WHich joh should I choose? Stressing!

[Heidi3333]

Hi looking for some opinions as I just can't make up my mind and it's a HUGe decision for me.

Job 1 - my current job as a nurse in a general outpatient clinic. Been in it 6 years, very easy, get on great with everyone, no stress, potential for overtime, still enjoy it, understanding if I'm late due to long commute, could quite easily do it for years to come but no prospects to progress higher or earn more money.

Job 2 - I have an interview for this next week and think I have a good chance of getting it as I did a secondment there for 8 weeks and received v positive feedback and they always request me if they are short. It's Another outpatient clinic but in a speciality that I want to develop in and I have a background in. The job would be very useful for professing my career. Very interesting and challenging but stressful, don't really know the staff, less potential for overtime, might not be so understanding of my commute/childcare issues.

I'm trying to figure out before the interview in case I get offered the job as they will expect an answer the same day!

I used to be v ambitious and in the past would have jumped at the opportunity to work in the second clinic but I'm 44 now, been a nurse for 20 years, a single mum and just want the easy life now. But part of me would still like to forge a fufilimg career path for myself.

IM at a loss what to do. Some days I think I'll stay where I am, others I think I'd accept the new job.

Any opinions would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance x

[Singlenotsingle]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You're happy, you're comfortable, presumably you're happy with the salary? Depends whether you do stress?

[Heidi3333]

I worry I'll regret whatever decision I make 😧

[Spied]

It's 'easy life' V's fulfilling career path....
I think it sounds like you will regret not giving this a go though. You have interest and you seem very keen in this other area where you have scope to progress.
Are you going to be happy doing your 'now' job in 20years time when you've no childcare issues?

[EmmaC78]

How old are your children?

[bgegmum]

I had to make a similar decision earlier this year.
Stay in my comfortable okay paying job with very little chance of progression or go to college to earn qualifications for a better paying job with more chance of progression and something I actually wanted to do
I chose college.
Messed up my whole life, finding childcare, getting my young kids used to the new routine, finding time to study, sitting with no money.
But honestly best decision of my life. I love the feeling of moving forward. Even if I'm going to be stuck in the same position for 4 years till I get a degree.
I'm sure they will give you time to think it over and if they do offer you the job explain about your concerns with childcare and commute issues. They may be more understanding than you think

[Heidi3333]

Hi the salary would be the same with the second job, probably less due to less overtime potential. My daughter is 3 years old.

[AnotherEmma]

This is a really tricky one. Would it help to reframe that there is no wrong answer?! Both jobs have positives and I think it just depends on your priorities.

Do you think similar opportunities will arise in future or do you think this is a rare chance to get job #2?

As you're a single parent of a 3yo I don't think the timing is ideal to start a demanding new job, but if it's a rare opportunity and (crucially) you have backup childcare for emergencies, perhaps you should go for it.

I recently took on more responsibility at work, for a challenge and career progression, but I have regretted it at times due to the extra stress (for a minuscule payrise). I have a 2yo but I do have a husband who more than pulls his weight. On balance though I'm glad I went for it (nb same place of work so same commute and colleagues).

[Heidi3333]

Thanks for the replies 🤗

In response to some of the posts: it's the only other job I'd consider in the hospital I work and it's rare that a position comes up there. That's why I worry I'd regret turning it down 😩

[Fuckenstein]

As a single parent of a preschooler I would probably stay put for the time being with a view to moving when your little one is a bit older. Especially if it is potentially less money.

[Heidi3333]

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate them.

I've decided to go ahead with the interview for the new job. I did a shift in the other clinic yesterday and realised how much I enjoyed it. Then my only work buddy in my current job told me he was also applying for a new job and that gave me motivation to try elsewhere. Interview is on Monday!

[AnotherEmma]

Brilliant, best of luck for the interview!