Decisions: commute or not? Plus more

[NK5BM3]

Hi there
Never thought I'd ever really post here.
I've been in my current job for 12 years now, been promoted once and moved up the salary scale etc. in the meantime had 2 kids but always worked ft.

Recently was headhunted for a new job. And yes I got it. It's a more senior role (even though the job title doesn't quite say it - I guess it's different places have different titles) and it's in London. I live in the se. So if I commute it will be about a 1h 15 min journey.

The money will have to make sense for me and the boss will get back to me on Wednesday.

In the meantime I'm thinking am I crazy to give up a job that's literally 5 min from my house which pays well (£51k) and allows some amount of flexibility to commute (7.20am train)?!!!

so commute is one issue.

The other issue has to do with the job role. As it stands after the interview I felt that they needed 2 people to do the job (well at the current place where I am, 2 people are doing it!!). It will only be me in the new job (unless I've got the wrong end of the stick)... Any thoughts welcome!

Tia.

[EBearhug]

Will the extra money pay for the commuting costs? (Looks like you don't know that yet.)
Will the extra commute time mean you have to pay more for childcare?
Will you have any options for working from home to give you a break from the commute/have a bit of flexibility if the children are sick?
What are the comparable future prospects? Will it look good on your CV? Is there training? (This may not be relevant.)
Would the new role be more interesting/engaging/whatever?
The last point about it really needing two people would concern me, and I think I'd be asking them more questions about that.

I am not getting vibes of you being really keen on this new job from your post; I get the impression you're looking for reasons not to do it, rather than vice versa.

[NK5BM3]

Thanks bear for taking the time to ask those questions!

Yes, money will be decided on Wednesday. She asked how much I was making now, so it will have to be at least £10k higher for it to factor in train (£7k) and time/commute.

I think it may look better on the cv, but I'm wondering about the rather unrealistic expectations (oh it could just be me making excess though)

You are right that I will have to clarify the actual job, I'll look through the candidate pack later and see what they actually want. When I read it and actually sent it to a trusted friend, he said omg that's like 3 jobs. Which confirmed my fears.... And this was before I even went for the interview!!!

[YorkshireTeaandCake]

I would stay where you are.
I left a job after 12 years and seriously regretted it. My commute is longer now and it has added costs to both travel/childcare. Hate the job now too.
If you are only 5 minutes away from home and secure in your current role...stay!
Grass is not always greener on the other side.

[NK5BM3]

Thanks Yorkshire... I was actually inclining towards taking it (subject to the money) as I was thinking the chances of improving here aren't that high at the moment. Looking at my pay scale, I will stagnate in a year. If I take this job, it's not just the short term pay gain but the fact that I can put on my cv that I've now got this amount and am at this senior level.

I don't know. I think I can only see what they offer and then start haggling...

I don't actually mind the commute although that's me saying that now... And not really living that say during Christmas time!!

[Stevie77]

If there's any doubt, there's no doubt. And from your previous posts it seems like there is!

TBH, the money issue is a bit , they've offered you the job but are still thinking what salary to offer? You'd think they'll have an idea. Also, the two people/role thing could be a big source of stress.

Look, just be sure that you're making the right decision (and don't ignore red flags and your gut feeling) regardless of how much you really want to leave your current place.

[Redcliff]

Your in a great position. I commute an hour 15 each way and would love a job nearer home. If it was me would go back to them and ask more questions. It could be a good opportunity and it would be a shame to miss out. Do you know why the last person left?

[MoreBeta]

Don't forget you also lose al your employment rights as well. They could sack you after 18 months and you have very little come back if you haven't worked there for two years.

You need a much bigger pay rise than £10k. To be frank it sounds like they are trying to use you to save costs by stuffing you into a job that two people should be doing.

I would say you need a 25% ay rise at least and a guaranteed 2 year contract regardless of performance to stop them sacking you before your employment rights (unfair dismissal) kicks in.

They headhunted you and they therefore need you more than YOU need them. By the way the issue around job title is not one you should ignore. Job titles matter a lot. If they didn't matter then they wouldn't have them.

I think this all has bad vibes. Sorry but I think you may turn up on day one to find less qualified people on better pay above you (undoubtedly men).

It has all the hallmarks.

[NK5BM3]

Hi all
Gosh I didn't think there would be so many replies. Thanks!! In terms of employment rights, I think I will be fine but yes good to keep in mind.

I did wonder about the salary thing because on the initial candidate pack the salary on there was definitely not worth me moving (slightly more than what I earn) and I did point that out to the headhunter, who reassured me that they were thinking at least 20% more etcetera. So I'm surprised they haven't got an idea about the money.

In terms of job, I've looked at the spec again and it's not really 2 people's jobs. And a lot of the stuff they state I already do. So it's just at a higher level and in London. There are a couple of things I don't already do, but I have a bit of experience in.

