One-third of job switchers opted for a lower salary for improved work-life balance. How to prepare for a lower income.

With the ongoing Great Resignation, employees are reevaluating their salaries, work-life balance, and flexibility in their new career paths.

Some are willing to accept a lower salary in order to have a more flexible schedule.

A survey by Prudential found that one-third of workers who changed jobs during the pandemic opted for lower pay in exchange for a better work-life balance. Additionally, about 20% of workers said they would accept a 10% pay reduction if it meant they could work independently or have more flexible hours.

A survey revealed that 56% of workers would prioritize job security over a higher salary.

How a three-month paid sabbatical can aid in employee retention. This small business founder adapted her strategy during the pandemic. Five crucial actions entrepreneurs should take when launching a business.

While many people who changed jobs have experienced an increase in take-home pay, about 27% of those who switched jobs reported that their new job's pay was the same or less. A survey from The Conference Board found that approximately one-third of workers who left jobs during the pandemic are now earning 30% more in their new roles.

Things to consider

Tania Brown, an Atlanta-based certified financial planner and founder of FinanciallyConfidentMom.com, advises that taking a pay cut may not be advisable right away as it can directly affect your finances.

Before accepting a job that pays less, there are several factors to consider, she advised.

Before making a decision to leave your current job, consider asking yourself these questions: Are you feeling burnt out? Would a different job or career provide more fulfillment? Are you planning to relocate?

Considering the answers to these questions will prevent hasty decisions with regrettable consequences, advised Brown.

Making a math decision based on emotions is illogical, as Brown stated, and it won't yield the desired outcome.

If you're close to achieving your financial goals, you may want to delay making any significant financial decisions.

If you find yourself not wanting to leave your job but instead desire more flexibility or a change in your role, now is the perfect time to request a different schedule, take on new responsibilities, or attempt to incorporate other flexibilities into your job, according to Anita Samojednik, CEO of Paro, a company that offers accounting and finance solutions for businesses, specifically targeting workers who perform so-called mental tasks for a living, such as programmers, pharmacists, and lawyers.

She mentioned that she has observed numerous individuals try freelancing alongside their full-time employment as a way to explore new opportunities or establish their own leadership.

The math

If switching jobs is what you truly want, then you need to do some math, Brown said.

Examining your current budget to determine if you can accomplish your goals with a reduced income.

A trial period of a few months could help you determine if a pay cut is suitable for you, as suggested by Brown.

How will your new income affect the timelines for your long-term goals, such as buying a house or having a baby? If it will delay these milestones, is it worth waiting?

It is essential to discuss any relocation plans with your family members, including your spouse and children, to ensure that everyone is on board with the changes that may occur, such as reduced travel or less financial resources for additional activities.

Everyone in the household will be affected by your decision, so it must be a family decision, stated Brown.

To receive the 8-week course on financial freedom, Money 101, click here. For the Spanish version, click here.

Acorns+CNBC offers expert advice on shifting your retirement savings strategy from the "old convention" to a more effective approach.

Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns.