Should I apply?

[SittingNextToIt]

I’m currently in an organisation I love. They’ve promoted me 3 times in the last 5 years, genuinely value me, and I’m now at the highest professional rank possible in my domain. Fab warm colleagues. Small kids settled in local town 5 mins from my workplace.

the salary is slightly lower than what I could get - at the same rank - and I don’t think they’ll give me a payrise.

Job has come up - in an organisation in next biggest city - 20 mins on train - same rank (so highest rank possible in my profession) - entirely cut out for me. Pay - much higher. Would make significant difference to lots of things financially. WFH thrice a week so only going in twice.

main appeal: PAY.

Should I apply, interview if called, take higher pay offer to my current in all ways perfect warm organisation and see if they match it? If they don’t match I’ll have to leave won’t i?

or should I spare everyone at both institutions the hassle (new institution the hassle of interviewing someone who isn’t serious about REALLY wanting them/wanting a change) - feels unethical…

I feel guilty/embarrassed about doing such a move purely to get ahead/get more pay. (Would a man - rather than a 30 something slightly exhausted mum of 2 worth about such things - or would most men just go for it?)

and I know applying doesn’t mean getting the job!

Any advice from wise MNers?

Worry* about such things - sorry for typo!

If that was me, and it has been in the past, I would defo apply. Then take it from there. Particularly these days, a move purely to increase your salary makes perfect sense! (And do you think a man would even be questioning it…)

Why don't you apply and see what happens?

You might get an interview then decide you don't like the people or the office or you might love it.

Don't run before you can walk - see if you get the job first then decide. If you decline their second choice will get it so nobody's time is wasted. An interview is a two way thing - it's just as much for you to decide if you like the job as them deciding if they want you.

I would apply tbh and see where that takes you
Then if you do get offered job big pro and con list
Good luck

You’ll get a feel for the position when you interview.

Absolutely go for it!!

Very useful advice thank you very much all. It’s all these other factors - “why waste their time if I’m not really keen on moving” - and worse - “why attempt to leave these lovely people who’ve promoted me many times and valued me so much” - type factors that make me hesitant to apply.

I asked my spouse what he would do and he said he’d apply without even batting an eyelid (indeed he’s starting a new job next week after having worked with his previous job for 14 years!) - he left without batting an eyelid for better pay/better flex to work around kids and do childcare in mornings etc. He liked the current folk and stayed for 14 years but just left without worrying about all these factors I am stressing over!

This is to a large extent why men earn more - they will move for money without a second thought - or use it as a bargaining chip for more.

You already know this - but you seem to think there’s a degree of loyalty in business. There isn’t. A change of CEO and 20 years in a business can mean you are baggage rather than the valued employee who always went above and beyond and we’re first lick for more project teams because you got things done.

I'd apply and use the process to decide if I want the job as much as if they want me. I wouldn't leave just for the money, but equally I wouldn't decide now that it will be a less good place to work.

I wouldn't go into it just as a negotiation tool for the current job. It's worth a try but IME they'll offer you something extra but not match it (if it's a lot extra) which you'll accept because it's the easy thing to do.

Absolutely go for it.