Should I take a lower-paying job that I'm passionate about?

Old sport, I rebuilt myself from nothing pursuing what I believed mattered. But I'll tell you something I learned too late - make sure what you're chasing is real, not an illusion dressed up as a dream. If this passion of yours is genuine, if it's something that grows from who you truly are rather than who you wish you were, then yes - bet on yourself. The money will follow conviction.