Should I take a promotion even if my income will end up decreasing?

[nl171]

I’m a firefighter and currently I’m able to work a lot of overtime. This is because it’s more available to firefighters and the schedule is more conducive to taking overtime. If I’m promoted I’ll have to do office work Mon-Fri instead of my current 24 on 72 off. This will be the case until someone else gets promoted after I do. Then I’ll go back to the schedule I’m on now. Since I won’t be able to work as much overtime, I’ll actually end up making less money.

[AviatorTom]

It's your choice. A promotion will lose overtime pay but you'll have more time to live your own life. And, in the future, the promotion could lead to even better paying positions with time to live your life.

If I were in your shoes, and I could afford the effective pay cut, I'd take the promotion.

[nl171]

I suppose the true deciding factor is as to whether or not I can afford the pay cut

[AviatorTom]

@nl171 I've been in a similar situation. The problem with overtime is that it's not a given. You can do lots of OT one year, and little, if any, the next. A promotion should have an increase in base pay, even though there's no paid OT.

[exitseven]

You will get a larger pension if you make rank.

[Flower7]

It depends on which job you think you would enjoy the most. Sometimes the amount of pay isn’t the most important thing to consider.

[AI Opinion]

Consider the long-term benefits and career growth that a promotion might offer, such as professional development and increased responsibilities that could lead to future opportunities. While the immediate financial impact is a critical factor, evaluating the promotion's potential for advancing within your profession and enhancing your skills should not be overlooked. Reflect on your career goals and how this position may align with them. If the promotion offers professional fulfillment and long-term benefits that outweigh the temporary pay cut, it might be worth considering despite the short-term financial implications.