🤔 Less stress or more money? Some 60% of employees would choose the former, and 40% have already sacrificed a bigger paycheck for a better quality of life, according to a global survey(pdf) by Randstad. So, if you find yourself becoming less tolerant of work stress, you’re not alone. A new career trend is emerging — and it’s not about climbing up the corporate ladder, but about stepping down a rung, or even taking a few steps back.

Scaling back

A high-stress career can often feel like a high-stakes one — if you lose your footing for a second, you fall behind, making quitting feel like the end. As wellbeing becomes a priority for today’s workforce, many workers are choosing to scale back their careers instead of quitting entirely. And according to experts, the move is possible, and it doesn’t have to destroy your career.

The relentless work-life balance dilemma. Though we all strive to achieve that balance, our scales usually ultimately end up tipping towards work. Whether it’s to avoid unbearable stress and burnout, to spend time with family, or to enrich your life experiences, a curtailed work life is sometimes best in the long run — and the options for doing so are varied.

How can you lighten the load? If you enjoy your current job, but just wish it came with fewer responsibilities, you can simply reduce your duties. Try offloading some of them to other workers or, if you’re truly overworked, setting clearer boundaries with your manager on where your job begins and ends. Pinpoint the tasks you’d rather let go of, discuss with your boss, and rearrange your schedule accordingly. If scaling back looks like less commute hours for you, you can negotiate for more work-from-home days.

Transitioning

Make a small but meaningful transition: There’s always the option to shift into a less stressful position with fewer duties on your plate — albeit that most likely comes with a smaller paycheck. If you don’t mind the work, just the way it’s structured, consider downshifting to part-time or, even riskier, the freelancing/contracting route. Take advantage of your current network of colleagues and weigh the possibility of a different type of role. You can make the change by simply using your skills differently. Look for cross-departmental projects to which you can contribute or join employee resource groups for a wider range of chances.

Hit pause on the 9-5: An extended break or sabbatical (paid or unpaid) can be the right move if you’re looking to learn a new skill, finally pursue a master’s degree, or take that life-changing trip you’ve always dreamt about. It can also give you the chance to return with a fresh outlook on your current job — or to switch paths altogether.

With that said, the question remains: do you have the financial security to make such a move? First things first: take a close look at your expenses and spending habits. Will your money support your lifestyle during your planned time off? It’s important to make sure your cashflow can cover your bills. If scaling back hits your income hard, consider cutting back on unnecessary expenses and saving up well in advance.

More often than not, a career move like this can take up to a year to prepare for financially. Financial planner Juan Hernandez Ariano says that clients whom he has helped plan similar career moves have been willing to wait. In addition to planning ahead, accounting for any major upcoming expenses — such as your children’s college tuition or home repairs — is also crucial to consider, and make sure these expenses don’t coincide with your less lucrative sabbatical or extended work leave.

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