Should I Take a $30-40k Pay Cut to Move from IL to Austin, TX?
Hey r/personalfinance,
I’m a 5-year night shift truck driver in Illinois making about $120k gross this year. I bought my house last February with a mortgage of $1,415/month. All-in monthly bills (mortgage + everything else) run around $2,400.
The problem is the night shift lifestyle. I’m constantly in zombie mode, sleeping during the day, and I’ve had almost no ability to workout regularly or maintain any real social/life balance. I’m starting to see health effects from years of poor sleep and lack of sunlight.
I just visited my sister in Austin 3 weeks ago and really liked it. There’s an open position with my current employer in the area that would switch me to day shift. The downside is a pretty big pay cut. I’d likely drop to $80-90k. The upside is finally working normal hours, leaving the freezing weather in the winter, building a healthier lifestyle.
I’m seriously considering pulling the trigger but want to make sure I’m not being stupid financially. Main questions:
• Does a $30-40k pay cut make sense at 32 if it dramatically improves health, energy, and quality of life long-term?
• Should I sell the Illinois house or try to rent it out? (Only owned it for ~15 months)
• Smart to rent in Austin first for 6-12 months to test it out before buying?
• Any major financial gotchas I should know about moving from IL to TX (taxes, cost of living differences, etc.)?
Convince me I’m wrong or talk me into it. Appreciate the honest feedback!
Thanks!