Money vs Peace
I’ve been really struggling and feeling stressed at work lately. They keep adding more responsibilities while also getting frustrated with us when patients cancel—as if that’s something we can control. At the same time, they’re taking away our note-writing time and expecting us to somehow find time to complete all of our paperwork.
I had to meet with the regional director yesterday, and it honestly felt like being called into the principal’s office. The focus was on the number of patient cancellations in my schedule, and I was told I need to “fix it.” I’ve yet to find the magic solution that prevents kids from getting sick or ensures that families with financial challenges always have reliable transportation.
On top of that, I have a disability, and the current work environment is taking a real toll on me physically. The stress, lack of support, and constant pressure are increasing my pain and fatigue in a way that feels unsustainable long-term.
This was my dream job. When I was 16, I knew I wanted to be a speech therapist at the same clinic where I received therapy growing up. But now it feels like everything is about numbers and revenue instead of actually helping kids. I leave work feeling completely drained every day—mentally and physically.
Today, I interviewed at a therapist-owned private clinic very close to my house. Everything about it felt right. They share my philosophy on neurodiversity-affirming care, value having time for documentation and parent education, and prioritize continuing education and professional growth. They also pay for scheduled time even if patients cancel and provide mentorship for new hires.
It feels like the difference between two very real choices: staying in a higher-paying position that comes with high stress and expectations that feel impossible to meet, or moving to a lower-paying role that is more aligned with my values and actually sustainable.
The biggest concern is that it would be a significant pay cut for my family. I’m struggling to figure out when a lower stress level is worth tightening our already stretched budget. Because disability isn’t cheap. I’ve paid out of pocket for wheelchairs, car adaptions, home modifications and never feel completely secure in our finances.
I know I haven’t even been offered the job yet, so I may be getting ahead of myself. But I’m wondering—has anyone taken a lower-paying job for the sake of their mental health? Did the financial stress end up replacing the work stress?
Part of me feels like it would be selfish to take a pay cut and reduce the income my family depends on. But at the same time, I worry that staying where I am isn’t sustainable. At the rate I’m going, I could see myself burning out completely or needing to leave the field much earlier than I ever planned.
I’m trying to think long-term—not just about income, but about whether I can realistically continue working, supporting my family, and being present in my life if things stay the way they are now.
I just don’t know how to weigh all of this.