Part 2: Would You Take Half Your Salary For Half The Work?

Last week, we asked the opposite question, so this week, let me share some real-life examples of my previous clients who have taken (or not taken) the leap, and the reasons behind their choices.

Now, do bear in mind that there are no right or wrong career moves here, so let's refrain from making any value judgements.

And also, please remember, all names and identities have been altered to protect the privacy of our clients.

Let's begin!

Client 1: Bobby, MD APAC for a Global Software Company

Bobby, 56, had spent 20 years in a Global Software company and he was at the top of his game. He had seen his company stock options grow to a veritable portfolio worth over $2m and running a US$3 billion business portfolio, he was already at an annual salary of around S$800K/year.

However, he felt something was missing in his career - he wanted to helm a smaller, more agile organisation where he could do more exciting things. He wanted to train the next generation of Local Technology Leaders from the ground up, not those who were parachuted in from all other parts of the world.

And that's why when approached by a Headhunter for a CEO role for a 'smallish' local company with US$100m in revenues, his interest was piqued - but there was a catch.

The move would entail a 70% pay cut.

However, there would be almost zero business travel, minimal 'midnight conference calls to the US' and a much lighter workload.

He decided to make the jump.

"My kids had already grown up and I had more than enough savings. To me, it was not a 'money-move', but a 'career-fulfilment move'.

It has been close to a decade since Bobby made the move and he has never regretted his choice to exchange his "Salary for Satisfaction".

Client 2: Rachel, 42, Chief Finance Officer

Rachel was a high-flier who rose through the ranks of her German Company.

As the Asia CFO, she was traveling 70% of the time and was totally enjoying her career. Being single, she felt 'unencumbered' (her own words) and could maximise her career without limits.

"There's no time for sleep! I can rest when I'm retired!" She used to say half-jestingly.

Until she was diagnosed with an early-stage Cancer in 2018.

"My world came tumbling down - even though it wasn't that serious, it made me review my entire life and philsophy."

"But the biggest shock of it all was how my company was just worried about 'Business Continuity' and 'Succession Planning' to ensure things ran smoothly while I handled my health crisis."

Rachel then resigned, underwent treatment, and got her health back - and when she decided to return to the workforce, she received countless offers for similar or bigger CFO roles.

But she turned down all of them, deciding to join a Local Charity as their Finance Manager instead, taking a massive pay-cut.

"I realised that I had to prioritise my health over my career so I can recuperate fully. Who knows, I might just jump back into the rat race a few years from now, but until them, I'm just going to enjoy life and be thankful that I'm back in the pink of health again!"

Client 3: Cindy, 51, Regional VP of a Global Consumer Goods Company

I still remember as a young Headhunter, interviewing Cindy for a role that I had. She was polished, classy and very confident.

With an annual salary of over S$600K and generous perks, she was looking for a change.

"I don't mind downshifting to a smaller role."

"I have 3 kids, 19 yr and 15 yr old girls, and a 9 yr old boy. With a 80% travel schedule, I was never around to see them grow up. Sadly, my oldest child is a 'stranger' to me and I have another year with my middle child before she goes away to University in Australia. I'd like to spend some time with her."

"Now, last Saturday as I was packing to travel to our HQ in the US, my 9 year old son came up to me and asked if I could cancel the trip as he missed me. I jokingly told him, "When mom's not around, you get to do whatever you want!"... but to my consternation, he said, "No Mum... when you're not around, I cry myself to sleep."

"So you see, Adrian, I don't mind taking a huge paycut - I want to spend time with my family before I lose them."

Luckily, I found the perfect role for her - a local General Manager role with no business travel, but the catch was that it was half her salary. (Which nonetheless, at S$300K, was still a lot of money for a single-country job!)

She looked at the offer and asked me, "Everything looks perfect and I like it, but what make and model is the car that comes along with this job?"

I told her it was a large-sized Japanese car.

"Er... can we have it upgraded to a Mercedes Benz because that's what I got in my last job. The neighbours would be talking behind my back if they saw I had downgraded."

I told she could swap it for a transport allowance and buy her own vehicle, but she said "It just doesn't feel the same."

Ultimately, Cindy rejected the offer and when I reminded her the real reason why she wanted the move, she looked straight at me and replied...

"Well, I guess the kids will just have to make do."

I'm sharing these stories so you can have an insider's view on the Joys and Harsh Realities involved in making tough career decisions.

These 3 scenarios are educational and I hope it helps your thought processes if you decide to downshift and take things slow.

There are many elements involved and could be a risky move - if you are unsure, come talk to us!

Adrian Choo ?is a Thought Leader, Author and CEO/Founder of?Career Agility International , a global Career Strategy Consulting firm. A C-suite Mentor, he is a much sought-after speaker and can be heard on radio KISS92FM every Thursday morning where he shares his latest ideas on Careers.?Together with his co-founder,?Yen , he puts a weekly Linkedin Live Show, "Career Success with Adrian and Yen" every Friday morning,

Adrian, together with his team, helps mid-career executives to find CareerClarity? and we can be reached via whatsapp at +65 8838 0557.?