I shall wait for the money offer to come and then let you guys know. Trusted friends in rl have suggested that it would be a good opportunity (I guess because they know more about the industry - not saying too much here coz it's mn!) and for me to think longer term ie, what my next job will be or next position.

I can't really grow in my current job anymore..and in terms of pay rise, I've realised I'm at the top of my scale. To get further beyond this scale I will need a promotion. This would be it. I don't think I will be able to get this in my current place any time soon.

[NK5BM3]

Last person who did the job is retiring. She did however say to the headhunter that she could tell him what she did, but this new job description is new to her too. So it sounds like it's all change anyway...

[EBearhug]

Do you know anyone who currently works there? Have you looked at glassdoor? www.glassdoor.co.uk/Reviews/index.htm

Mind you, for my own dear employer, the reviews are very varied, and it does depend a lot on your department - I'd recommend my company as one to work for, but I am seriously considering murdering the managers in my own department just now... (I may consider some other options first, though.)

[AKnickerfulOfMenace]

Good questions Ebear.

[Kerberos]

I would consider it, but with that extra commute and a bigger job title I would be looking for £15-20k extra at least.

My commute into Central London is 2 hrs. The extra money makes it worthwhile but it's a long long day.

[Onwardsandupwards2015]

If the kids are young, I'd wait till they were secondary age. It's really not financially great taking the commute expense into consideration. Time Is important with young kids.

[NK5BM3]

My kids are 7 and 4. Dh works from home self-employed in his own practice. We have ambitions of growing that as well and that was on the cards for start September until this opportunity came up. I'm pretty sure we can get there for his practice.

Dh will be their emergency care. The younger one is already booked in for after school club. We do that even though we work v locally so both kids are v used to being at school/nursery till late.

I have the option of working flexibly so I don't think I will be going in every day.

At the moment, my current job has me travelling quite a bit (I travel much more than any other mum or dad friend that I know...) overseas so dh does the drop offs and pick ups. Last night for eg, I was home about 9.45pm.

In terms of money, I don't know if they can be so flexible but we shall see. It's not private sector, current place isn't either. I'm trying to focus on the future plans!!

[nolongernewbie]

I would stay with current job. You're paid well, have secure role & it's 5 mins from your home. Just my opinion - I gave up commute when I went freelance. I hope I never have to commute again. Also, the fact that potential new job could be 2 positions disguised as 1 would alarm me. Could that lead to long working hours (to get work done) on top of commute either side of the day? Hmmmm lots for you to think about.

[Onwardsandupwards2015]

I think you want to do the job, which is great. However commuting daily for hours is a nightmare. End of.

[wobblebobblehat]

Total commute - 10 minutes vs 2.5 hours
Salary - £51k vs £61k-ish
Transport costs - £0? vs £7k
Workload - X vs potentially three times X

No, I wouldn't move. Do not underestimate how stressful a long commute is. Chuck in a very heavy workload... Even if they offered you £20k you will soon forget about it and will be spending the extra money on ready meals, cleaners and frittering it away on treats to make you feel better.

[YorkshireTeaandCake]

Wobble has given a great breakdown of what can happen when a commute is added to your work day (as well as the extra workload). I totally agree...it isn't worth it.

[wobblebobblehat]

Takes a bow...

[SaltySeaBird]

I have about an hour and 20 door to door commute. It's awful, I get the 7:10am train and don't get home until gone 7pm and that's if I leave on time. If there was an opportunity close to where I lived I'd jump all over it! Some things are worth more than money and time with my very young DD is one of them .

[YorkshireTeaandCake]

Can you tell I hate commuting? It is a nightmare getting the kids ready on my own (as hubby already out at work). Pressure of arriving 'on time' is awful.
I did work in my hometown (bliss as far as commute went) but was moved...grrrr

[Seriouslyffs]

If you do take it insist on a guaranteed 2 year contract for the reasons MoreBeta states and don't forget 7k travel will have to come out of taxed income- you need at least 10 to cover the cost of travel.

[Duckdeamon]

I have DC of similar age and commute around that time 3 days a week. DH commutes five days. It is hideous: getting up that early is exhausting, eats into the night before (or you have chronic sleep deprivation!) and it has had a negative impact on the while family.

In your shoes with a good local job I would certainly not do it for £10k more when the transport costs £7k alone. don't forget childcare for long days / holidays too, and incidentals like buying lots more meals and hot drinks on the go as you'll be too tired to make stuff! Taxis when trains get cancelled or delayed. An as a PP has said, goodbye unfair dismissal rights or redundancy pay.

The only thing that would persuade me might be a MUCH bigger pay rise or the prospect of the local job being cut!