Think of changing trades Smart Move or Not?

I am currently an API 510 and 653 inspector in the oil field industry and i make a pretty good amount for my age... However I am considering taking my Exxon test for Operations when the next opportunity comes up which should be the end of this year.. Talking to friends that hired on with Exxon as Operators it seems as if i would start off taking about a 35% pay cut during the first year but that is hourly rate not including the built in over time once on shift...I know in the long run it will benefit me way more with retirement and i will end up making way more money if i could get on with them after the first 2-3 years due to all the built in overtime and countless amounts of extra overtime.....It is just really hard to convince myself that that amount of drop in pay is going to be worth suffering for a couple years and coming out ahead in the long run.

I feel like being in my later 20's that it would be a smart move to do now instead of kicking myself in the arse later for not doing it and it being to late...

Any suggestions or thoughts from the MTB and older folks would be appreciated....TIA