Sometimes the job we hate is also the job that pays the most; and to take a more appealing job would also mean taking a pay cut. Before making such a significant decision, it’s best to analyze the situation and ensure that you can live on the reduced income.

Figure out your current income. What are you currently making each month?

Add up your current bills. Figure out where all your money goes each month – all of it. Don’t fudge on the tally, as you’ll only hurt yourself in the long run. Be sure have an “entertainment” category for all those expenses that aren’t really bills, but claim part of your paycheck just the same.

Figure out your reduced income. How much will the new job pay? If you’re not sure, you might want to run this test a few times with different incomes, just to see how low you can go.

Cut the corners. If your new income will be less than your bills – and it probably will, as people tend to live to the extent of their means – it’s time to see how much you can reduce your living costs. Cut the most unnecessary expenses first, and rerun your tally to see where you stand.

Choosing a new job can often be a numbers game. You might have to play with the totals a little, juggling your expenses against your prospective income until you find a way to make it work (or realize that it won’t). During this process, remember that happiness sometimes requires sacrifice – such as sacrificing that daily lunch or afternoon coffee ritual for a job that makes you happier and doesn’t require such pick-me-ups to get you through the day – but that once you make the sacrifice, you’ll need to stick to your guns, as you may not have the means to go back.