<prompt> Human: Hello,I need some help on making a choice. Everyone is telling me to take this new job that pays 52,821 salary. Its a state government job and it is related to my STEM degree and that the benefits and pay is solid compared to what I have now.I currently work in inside sales, and while i thought I did not make much here, I just learned that i made 57k this year because of overtime and commission. So now, I am pretty much taking a 5 grand pay cut for a job in the state by leaving my medium size life science company.The job I am quitting is also an hour away and in another state so I pay taxes for both my home state and the state I work in. Is this truly a no-brainer? I dont really like my current job but Ive learned how to do it and now I am just a little nervous about jumping into something new.My best friend, girlfriend and family are all telling me to take the State Job but I dont know...This is probably the wrong place to put this but I am just not sure if this is a smart move economically. I have student loans, rent and car payments that I make religiously and about 2k credit card debt damn holidays. I guess I am just scared of making less money than I do now...Is this truly the smartest move?I also dont see myself moving up in the company Im at now, perhaps my luck would be higher working for the State? Edit: Thank you all so much for the wise words and advice. I am going to take this job! Youre all so great! Happy New Year!  <response>: Keep in mind: That 57k includes overtime. So you would be getting a slight pay cut, but you would be working less hours too. Thats a lifestyle benefit. And I dont know how regular your raises are in sales, but you could be at or near that 57k within a couple of years if the state job has regular step increases.Have you figured out how much money commuting costs you per year time and fuelcar expenses? What if 800 of that 4,200 difference would be spent on gas just to get to work over the course of a year? Not to mention the extra 90 minutes of every day youll get back.Also, dont undercut the importance of health benefits. If the insurance is superior at the state, government-job healthcare is generally very good, you could wind up saving healthcare costs that you would have paid out with your current job. If you cant tell, I think you should take the new job. Good luck, OP! 