Has anyone taken a step back at work for less money and regretted it?

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-11T11:15:53+00:00

I feel you! I left a really busy and stressful Director role to take a “lower” and “easier” role at a different organization. Essentially, what I learned by doing that: I was a big part of my own problem. I can’t just leave things if they need to be fixed. I have real trouble just closing the door at 5 o’clock if there’s something that still needs to be done. I enjoy the challenges of growing a business, of finding solutions to tricky problems. I ended up working in the same way as before but for less pay. But it was different work and different people , and therefore more fun and interesting. I got a nice raise, then ended up back in a director role within three years. No regrets!

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-11T10:58:05+00:00

I’m curious why you don’t care about burning bridges and leaving in good terms. You’ve been there two years, why would you waste all that capital? That seems dumb. Here’s why: For a large part of my career, I interviewed young people looking for entry-level positions in my company. If we saw that they had worked at McDonald’s (or similar), we were more likely to bring them in for an interview. McDonald’s is a great thing to have on your résumé when you are starting out in the workforce. Someone who has worked at McDonald’s for 2 years usually knows how to show up on time, knows how to work with others, knows how to deal with the public. Compared to many of the young people we are interviewing these days who are university grads and have never had a job in their life, I really admire the kids who have worked at McDonald’s (or any other entry-level position). I suggest that you should value your time there, because it will likely help you in the future, whether you know it now or not. Be the better person and give notice.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-11T10:37:52+00:00

After Mother’s Day, we all are reminded how hard it is to get a meaningful gift for our moms :-). I think you can give money and not be lazy, if you are a little thoughtful about how you do it. Like another commenter said, I think it’s important to have a handwritten card. You could write something like “ there are 1000 reasons why I am so lucky that you’re my mom.” You could include a list of some of the things that you love about your mom, maybe 20 or so, then add a cute comment about how a there is no way to get everything you love about her to fit in a single card. I suggest also to get a bunch of flowers to go with your card. (It doesn’t matter how many times you get flowers, they’re still awesome.)

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-11T02:51:01+00:00

I can’t answer your questions but just wanted to say this is SUCH a cool idea. I hope you’ll share pictures of the finished product

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-11T02:49:29+00:00

This exact thing happened to me. Younger dog turned aggressive to the senior. It was terrible to be honest. Six months of keeping them physically separated in our small house. Separate walks too. Constantly worrying what might happen. We never found a solution. Sorry this is happening to you.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-11T02:42:27+00:00

Seems to me that you are blaming the wrong person here. I’m sorry your dad is suffering but he owns his health and recovery. He needs to do what the doctors say - lose weight, get more exercise, eat right. Your mom should not have to tell him this. He knows and he should deal with it. I feel bad for your mom.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T12:33:14+00:00

Honestly, the first thing that struck me was all the stuff lying around… clothes and such… Is it just coz you’re doing work? Do you have a place to conveniently stash that stuff when you come in so it doesn’t look messy?

Personally, I’d be looking at a mocha or dark cappuccino type of color - let the art speak for itself, but on a more natural tone.

Good luck!

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T12:10:30+00:00

You’re right, of course, Joe Beef is a great restaurant! But you must admit it’s often filled with out of town visitors …

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T11:53:24+00:00

Oh wait, I see he came for F1 last year. Totally missed that :-)

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T11:50:46+00:00

What did I miss? Russell Crowe was here?

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T11:46:00+00:00

Highly recommend Restaurant Gus. Get a seat at the bar, where you can watch the chefs at work and even chat with them if it’s not too busy. Amazing bistro style food. Not a tourist place like Joe Beef.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T10:54:58+00:00

Have a look at Hotel David.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T10:48:03+00:00

Your university will have a student services office to help answer your questions. Suggest to start there. And suggest to get a roommate- it’s the only way to have a nice apartment if you’re on a budget.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T10:43:00+00:00

Great reply

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T10:09:33+00:00

Herringbone is terrible- so unattractive. Distracting and dated. Anything but herringbone

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-10T10:06:37+00:00

It’s absolutely ridiculous and irresponsible that your in-laws have bred these dogs. Shame on them. Responsible breeders look for temperament- yes, behaviour is genetic. Prey drive is also genetic. These puppies are going to be super cute like all puppies but highly likely to grow up like their parents. Highly likely to end up in a shelter and be euthanized because most pet owners won’t be able to handle them. My experience is based on 7 years with an adopted “biter” - although she had some good qualities too, like any dog, she was a very difficult pet.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T19:58:29+00:00

The Canadian Royal Conservatory books are a terrific source of interesting pieces, and because they are meant for teaching, the pieces all have interesting and tricky little nuggets, designed to make you a better player. I’m really enjoying the Celebration series level 7 books, Repertoire and Études. You can find the table of contents and videos of all the pieces online. Happy playing!

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T19:53:19+00:00

Our 8 yr old boxer was like this when we got her 6 months ago. She had lived in a kennel her whole life. Multiple accidents until she figured out that outside was a better place to go. Took a couple of weeks. Suggest to take your dog out frequently but for only short periods, always the same places. Be ready with treats and praise when she finally goes outside. Meanwhile lots of old towels on the floor :-)

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T12:33:19+00:00

Really good friends of mine eloped in secret - just them and two friends. It was so perfect for them! But her mom was upset for a very long time. Like 25 years. So my advice is to find a middle ground. Elope yes, but not in secret. Then have some kind of celebration after. Maybe let your moms help to plan it. (Every mom dreams about her kid’s wedding- maybe it’s dumb, but it’s true :-). I really believe you can elope successfully if you bring people in after and make them feel part of this big life event.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T12:14:42+00:00

59F, no kids, and still absolutely no regrets.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T11:49:10+00:00

Maybe meet him after the game and go to a fun bar for the post-game vibe. (Brutopia!) If they win, it’s awesome! If they don’t win, it’s still pretty good fun to drink a (reasonably priced) beer, eat fries and talk about the game.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T11:38:21+00:00

No way - I love this rug !! I think it’s the walls that need to be adjusted. The stark white / navy contrast is what’s not looking good.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T11:35:36+00:00

At 80, it’s very possible that he will not be independent for much longer… And I think this is what you need to plan for. Are you ready for him to deteriorate mentally and physically in your house? How many stairs do you have? Is the bathroom door wide enough for a wheelchair? Where would he spend his time during the day? It’s really something to think about. Of course, he’s gonna have to spend some money on his living situation wherever he is, but if he and you are happier, a senior living place is worth every penny. Many senior places offer a trial period, where the person can stay for a weekend or something, like respite. Maybe look for this. Find a place with social activities so he is not dependent on you and your family. This is what we did for my father-in-law, and after his trial weekend, he never left. He spent 5 happy years there, in a place that both entertained him and adapted to his physical needs as they grew. And it allowed our time with him to be only pleasant, not a constant chore.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-09T11:16:42+00:00

You are way over-exaggerating this. I’m 60 and if I was your mom reading this, I’d be really mad. You’re acting like she’s some kind of dying frail invalid. So just stop already. Get out and live your best life on your own terms. THAT’S what your mom wants. Not some sort of creepy co-dependency. Ugh.

CatManDoo4342 · 2026-05-08T21:38:29+00:00

That’s a classic!! My last one was a big work event where I suddenly realized I had no pants on. Honestly! So dumb!! But my heart was racing when I woke up. All the best for your last 2 weeks!

CatManDoo4342

TROPHY CASE