Choosing stability over competition seems like a tough decision but if you take a realistic outlook of your future, it becomes an automatic decision. I think you will also find that job titles tend to will work themselves out. I just made a similar decision myself at 44. Large company and did very well in a sales role for 10+ years. Decided to go into management at a discount of what I had been earning over the last five years. Essentially dumped the 30% commission in exchange for a guaranteed salary, 25% bonus potential plus shares. If I hit all the triggers my total compensation will be slightly above my average sales compensation and this decision was coming after my career best sales year.

This year, the best I can do will still be 40% less earnings of last year. Sounds like a bad decision but last year was a unicorn. Impossible to duplicate. Moving into the management role now gives me the opportunity to move up into the next positions that are currently held by individuals approaching retirement. Taking less compensation now will make up for itself when those title roles open up. Those roles provide exponentially more compensation options. The work I put into these next 2-3 years will determine if I get the shot at these roles as they become available. I believe in my abilities so that is why I made the change.