Many times in your career it is necessary to take a step backward, either in salary or position, in order to get on a faster track. 

The way to look at this is to consider the step back as an investment, something that will pay off to a greater degree in the future.  This delayed gratification has worked for countless people, including most entrepreneurs I know, who have given up steady paychecks for a shot at their dream.  The trick, I suppose, is to have a supportive family and a iron clad belief in your ability to make the ‘investment’ pay dividends.