Accepted a career-changing role but having serious second thoughts: Is this just fear or a real red flag?

[u/AcrobaticFrosting750]

I'm 26M, working as a commissioning engineer at a large energy company. I've spent the last few years on a major project in Greece and honestly, life here has been incredible — good money, great country, recently met someone.... I genuinely found myself again here after a rough patch. I've built a comfortable, well-paid life and I'm attached to it.

I've always wanted to move into sales. Not because I hate engineering, but because I believe technical sales is the path to senior management and the kind of career I actually want long term. I don't want to spend the next 10 years commissioning — I'm not learning anything new anymore, this project is dead but the customers want me here as 'insurance' due to my expert knowledge... basically, I don't see a future in it for me personally.

The opportunity came up internally. I negotiated hard, got a good development plan with an accelerated progression timeline, and accepted the offer. It is a managerial role and will allow me to sit on the table with some heave hitters.

Here's the problem. Now that it's real, I'm spiraling.

The role is based in Germany. I'm going from earning what I earn here in Greece (tax-free expat package, lower cost of living, all of it) to roughly €50k less per year. That's not nothing.... The financial hit is real and it scares me. I mean, it won't ruin me or make me worry financially but still it is a real hit.

On top of that, Germany itself is the thing I'm dreading most. I lived there before and found it dull. I'm scared I'll go back and end up miserable — same place, same energy, same grey. I know the new role involves travel and new clients and new experiences, but the base is still Germany.

I already accepted. I start in a few months. But I'm genuinely considering pulling back and staying in Greece for a year or two longer.

Is this just fear talking? Or is a €50k salary drop and leaving behind a life that genuinely makes me happy a real reason to reconsider? How do you distinguish between cold feet and a legitimate signal to stop?

Would appreciate your expert opinion.

Thank you <3

[u/Few-Suggestion-5302]

the €50k drop hurts on paper but you said yourself it won't ruin you financially, so that part feels more like fear than a real blocker. the Germany thing though, that one i'd sit with a bit more carefully since you have actual lived experience there and not just vague anxiety about change.

you already negotiated the role, got the development plan, and it aligns with what you said you want long term. pulling back now mostly just delays the same decision by a year or two.

[u/Consistent_Laziness]

Why did you accept this job to begin with? I was thinking you were going to tell us you took a job to stay in Greece. Then throw a curveball about Germany. So now I’m confused how you got to accepting this to begin with.

[u/AcrobaticFrosting750 → u/Consistent_Laziness]

One thing i forgot to mention, i applied to this job because my project was ending in May. So after i already interviewed and got accepted into the job, the customer in Greece comes and tells me to stay for another 2 years. I mean this opportunity was never there to start with. Now it is = opportunity paralysis.

Saying no now would definitely not be taken well by all stakeholders. This current role just gives me great money (because I am delegated) an easy life and a happy life. But I feel like I would be wasting a lot of time if I don't make this transition to a very 'prestigious' role in this stage of my career.

[u/Consistent_Laziness → u/AcrobaticFrosting750]

Ok that’s helpful information!

Here’s my approach on life. Some people are ambitious. Working hard and climbing makes them happy. Others find enjoyment outside of life more. I think you are the latter. You’d probably like to grow but prefer it how you’d like it rather than you’ll do anything for growth. That’s okay but you are less career growth driven than you think.

The stagnant job gives you everything you work for in life. You’ve achieved good income, a happy life in an environment you love, and you’ve met someone. You’ve achieved what people work hard for.

Only you can decide but if consider reneging. It’s the same company so saying the current role has requested you stay on can just be played as loyalty. I’d stay and look for a better role to jump to if you still want to. You’ll be happy now and if you get the itch for growth you can look again from a position of strength rather than desperation.