is meaningful to your family.
Dallas to Chicago is a big cost of living difference, but if you're going because you're going to be in a mba program then maybe it's not a bad plan
Do think closely about the finances before making a decision. Depending on where in south side of Chicago vs.where you are right now, you may be going into an area with same or higher cost of living. Also, you will be going from a state with no state taxes to one that has - factor that into the pay cut.
Life is too short. Choose whatever makes you happy.
Sounds you're really just considering this to make yourself look good on the MBA application. Keep in mind you might not get into the MBA program and if the 30k lost is worth it.
Also the 30k is not as important as the loss of potential gains if you invest.
30k is big number. As you are single, these numbers are less meaningful, but ask yourself how much time will it take to recover those 30k.