Please speak some sense to me - going round in circles!

[pressingmatters]

On paper the decision I have to make is a "no brainer" but I am struggling to make the leap so would appreciate your thoughts and/or experiences please.

In brief I am a public sector employee (don't want to say more than that) and am in a fairly specialised field.

To progress in my job (and retain pension benefits etc...) I would normally have to move to London where most jobs are based. I have been lucky to be working in my field in my preferred location in UK for three years.

I absolutely love the small team I work with - we are on good terms, back each other up and are supportive of each other . I never dread going into work and I know they have my back and vice versa.

The problem is I can stay here for another three (or ten) years and the chances of progressing (grade, financial, experience, responsibility) will not happen.

A job has come up that I could apply for (yes I know it's not in the bag but I know I have a very good chance of getting it for a variety of reasons).

This new job is also within public sector (so still same benefits, pension,
holidays etc...) It is £12K more than I am on now. More importantly it is a grade higher AND in the same city (where I want to stay).

DH thinks I am mad for even hesitating in applying (but is supportive either way) - even my boss says I'd be mad not to consider it. I never realised how important those things (friendship, support etc...) were but now I am struggling to think straight.

I could apply and then see what happens but I know from past experience these things have a way of snowballing - so can anyone advise please?!

[lougle]

Apply.

[museumum]

Possible career progress in your current location??? JUMP NOW! GRAB IT WITH BOTH HANDS! NOW!!!!!

[WatchingFromTheWings]

Apply.

[GCHQMonitoring]

Apply.

If you are totally happy where you are currently, what led you to looking for/considering this new role?
Write out a pros and cons list

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

Apply! You are letting fear of change make the decision for you. Don't do that.

[juniorcakeoff]

Apply - other people will leave your office, your boss may change, different regulations or policies will change things...be the one to leave/change rather than the last one of the 'old guard' left.

[ChuckGravestones]

Apply, you dont have to take it.

[EBearhug]

Apply. The only point at which you have to make a decision is if you're offered it, and you've got the whole section process before you get to that point.

Don't forget that going for a job is a two-way process, and you're also trying to work out if it would fit you.

Your boss, your husband and everyone on this thread is saying you should go for it.

[Hellmouth]

I love my job too, but if there was an opportunity to progress and earn an extra £12k ...I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this.

[user1471950254]

As Junior said apply as things could change.

[daisychain01]

To give yourself confidence, start writing a few notes about how you can repurpose your existing skills towards the new role.

You will be amazed at how much you have to offer, once those creative thoughts flow. You'll feel much better equipped to attend the interview having thought about it first.

Do apply, you will feel proud of yourself!

[pressingmatters]

Thanks all - as PP said I wouldn't be looking at jobs at all if things were perfect - my team is great but there are major changes going on above us that are getting ridiculous!

And yes I agree that if I stick around there's nothing stopping others moving on and I will be the "old guard" (Old in more ways than one as I have a decade off as SAHM so am very much not where I'd be if I'd pursued my career)

I will apply and take it from there - thanks all :)

[rollonthesummer]

Wow-I'm amazed by a £12k pay rise in the public sector!

I'd apply! How would you feel if your current boss and several colleagues left-work might not seen as nice and then you'd regret not going for this role.

What if your boss went for this new job?!

[pressingmatters]

Ha rollonthesummer - nah they won't as it's still a grade below what they are on now!

[Allthebestnamesareused]

Apply - the new team might be just as nice!

[EBearhug]

Have you cancelled the cheque sent the application in yet?

[pressingmatters]

EBearhug putting finishing touches to it now! Will keep you all posted ...and thanks again everyone :)

[slamdunkthefunk]

Glad you're applying, definitely the right decision. I recently changed roles (total change of career direction), new role has much better prospects earnings wise.
However, I dithered about it the same as you as I loved my old team. Ultimately though, people can leave, and you could find your whole team has changed in a year or two. It's just not a reason to stay put.
Best of luck!

[EBearhug]

Good luck with it!