I have a specialism in an interesting field and it’s led to a solid, reliable career that I really enjoy. I spent the last four years working 40 miles away for a glamorous company with lots of perks. I was earning 50k ( good salary where we live in the North), lots of perks and interesting job. However, the commute was crap and my husband had to step up a lot at home when I went back after mat leave. We have 2 young DDs age 1 and 3 years. He has a good job which is his passion but it’s poorly paid (30k) — although he helps out a lot with our kids and is my absolute rock. Anyway, last year a job came up similar to mine in a small company round the corner from us. It’s a 5 minute commute, I’m home by 3.15 every day and I still earn 51k (which works out great without the extra petrol bill too!). It’s very comfortable but little chance of any promotions really for the foreseeable as it’s a small place. Husband is happier that I’m home more!
So here’s the conundrum: two weeks ago I was contacted by a recruiter asking if I’d be interested in a new role. It’s very specialist and plays to my skills but I’d need training. It requires a traineeship for two years! If successful, they’d fully fund my training and match my current salary for the two years. However, it’s supposed to be quite stressful and could be placed 10-20 miles from home in training. If I complete the training years, they’d help to place me in a role earning potentially 65-75k with lots of room to progress after that. I sent in a quick application but didn’t put too much into it as suspected I wouldn’t be selected and that would remove the pressure of deciding! They’ve called today to offer me an interview this Wednesday.
My husband isn’t keen on me having a commute again but says he’ll support me whatever I decide. Money is obviously tempting but it isn’t everything in life and I love the low stress at the moment!! Feels silly not to take a potentially good opportunity though and I don’t know what to do. What would you do?