Took a pay cut for a 4-day workweek - best or worst move I ever made?

I was making $72k at a full-time office job here in Austin, 5 days a week, burnt out. Got offered a similar role at $58k but only 4 days. I took it 6 months ago. Now I have way more time for side projects and family, but my savings is taking a hit. Some friends say I'm crazy for giving up that money. Others think I'm onto something. What's your take - would you trade salary for an extra day off each week?

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lily_ramirez43mo ago

I took a pay cut for a 4-day workweek" - I totally get why you did it. I did something similar a few years back and never looked back, even though my checking account does feel it sometimes. That extra day is priceless for your mental health and actually getting stuff done at home instead of just surviving the week. It's a trade off for sure, but money can't buy back that time with your family.

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barbara_sanchez883mo ago

oh absolutely, you're not crazy at all. i took a similar cut a while back from $68k to $55k for that extra day and honestly, the first few months i kept second-guessing myself too, especially when my credit card bill came in. but then i realized i was actually cooking real dinners again and had energy to hang out with friends on fridays instead of being a total zombie. it's tough to watch your savings grow slower, but that time you get back is something you can't put a price on, especially with family.

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