Offered a new job when current job is adequate and fits with life

[nightsurfing]

I work in a reasonably large public sector organisation. Offices are an hour away but my job went almost 100% remote during the pandemic, which really reduces travel and childcare costs to almost nothing. I've been with the organisation for 10 years and comfortable. They are reasonably friendly and supportive as an employer. My life circumstances are slightly complex, but the employer and direct management are entirely understanding of this. I have a lot of autonomy to work the way I need to, shaping hours to suit providing I get the job done (which I do). On the downside they have financial challenges, I have stagnated a bit and there are few prospects for moving on or up. I have not received any training or development in years from them, though have taken courses using my own funds and developed my knowledge in different ways.

A while ago I applied for a role that looked interesting, interviewed and have been offered it. It is an organisation very similar to the one I currently work for but benchmarked higher in terms of reputation and better positioned financially. The job would be a horizontal move, with exactly the same pay. Not exactly the same duties but similar enough. This organisation is much closer, a short and easy commute. The main differences are they want staff in the office several days per week, therefore childcare costs would go up a bit. I would be on site with people, and would expect less autonomy / independence with a new employer at least to start with. I would have to work more set hours without the flex I currently have. There would be a probation period. They probably offer more development opportunities. Second organisation seems friendly and professional, with good line management so little difference there.

I'm really torn, as to whether to stick with the comfortable job and life I have or move. There is no 'bad' decision but I don't want to regret a decision either way. I have talked it over with a friend who also works remotely and she has cautioned me about giving up things I value now and might not get again. In my position, she would probably just coast along and be comfy with what I have now. We have another friend who made a move and regrets it but can't go back. I'm equally seeing the risk of staying in one place too long.

I'd appreciate any MN thoughts/wisdom here. How would you make the decision?

Only you can weigh up the pros and cons really. Everyone else will give you an opinion/ experience based on their life.

Your childcare costs would go up, and you'd lose flexibility, but for the same pay? Hmm.... I'm not sure I'd go for that unless it offered significantly better future opportunities (i.e. promotion/exit opps).

It's the loss of flexibility that would bother me the most.

Aside from the shorter commute, what is actually better about this new role, in concrete terms? The organisation being better off financially will only benefit you if it leads to your pay going up. And you say they would "probably" offer more development... how probably are we talking?

🙄

What financial challenges do they have and are they likely to result in redundancies?
how old are your children and how long until they leave primary

Thank you. To answer these:

1. Childcare would depend on the hours I could negotiate, but yes I'm estimating around £20-30 extra per week. From a single salary.
2. In terms opportunities the second organisation would look better on my cv, so I might be more future proofed. I'd also have some new skills under my belt.
3. Yes on the loss of flex. When I've worked remotely for so long and been trusted to do so, this is probably the bit that would be hardest.
4. Financially, my organisation could need to begin redundancies, or not. I'm never sure how close they are to that. If I were to be made redundant, the second organisation is where I'd want to go and I'd regret having turned them down.
5. Development - I don't receive any currently and that's unlikely to change. The second one generally gives its staff more (I know people who work there already). Though nothing is guaranteed.

Thank you

1. Redundancies - I've just answered that above, our posts crossed over. There is a risk, now and into the future unless they can fix it.
2. 18 months until clear of primary.

I wouldn’t leave unless it was a decent pay rise.

but child care costs wont be forever
closer to home is a bonus, less petrol and wear and tear on the car

you might be able to negotiate some flexibility

I think , as you say single salary, that the flexibility you have now is worth its weight in gold until your dc leave Primary. Then l would look to a move back to an office if that environment suits you. Its not even the money. If one of your dc is sick and you're on probation you are going to be stressed looking for time off etc. I wouldn't move at the moment as it makes for an easier life for you. .

Have you tried negotiating salary? I've never taken a first offer, i have always managed to negotiate something extra.

Thank you.

1. Pay / negotiation - in this type of organisation pay is banded. I'm currently mid band, in moving over I could try to negotiate to move up nearer the top of the band. It isn't possible to ask for more than that.
2. Yes childcare costs won't last forever. And the journey would be much shorter
3. Absence for sick children - so far I feel reasonably safe here as dc have 100% attendance since reception, rarely ill (though it's not a given) and the employer is known to have a family friendly approach

Sounds to me that moving to the new job would be short term pain for long term gain. In your position, I'd looking to negotiate up the salary offered within the band because of the additional costs you'll have. Fine to say that and ask for it. You're in the strongest position now as they want you.

Is it likely that in the new job you will be able to move up a pay band in the future? Is there capacity for that?
if so I would probably do it with only 18 month left of primary.

you say your life is slightly complex - is that an ongoing situation or is something likely to shift in the future? If it’s the latter then there may be a better time for a move. If it’s the former then now is as good a time as any to take steps to progress in your career.

so, without knowing that complexity, here’s my advice:

the fact that you applied and were offered the job suggests you’re bored in your current role and could benefit from a challenge

personally I would move before the end of primary as wrap around childcare is much easier there than at secondary. That gives you 18 months to feel settled before you have to support dc’s transition to secondary as well.

It sounds like your career has been on the back burner for a few years (understandably). Going forward I would set goals, eg 2 years to reach the top of the band, 3 years for a promotion. Go for training and networking opportunities that will help you get there

involve the dc - can they get excited about your job and champion your career? This will help them deal with the changes to their routine that will inevitably follow

keep on excellent terms with your former colleagues and boss

I’d make the move. Staying and coasting is a much bigger risk. The new organisation sounds like a much safer option. Negotiate to be at the top of the pay grade and enjoy your new role OP!

I'd be reluctant to give up the current level of flexibility and convenience for no more money. Even with childcare costs coming to an end soon, you might still be worse off depending on commuting costs and need for more work clothes? It just doesn't sound like a good enough gig to justify it.

Are there any other organisations you might look at? Doesn't necessarily have to be this job offer or coasting.

I would advise ANYONE who doesn't utterly despise their job to stay where they are. It could be the biggest regret of your life otherwise.

By year 6 presumably your child can be dropped somewhere vaguely in the vicinity of school and can likewise be picked up vaguely nearby or if you live near to home even walk back themselves. That really just leaves holiday to cover. If it wasn't for the redundancy risk I would probably stay put for another couple of years but if the new job has a good reputation then might be worth the risk.

1. Life complexities - a mixed bag. I've made it this far too some extent against the odds, and due to my current employer being supportive. I can remember how hard things were before the pandemic partly due to commuting so far every day, and conversely how remote working (almost fully) has changed my life, made everything possible to manage, given me room to breathe.
2. A challenge - yes, at least the opportunity to do and learn something new. Perhaps with less excitement/drama (in the current organisation this comes from dealing with one crisis after another - and I'm good in this kind of situation)
3. Agreed on the other points

I'd never move without a pay rise. Never. The best option is option c, a different job or negotiate an increase in pay.

Yes there would be cost of clothes. I've not had to buy/own 'work clothes' much in the last 4 years, beyond a set of rotating shirts on my top half, and basic make up. Have not had to think about how my body looks or comes across, and have become used to what I say being important than how I look.

Ok so you'd want to factor that into your financial calculations too.

The job offer doesn't sound that great really. I'm all for new challenges when that's what you need, but I'd hope to do better than same wage, more costs and less convenience.

the social aspect, must count for something, actually seeing people face to face would be beneficial

I'd move. More room for growth.
If you stay in your current role you'll still be where you're at in 10 years time. If you're okay with that then stay