Trading Paychecks for Peace of Mind: Did I Make a Mistake? 🤔

I’m 32, and after grinding away as a field engineer for a huge construction company, I finally hit my breaking point. Sure, the $72k salary and bonuses looked great on paper, but 60-hour weeks and a constant stream of emergencies left me running on fumes. The rapid promotions weren’t worth the stress, and honestly, I felt like I was drowning in a culture that only cared if you could swim—or sink. So, I made a big leap: I quit and took a city engineer job in a small Colorado mountain town. The pay dropped to $55k, but I get overtime, cheaper rent, and a team that actually wants to help me grow. Still, part of me wonders if I’m sabotaging my career by stepping back. Will this move help me reach financial independence, or am I just running away from the pressure? Has anyone else taken a pay cut for their sanity? How did it work out for you? I could really use some advice before my spreadsheet and my heart drive me crazy. 😅 #CareerChange #WorkLifeBalance #FIREJourney #JobCareer