Would this be a horrible career move?

[Nikia]

I've wanted to leave my company, where I have worked for 2 and a half years, for quite some time for several reasons. I know that I've complained about my place of work in other posts so I'll just say that the company is dysfunctional and if God is sending me signs that I should leave, He has already sent me many. Before I worked there, I had a short term temp assignement at a large, successful company that is reported to be one of the best places to work.
I noticed an ad through the same agency advertising for these positions and sent my resume. The problem is besides being temp positions is that they pay significantly less than I make now and less than I made during my temp assignment there. The agency explained that I had worked in a higher level position and these were lower level positions.
My husband has agreed that we will find a way to make it if I need to take a position that pays less in order to leave my current position, which has negatively affected my mental and possibly physical health. What I am concerned about though if I would agree to take one of these positions is that it will put me in a worse position if I would be able to be hired by this company. How could I negotiate a decent salary or starting level if I had come in, agreeing to work as a lowest level temp? Should I discuss this with the agency and explain my situation? I really would like to work with the company where the temp positions are and would be willing to work for the relatively low wage for my first temp assignment, but would prefer higher level assignments in the future and would like to try to get hired by that company, but don't want to be doomed to work at the lowest level if I am capable,as I showed in the past, at working at a higher level.

[toddzilla]

1. take the pay cut.

8 hours a day 5 days a week of unhappiness isn't worth it.

[wryter2000]

2. Not sure

However, you can often get a permanent job by working as a temp first. That's how I got my current job. If it's a good company, you should be allowed to apply for higher level positions once you've been there a while. In fact, you're more likely to know about openings if you're already there.

Peace of mind is worth something, too. If your husband is behind you, I think you should go with the best company.

Having said all that, though, let me add that my job is secretarial. My experiences don't necessarily translate to management or tech jobs.

Good luck!

[Robb]

3. Better still

Skip the temp agency and head straight to the good company's HR office. Tell them (most) of what you said here. :shrug:

[prolesunited]

4. Based on what you said in the harassment thread

you need to get out of that toxic environment pronto, even if it does mean a paycut. I watched my sister implode and burn-out on a job like that and it is not pretty and certainly not worth it.

If you are considered as a permanent hire, you can spin it that you so wanted to work for the company and be a part of their team that you took a pay cut to get in the door. Now that you've proven your worth, you're expecting a larger salary.

Good luck and if you're husband is behind you, you certainly need to run from that other place FAST before it does permanent damage to you.

[GumboYaYa]

5. You work to live, you don't live to work.

If you can live on the lower salary, cut you best deal and be happy.

[Wcross]

6. Money doesn't buy happiness.

You have already made up your mind, go with it. You will work your way back up to your previous salary in a better environment;)