Work Advice: Should I stay or should I go?

Asked by cookieman (41620) September 28th, 2009 from iPhone

I’m thinking of leaving my day (graphic design) job but am not sure if it’s a good idea. I work on a very large, family-run farm, by the way.

On the plus side, I have complete control over all the work. I’m basically a one-man design studio. I report directly to one of the owners (who’s a great guy), the other employees are very nice and the job is stable (they don’t believe in layoffs).

On the down side, I get paid about half what the job is worth (30% of what I make at my night job). Also, the other three owners, don’t agree there should even be a design/advertising office. They regularly berate my boss about it – so to appease them, he’ll have me do some “real work” for about ten hours a week (stacking produce, clean refrigerators, slice bread). It’s also a 50–60 hour work week.

I’ve discussed my concerns with my boss and while he sympathizes, he says it’s the price “we” pay for what I do (top notch design work). I’m capped out on salary and there’s no chance the other owners will relent in their disdain of “all this computer stuff”.

So, do I count my blessings and buck up or do I explore different opportunities?

Thank you in advance for your Flutherly advice.