How much of a pay cut are you talking? Give some numbers. From where to where?
If I was unemployed I would be willing to go from low 6 figures to low 5 figures.
I already have a budget plan that posits a $35K salary — I would be OK (I have pretty much no debt) but would have to give up some fun stuff.
But the idea of “sacrifice” is almost Un-american these days. I have tube TVs that are around 15 years old (bought after the Northridge Quake killed all my older TVs). Appliances I have replaced only when the old ones finally expired (25 years +/-).
If you do good budgeting, you can live on a very slim paycheck.
I an ready for it, but most importantly, I keep my “tool kit” extra sharp — I am in great demand in my field and should my company (one of the largest in the world) go under, I have 20 or 30 companies and institutions that would hire me at around what I make now. Networking reaps rewards my friend.
The sobering news from one who has experienced it ... 500 job applications in five years - and NOTHING... The professional job I have now happened by total luck and odd circumstance...
Pay cut? — the situation can evolve to where just having any income becomes the goal... believe me I know...
I can only add a very sobering statement born from personal experience — if you are over age 50 and have lost your job - You may never have a professional job again... Yes - that is what I said... the situation we face today is that serious...