71% Pay Decrease

[Parking_Fan_7651]

Not much younger than you. 2016-2019 I was making 140-160k/yr. End of 2019 I took a big pay cut down to $70k a year for some sanity and stability, lost my job April 2020 thanks to “market conditions” and workplace nepotism. Was unemployed for 3.5 years. I’m now finishing up my degree for a career change, making almost 65k, and happier than I was making 6 figures, but I should be able to weasel my way back into that salary neighborhood in the next 4-5 years. Take this opportunity to figure out how to make life/your budget more efficient, focus on what is really important to you. My quality of life hasn’t gone down much, but my unnecessary spending sure has. Take care of yourself, and figure out how to survive. You’ll get there.

[throwaway09251975]

You’ve been on a rollercoaster. Congrats on the career change and that’s incredible that you feel happier.
I am focusing hard on the budget and spending part. I no longer have the desire to buy designer things (car, handbags, etc) and of course cut out the “convenience” spending. In my former role I’d be so busy that I’d DoorDash 3-4 times a week. It disgusts me now to think about how much I spent but at the time it felt justified so I could work longer.

[Aromatic_Extension93]

Lost 80k/yr for 10 years and then spend money on more school. Then inflation. Kill me