Confused about whether to go to interview or stay where I am for longer

[lemonaaade]

Been in my current job ten years now in the public sector. Been wanting to leave for a while due to frustrations with the way we work and mainly I’m unhappy with the amount I’m paid for the job I do. I’m at the top of the band and have been for a long time which means no more pay increase unless the sector gets a national increase or I get a promotion. I can’t ask for a pay rise I won’t get it. Unlikely to get a promotion as someone needs to leave and that won’t be happening for a while and then it’s not guaranteed if I’d get it as a lot of others in my team would go for it too. Also husband and I are struggling money wise, we need somewhere bigger and we can’t afford it on our salaries.

I did some searching and applied for a role which would be similar to what I’m doing now but a step up in responsibility, and a lot more in pay, around £10-14k. It’s in the private sector and I know there’s opportunities for progression. I’ve been offered an interview.

Part of me wants to go for it and see. Another part of me is now scared I’ll be making a big mistake and worried about potential change especially as I have a very young child and I’m shattered in general. I do have it good where I work and I’m comfortable despite the stress.

• flexible working, and working from home 50% of the time, can start and finish when I want within reason
• amazing sick pay
• public sector pension
• lovely supportive manager and colleagues
• Flexible with childcare needs

What should I do? Stick it out where I am until my child is in school or can I progress my career while my child is young and try something new.

Ten years in the same job? Ten years?

With no prospect of promotion or pay rise?

Goodness …

I think, for the sake of moving forward with your career, you could have changed jobs two or three times over the past decade. Has no one ever suggested this to you? Ten years with an employer that clearly doesn’t care about your personal career progression seems quite - disappointing.

So yes. Go to this interview. Apply for other jobs. Don’t keep talking yourself out of taking a leap …

I don’t understand why you wouldn’t go to the interview
if you don’t get it, decision made
if you do get it you can ask about working from home and all the other benefits and then make an informed decision.
the situation right now doesn’t sound sustainable, so something needs to change regardless

I keep talking myself out of it because I’m terrified I’ll hate it somewhere else and not make close friends like I have where I am. But I need to do it, I keep finding excuses and then feeling miserable.

Just go to the interview, what’s the worst that could happen? It’s good practice after 10 years if nothing else. But seriously, 10 years with no further prospects or pay rise… it’s time to move on!

I love interviews. I probably don't want to leave my current job but I enjoy the whole process. It's nice to have options and know your worth!