What would you choose- job enjoyment or a good work-life balance?

[Katandmouse]

My DH has been offered two jobs (this is after a very long time struggling in a low paid and not particularly enjoyable job so a big relief) One is in the industry he loves and looks like an interesting job. But it’s well over an hour’s commute away in London (no home working option). The other is with the company he’s currently at but a much more senior and better paid role. Job won’t be very interesting but he can do it with no issues, it’s 15 mins walk away and there’s no expectation to work beyond the standard 9-5. I’m interested in what route others would choose! DH is really torn, as am I. It would be great for him to continue being close by, able to see kids after work and help with school runs, clubs etc. However the other job is more closely aligned with what he loves doing, and that he’s spent a number of years working towards. Salaries are similar after travel’s been taken into account. WWYD?

Is the commute a hassle with lots of changes and standing on tubes, or is it relatively civilised and he'll be sitting down on a train? Makes a big difference.
How do you feel about him pursuing career progression, will that affect your potential career progression and will it be a hard slog for you picking up the extra domestic / childcare?

Tricky. Depends on his personality quite a bit I think. I hate being bored at work, prefer to be stressed and stretched, so would need to think about that. Maybe the nearby job for a few years whilst kids are young, with a view to moving on to something more rewarding when they’re at secondary school?

Going against the grain. Job 1. You say he has been working towards it for years. Grab the opportunity now while he can. He presumably has a number of more years to work and should make his way in the field he wants to be in. The longer he leaves it the harder it may be to get into that field.

I'm a single parent which influences my choice but I chose a good work/life balance. My job is dull, I do the same thing every day but my managers allow me to be incredibly flexible and essentially choose my own hours as long as I get the work done. Makes life so much easier.

Personally I'd choose 2 as I hate commuting and the strict hours work well for us as a family. That said, if 1 is workable without a negative impact on the family then that sounds like the better job.

Job 1. It’s miserable doing a job you hate and it gets you down over time.
Long commute is a small price to pay and I don’t think one hour really is that long a commute.

While work life balance is important so is not being bored out of your brain if the commuting job is truly 9-5 then he'll be home by 6 or just after so you can all eat together about 6.30 the children are getting older so no longer going to bed at 7 so time with dad in evenings. If he stays local he might find it harder to move in a few years as someone working in same place for 10+ years maybe seen negatively by some silly I know but that's how it is, you need to discuss but ultimately it his choice with your input rather than your choice with his input.which way does your DH lean right now

Job nearer home every time

Job nearer home. DCs are of an age that they'll still really benefit from him being around and it means the flexibility of your job continues to be a nice bonus, rather than an absolute necessity.

Both DH and I work on the philosophy that the most important thing is to have a job that pays the bills, but doesn't take over your life. He has refused contracts that involve 1hr+ commuting for that reason.

Once the DCs are proper teens they'll scarcely want to be in the same room as you - except for handouts , it would be a shame to miss that when you could both crank your careers up in a few years if you want to.

It is a tough one and I agree with teacupdrama in that if he is happy and fulfilled in the new role, he may be generally happier all round, so your dc may get quality over quantity of time. I guess only he knows really whether he may grow to resent the lost opportunity and only you know how you'll feel without the extra support around.

Job nearer home.
The quality time spent parenting his children would sway it for me. Most women make this decision.