Choice between NHS job or corporate job?

[SudsyScrubber]

Offered two admin jobs last week. One in the NHS, one in a big city professional services firm.

I’d have to go into London two days a week (1.5 hr commute which won’t be great!) for the corp job, WFH 3 days a week. Pay is slightly higher but there’s not much in it with travel. Private medical care included.

NHS job is 10 min drive away. Can WFH two days a week. Slightly worried about negative culture and being over loaded with work though which seems to be the norm!

I’m mid 40s so also slightly concerned that there won’t be much progression in corp job as competing against younger staff and it would be a bit more cutthroat?

Background is private sector and haven’t worked for a government org before.

Help me decide.

I’m prof services company and DH is NHS. I joined mid 40s and would recommend it. At times it can be tough but great to have on your CV. What’s the overall package? That would swing it if you’re unable to decide.

I think the 1.5 hour commute would rule out that one for me.

NHS job hands down, the commute in the winter will be a pain with the corp job.

Well depends on your patience tbh. I was offered a NHS office job back in May and the referencing is still not finished. I have worked in the same place for 5 years and I know HR has filled in what was necessary. My "checks" are easy - I have lived in the same house for years, same name and never an issue with police etc.

I should have been a straight forward candidate!

They are absolutely the slowest of slow....... I'm tempted to turn my back on the role and continue with the private sector.

The NHS job. You'll find that's far more flexible with more time off than a corporate job, but really the commute swings it, unless one job excites you a lot more than the other.