Long story short, my current job is seriously starting to affect my mental health. Between the commute of 4hrs each day, and the mental abuse from my boss, it's become too much to handle. Currently have an offer on the table local to home, but at significantly reduced pay and a very different industry. Thankfully my wife has also just switched jobs and got an increase in her pay so while things would be really tight (bikes either sold or left in the garage), it would be doable.
I'm tempted to stay and just bank as much as possible since we are thinking about leaving Ontario in the next couple years, but it's getting harder and harder for both of us to cope with the unhappiness and overall displeasure of life. Has anyone made a similar shift? I know nobody can tell me what to do but I'm just looking for any input and open to others' life experience.
You can fight some workplace abuses through the Human Rights Tribunal but don't expect fast or large compensations even if you win.
I had a good job with a great company and then management changed. I remember sitting on the edge of the bed one morning with a knot in my stomach, not wanting to get up.
I quit, started my own one man company and have been happy. One man companies don't always make you rich but you can sort out problems with the boss while you shave his face every morning. It isn't for everyone and some fields are becoming so over-regulated that one person can't do the job while keeping up with the paperwork.
You don't mention kids but how dedicated are you and your wife to each other? I have to be one of the luckiest guys around. Changes can be hard on the bonds.
Living on less means cutting back on frills and that has serious social implications in today's consumerist world. Do you need Starbuck Lattes and designer labels?
I suggest selling the bikes if you go the lean cash route. Standing idle, they depreciate and deteriorate while reminding you of the impractical "Good old days."
Ideally working out problems with your boss would be the best solution but in many cases it doesn't work because they have hidden agendas, are psychopaths or just plain rectums. I assume you have made efforts or have envisioned the outcomes.
I met a woman who hammered out "My job was hell but I stuck it out for forty years and I got my pension." She only lived another eight or ten years. Not a great return on investment IMO.
Twelve hours a day dedicated to something that is causing mental stress doesn't make sense to me.
PM me if you have any specific questions. These situations are very dependent on the individual's circumstances.