That may be a factor in taking a job, but if the financial hit is such that he really can't take it, personal pride is going to fall by the wayside. You can't eat pride
I think the basic point you made was fair enough though. When I was leaving journalism college, I was offered a job on The Cricketer (I'd been an intern there). It would have been great to work there but the money was barely more than the dole and I'd have been out of pocket because of costs - I...
I agree that the income is unlikely to be lower but there may only be a small increase and he'd be faced with outgoings that would be much higher.
For example, commuting costs, he may have to buy a new suit or other work clothes, may have to pay more for childcare (or care for an elderly...