<prompt> Human: Hi Folks, So I find myself at an impasse. Im a 28 year old male and I have been with the same company for 8 years now. The pay is satisfactory and I get by with the equivalent of about 200 after bills etc each month. Its a small company and I have reached as high as I can go... That is, aside from my boss I am the most senior and trained staff member but I feel I am stagnating. I cant achieve anything more besides a yearly raise to match inflation. My last substantial raise was four years ago.I have a new job prospect in a different field and I feel it may have more diverse growth opportunities. The pay is nearly 40 less, travel is about the same, hours the same, benefits the same. Ill be on probation for three months.On the new, lower salary I will still be able to cover my monthly expenses - rent, vehicle finance, medical aid and a few investments along with my basic living expenses but I will have next to zero disposable income.The new job will over profit share and potential for part ownership which is simply not a possibility at my current job. My responsibilities will also be more varied and I will have more freedom in decision making along with the opportunity to diversify the business by introducing my skill set into the services the company already have to offer. I dont like change and all of this terrifies me. 40 less income is a big thing for me, I will no longer have a safety net if I need money suddenly for instance. The time it will take to match my current salary is also up in the air; it could be a year, it could be three. Another thing to take into account is that my new employer is also a good mate of mine.I can provide more specifics with pleasure. I just dont know if this is a good move financially, thinking long term, or if I am being stupid.  <response>: No. Run away. 40 less is not acceptable for any supposed prospects. Are the prospects guaranteed?What if you dont like the new job? Your next job will use your then salary as a baseline, and you will simply go several steps back and take a long time to come back where you are now.Always seek higher base pay if everything else is the same. And no, possibilities do not count. Take this advice from someone who has spent a fair bit of time in the job market and has switched jobs a little frequently in the last 5 years. 