Dithering and jeffing well need some help!!!

[ItsGotBellsOn]

Sorry if this is long. I just NEED some outside, objective opinions and a bit of clarity.

I've been out of work since taking voluntary redundancy in May.

I was a middle manager in a college (student support and safeguarding) - full time, term time only, local. Worked there for eighteen months and loved it, but they restructured my role completely and I took redundancy after a bad few months with awful management and lots of stress and staff walking out etc.

Initially thought I would take the summer off and then start looking for something similar or possibly part time. I have a health condition which has been worse this year (only took a few days off work because of it, but struggled badly - in silence! - and thought maybe part time working might make things more bearable). I also have a child with SN and childcare is a constant nightmare (self employed Dh and my mum juggled it when I was working full time, which wasn't ideal but no other alternatives).

I haven't found a single part time role to apply for since starting looking in earnest in August and am now resigned to the fact I will have to look for something full time.

Two jobs have come up, and am struggling to decide whether to apply for one, both or just hold out for something part time now. Seem to have lost all perspective and definitely some of my confidence after being out of work for months.

One is a step down from my last role, but a similar role (supervisory rather than management) in a local school. Full time , term time only. I enquired about some details of the job with a friend who works there and she says she though they would snap me up for an interview no problem with my experience.

The other is a 25-30 minute drive away, a safeguarding manager role for a large, prestigious organization. Much better money and benefits, but full time with 30 days annual leave. I also know someone at the organisation who thinks I have a strong chance of getting an interview.

Just feeling so torn between career progression, being realistic about my childcare and my health. DH thinks I should go for the more prestigious role and we'll work things out and that I should stop worrying.

But I am a worrier!

Can anyone say anything sensible about what to do in this situation? I seem to have lost the power of reasonable thought.

[Nevercan]

It sounds to me that the part time role would suit you better. If childcare is difficult and you have health issues a part time role would be less stressful and possibly offer a better work/life balance :-)

[ismellonehugerat]

You are better getting back in the saddle sooner rather than later so I would apply for both. However, from what you have said it sounds as if the local school job sounds like a better fit.

High profile and career progression always sounds great until you are actually doing the job IMO. Your health is top priority then childcare. With the school job you won't be flogging yourself day after day and you will have the school holidays so less headaches in terms of childcare.

We are all being driven to work harder, faster, earn more and achieve more but it doesn't seem to be making us any happier! Go for the job that ticks as many boxes as possible in terms of how you want to live your life. It's not always about money and promotion.

Also, part time jobs are the holy grail! You'd be better off to get a full time role, get your feet under the table, then negotiate down a bit later on (if you can!!!).

[ItsGotBellsOn]

Many thanks for your replies. Very much appreciated!

The safeguarding role isn't public sector - its for a large private sector organisation.

Ismellonehigarat - what you said about high profile jobs sounding great until you actually do them really struck a chord with me!

I've decided to apply for the local school job, which although is full time, is term time only and very local.

Wish me luck!