"Make sure you're entirely clear on what you are walking into"

"I've been considering leaving my current agency for a while. The reasons are many: incompetent management, almost no career prospects, no real learning opportunities, low team morale and a draining three-hour daily commute. A smaller agency in my city has offered me a position. The projects aren't groundbreaking (neither are the ones at my current job), but I'd be leading my discipline (UX/UI) and I see long-term potential if I joined them."

"The only drawback is that their budget can't quite match my current salary. The difference isn't huge, but it's still there. I'm leaning toward accepting anyway because I value the improved work-life balance and the positive impact on my mental health. Should I simply accept or is taking a step down in salary always considered a hard no? Is it wrong to accept a lower-paying job if it would improve my mental health and work-life balance?"

Current agency work includes incompetent management, minimal career prospects, limited learning opportunities, low team morale, and a draining three-hour daily commute. A smaller local agency offers a UX/UI lead role with leadership responsibility and perceived long-term potential. Project quality appears similar to the current role. The new position offers improved work-life balance and positive mental-health impact but pays slightly less. Key considerations include financial sustainability, total compensation and benefits, negotiation possibilities, long-term career trajectory, skill development, and commute impact. Prioritize mental health, realistic budget planning, and measurable career outcomes when deciding. Develop an exit and contingency plan if needed.

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