I guess the important question would be, can you continue to support your current lifestyle after the 15k - 20k drop ? I think that's what matters, Im sure you can always make up those 15k-20k doing other things on the side. If you think you're gonna be happy then yes, if the new job will greatly improve your resume, then it may be ok, to put up with the lower pay to start with.. Is the wife cool with it ? Will your kids get what they need ? yadda yadda, but again I don't think you have kids.