I currently work at a large navy contractor in the eastern US. I make just under $70k a year before tax and deductions and have been full-time for approaching 2 years.
I began as a paid intern working with the cybersecurity team in a position I really enjoyed. I got to investigate captured malicious files for myself and gain valuable practical skills in a field I studied for. When it came time to transition to being a co-op (intern but paid more and during the school year), the cybersecurity department didn't have space for me and I was due to go to another IT department that would work on things going on navy ships as opposed to corporate IT. A change, but not one I couldn't adapt to. However, at the last second, I was yoinked into an engineering department that happened to need a security guy. However, most of what I do has nothing to do with that skill set or any IT skill set, which I would really like to actually do. I understand there's opportunities to potentially grow and expand but I've never been presented with any and any training or conferences they promised to send me to vaporized.
I've been in talks with another IT company a friend works at and I honestly love them. There's a lot more opportunities for growth, training, and promotions to new positions. They're much more flexible and accomodating for WFH and hybrid scheduling, and my friend tells me they've gone out of their way to accommodate them for issues relating to disabilities.
The catch is the position they've offered me would be a $9k/year pay cut. This is on top of having to be in the office full time for the first three weeks (WFH after) and the office is 45 minutes away through a particularly dangerous bridge tunnel and interstate ramp. I'm trying to move closer (was already planning to before I began taking to this company), but having to drive at least 45 minutes with high gas prices while making less money doesn't seem attractive.
This caveat is the only reason I haven't jumped at the chance, on top of the anxiety of making less money in general. Has anyone here left their job to make less money at a place where they'd probably be happier? I'm trying to type this out quickly at my desk but I'll gladly answer any questions y'all have.