Go for a new challenge or stick with nice cushy number?

[SimpleComforts]

I have a second interview this week.

Current job, pay £40k. 5 mins from home, fairly responsible job, there was a lot to do when I started but I've got systems and a good team in place and things largely run themselves now. I love the people, feel supported and appreciated, work 8:30-4:30 with very little reason to do anything extra (now things are under control) but am often bored.

Potential new job. £57k, will be much more demanding, at least to begin with, almost certainly longer hours, commute about 30 mins, but on roads that only take a small accident to cause gridlock so will sometimes be much longer.

I'm 50 and I feel like I have one more challenge in me and I feel up for/ in need of the challenge. OTOH it's quite nice to be home by 4:35 with nothing to worry about.

I've got to get it yet, but WWYD?

[SimpleComforts]

I should say children all started working full time within the last year so I'm a bit "redundant" at home too. Have nothing to rush home to, but even so the me time is nice.

[SaltyAndFresh]

That's a nice pay increase. How secure do you think it would be?

[wallawallat]

I would go for it. If you feel like this now in your current job what will you be like in another yr or 2.

[greyinganddecaying]

OP - if you feel up for a challenge, I'd do it. With the commute, would you be able to work from home 1-2 days per week to balance it out?

I'm a couple of years younger than you & considering taking my "last step" to somewhere I'll be until retirement.

[SimpleComforts]

I think the job security would be much the same as where I am now.

I don't need the money, we're quite comfortable as we are but earning it now could make quite a difference to retirement income.

[ConfusedPanda]

In your situation I'd go for the new job!

If I were presented with those choices I'd stick with your current job, but that's because my life is very different to yours at the moment (small DC definitely not starting full time work any time soon, sadly )

[StrictlyAFemaleFemale]

Hell yeah you should go for it! If nothing else think of your pension!

[SimpleComforts]

No, I don't think there'll be any potential to wfh. If may be possible to ask for PT, if I've got it under control in a couple of years.

[sitckmansladylove]

I think I would stay. There's so much to be said for a stress free life. More time.

[LoeliaPonsonby]

What’s your pension like? That would be the driving factor for me.

[AuntieJoyce]

Hi OP I’m 50 and just accepted a new job in similar circs, more money, bigger challenge etc

Bit nervous now at starting worm remotely but hoping this will be my forever job and give me the spark that’s been lacking for a while and bigger pension entitlement

Just need the brainfog to lift and all will be well

[AuntieJoyce]

And yes that would be the brainfog that is causing me to confuse my career with small garden dwelling invertebrates

[SimpleComforts]

My pension provision is actually pretty good, I did 20 odd years in a very well paid job with a final salary pension scheme before switching careers but DH doesn't have much provision.

Existing pension arrangements are "OK" provided nothing goes wrong that means one of us needs to retire early and DH is currently recovering from surgery which will need a long recovery and TBH I'm fully expecting to have to be the main breadwinner for a while, if not indefinitely.

So, that's one reason the job is attractive but it's also a reason not to take on extra stress.

It's so hard to find the balance between being challenged "enough" and too much, which is why I left previous career, although older and wiser I don't think I'd let it get to me the way it did then now.

[blue25]

I’d go for it. It sounds like the ideal time in many ways & you may enjoy the challenge.

Also, the extra into your pension will give you more options if you want to retire early.

[SaltyAndFresh]

Where do you find these amazing jobs out of interest? Linkedin? Directly via the company website? Agencies?

[SimpleComforts]

This one is public sector and was advertised on the LA's website as well as in the Guardian and some other jobs sites.

Amazing really, to have been shortlisted

[Aquastorm]

I’d go for it and see how you feel at the interview after. I always like to have an exit plan if necessary. If the job wasn’t right for you - would you say it would be possible to find another role?

[SaltyAndFresh]

@SimpleComforts

This one is public sector and was advertised on the LA's website as well as in the Guardian and some other jobs sites.

Amazing really, to have been shortlisted

Congratulations, I'm seething with jealousy