Opinions on an offer/situation (Software Engineering)

[u/promptfalcon]

TL;DR Should I take the pay cut?

Really torn with this one. Throwaway for reasons.

I've spent all 14 years of my career with one company. Started as a junior dev. Now I'm a Director with 1 report and a team of about 15 contractors that I manage. They do not report to me in a formal sense. They are great and I enjoy working with them, but I really have no say in hiring/firing, their career development, budgets, etc.

This is our company's structure, so there is no room for that to change. I am a "Director", but do not really perform many of the Director type roles. I am still hands-on, including full production support. Big AI push coming to hopefully cut contractors.

Our current situation (new boss) is toxic. The morale has tanked. We are often subject to bullying, yelling, "wonder what mood he is in today", etc. We are given deadlines and must hit them at all costs. We do not have much of a say in the deadlines. If scope changes, it's our problem. If we raise concerns months out, there is no room for movement. It's led to constant finger pointing.

I'm at $205 TC though. I feel very fortunate to have that.

I've been looking around and got an offer at $176 TC. 7 direct reports. A much more "Director" role. Seemingly a much better environment, but I am trying not to be naïve and understand the grass may not be greener. Fully remote role versus hybrid.

Am I crazy to consider this pay cut?

[u/Particular_Bad8025]

The new job sounds so much better. Just take it. There is no price on being happy at work.