I'd say welcome to the 70% of people who hate their job, and most aren't well payed.

I'd also say what you describe is symptomatic of a lot of people mailing it in because they don't care if they get fired.  But they're simply efficient and knowledgeable enough to get by as a mediocre performer.

Unless you're talking something of a career change, I'm not sure why you'd need to take a paycut, especially in this economy.  Don't quit your job and don't be in a hurry to move on, and I bet you can find the right opportunity without settling or compromising.

I don’t know anyone that has done that successfully but mental health is more important than money. Maybe get on LinkedIn and look for a new job in your same field. My fiance changed jobs twice in last 7 years and went from making 60,000 to making 120,000. She took a risk leaving a steady job at nationwide but it paid off 

posted by gut

Unless you're talking something of a career change, I'm not sure why you'd need to take a paycut, especially in this economy.  Don't quit your job and don't be in a hurry to move on, and I bet you can find the right opportunity without settling or compromising.

It’s funny, you’re original description is right on. I’m good at what I do but stopped giving a fuck awhile ago (due to them, not me). I would never quit before a job, and I’ve been looking for over a year. This particular job is great, just a little underpaid, but the work/ life balance and what I’d actually be doing is way better my current job. 

I'm probably at a pay cut for my qualifications.

But, I'm doing what I want to do and love it. I'll sacrifice some lifestyle preferences for that. I'd rather enjoy my job every day instead of despising waking up and working.

I work healthcare night shift. I’ve been doing it for 7-8 years and it’s starting to suck. If I switch to day shift next summer it’ll be about a 20% pay cut, maybe more. 

Guess I could say I took a pay cut.

Did something I swore I would never do, and preached to my wife and her daughter a few times when they did this, and that was quit a job without having another lined up.

Was out of work from early April of 2018 - Late August.   Tell you what, teachers freaking have it made getting a few of those summer months off!!!!

End of the day it worked out just as I had hoped.