Struggling to decide whether to uproot for a job

[Pepperama]

I'm not good at making decisions.

Been in current job for many years, now in senior management. Nothing wrong with the job, nice people, good salary, just long hours, a long commute and feeling a like I've been there too long and it's getting a bit stale.

I was offered a new job with a higher salary, new exciting area of work, and job wise I'd love to do it. Rare opportunity too, these jobs don't come up very often. BUT: it'd mean moving halfway across the country to an area we don't know, DP finding a new job, selling and buying a house, new school for primary aged DC, leaving friendships and social support behind. Which seems a big step and a lot of hassle, and I guess there's no guarantee that we will settle in the new place.

Really struggling to know what to do. Any experiences? Am I just a worry wart? Or is it daft to throw away what you have?

It’s a pros and cons list. I think it comes down to the difference in money and what your dp and children think

For me alot would depend on whether it is an area of the country I wanted to live in.

I have relocated twice for work I was in my twenties and only just thirty though and single. On a practical level it’s easy if you are an organised person. On an emotional level how outgoing are all of you ? Building friendships if people are shy or introverted is hard, this is when personality type comes in to play. I met DH at my second relocation for work, he had also moved around, far more than me and had worked on two contracts in other countries. I easily made friends but I’m very outgoing apart from when I’m ill with my MH issues.

Thank you all. It is definitely an area we could see ourselves living in - not that dissimilar from current area in terms of options for outdoors pursuits, house prices, urban/rural mix.

It's a long time since I last moved so not sure how outgoing we are - we're both busy with work and have some set circles of people for socialising through activities and DC so it's not really been something we've focused on.

Money is significantly better but we're comfy and not hugely money driven, so wouldn't do it if there wasn't a fab-sounding job with it too. DP is less sure - no obvious advantage but knows I've been the one doing much of the childcare and commuting, so is open to consider it if I'm keen.

Can you rent your house and rent in the other place for 12 months to leave options open

If you're both not 100% sure I think I'd be a no. But everyone's different!
Do you have much family close by?

I personally wouldn't. You'd be uprooting your entire family for a job you might enjoy, but may not. If the area you live in is decent, good schools etc it seems like far too much upheavel to appease one person's desire for a jew job.

@cuddling57 No, we live quite a way from family and it'd not make much difference to the travel time.

@greentulips I wish, that'd be ideal! But I couldn't just go back if we don't like it as neither of us would have a job to come back to. Which is why I'm so scared to call it wrong and either feel stuck in my current job or risk making everyone unhappy if we don't like it.