Went back to retail from a factory job. The factory job has paid a lot more but it was because the conditions were horrible. Extreme heat, constant sweating, standing all day, lot of dust, chemicals, metal particles, climbing, heavy lifting, always in imminent danger of falling falling from heights or getting crushed by heavy things. But that was manageable and not the main problem for me. I didn't like the coworkers. They were the typical "macho men" and this is not the type of social environment that I fit in. I am an introvert and a guy that likes to think and not get into conflicts. Also they all smoked so when we went to break I was forced to inhale that shit. I care about my health and those men who don't mind working in such conditions for DECADES certainly did not lol. They were the typical "though guys".

Yeah, I'll pass. I quit after a few months and I'm coming back to work at retail. Despite retail being paid lower and the social status of the job is just one step above being homeless, in retail there are much better working conditions - AC in the store, no super heavy lifting, just standing and walking all day but I'm used to that. But the main thing is the retail stores where I live, mostly women work in retail and I find it really nice working with women. I get along with women much much better than with men. They are so much more accepting of me then the "though guys" in factories and don't judge me for not fitting the "macho man" stereotype and I can have actual conversations with them about other things then who I fucked the last night and how I fixed my stupid car lol. That's the main reason for me why I took the pay cut. I'm not putting up with the personalities that tend work in the "though jobs". Fuck that and fuck them. I love working in retail with women, as a guy. And no, I'm not gay or feminine, I'm not super skinny either.

You know, money is one thing, but there are dozens of other things that affect your overall well being and many people just ignore that and focus on money. That's a mistake. If trading the money for being happier is the option, go for it. But if you think you can manage and handle that and losing money is not what would result in bettering your life, then by all means, don't.