To go back to the LA?

[Ayechinnyreckon]

I'm a social worker by trade, did 15 years, got quite senior. DH then got a huge pay rise and we decided I could go part time. Work couldn't accommodate this and I was also getting frustrated with the cost cutting and penny pinching and soI left and got a (part time - 4 days a week) job in industry as a project manager, have done this for 2 years now. I'm ok at the job, love working from home and love being part time but definitely don't feel it's my calling.

A part time social work manager position has become available. And I'm considering going back. Would I be nuts?

Pros of current job:
95% working from home and unlikely to change
Easy
Very flexible working hours.
Salary potential is infinite (within reason)

Cons of current job:
It's boring
I don't feel like I'm making a difference
Low job satisfaction

Pros of going back to the LA:
Only working 3 days a week
Get to do a job I was very very good at
High job satisfaction
Good pension
Working for a manager I know and like

Cons:
£200 per month worse off (but a day a week less and better pension)
Have to work in office 95% of the time
Unlikely to get back in to industry if I leave it, this job was very much a lucky break.
Salary potential is fixed and I'm close to the top, especially if I won't work full time.
I was really frustrated with the bureaucracy and that's probably not changed
It'll be slightly less flexible working (but I'm currently incredibly flexible, I used to think my old job was flexible!).

I just don't know what to do! I definitely miss feeling a sense of purpose.

The £200 loss isn't make or break for us.

WWYD

Apply for the job and see how you feel when they offer it to you. You don’t have to take it if they offer it.

I agree with the PP; apply for the job and make up your mind if you get through the interview stages. I think you'll regret not trying and be full of what ifs.

Good idea

You've mentioned that salary potential would be fixed if you were to return, but is there potential for progression in your current industry role, OP? If there isn't, and the loss of earnings isn't an issue, then I'd certainly consider returning. It does seem to be a calling for you, and getting that sort of fulfilment at work is not something that comes along often.

Apply and see.

Also, there seems to be zillions of project manager jobs, so I’m sure you could get back in.

Earning in social work are fixed because of the banding. There's no negotiation or room for challenge and the LA I would be applying for is one of the better paying in the area.

In my current industry there are really no limits - it's to do with how well you do, the individual company and your negotiating skills.

In the LA, I could go in to a more senior position, which comes with more pay, but roles are limited and I'd likely have to work full time which I wouldn't want to do.

I currently work in SS. It's hugely stressful, there's high turnover of SW and managers. Yes I think they are pretty well paid tbh but it's at a cost. Also don't assume your salary band is fixed, in my LA cost savings have forced a review of all gradings and jobs. I personally am looking at getting out. If I was much younger SW might appeal as they get promoted quickly. I think you will struggle tbh and I have worked in private sector too so have a fair view of that.

Thank you.

In what way do you think I will struggle?

Can you find your sense of purpose outside of work OP? Stay in the flexible, well paid job but use your time outside work to volunteer or support charity projects? Would this give you the feeling of giving back without it having to be your whole career?

Work out the pension benefit it may well offset any loss of earnings.

I’m a social worker and I can’t imagine doing something else for the cons that you give about your current job. The frustrations of social work will still be there though; potentially slightly worse as with each year that passed budgets get tighter but I still wouldn’t leave for something that’s boring

Toss a coin. Heads your current role, tails the LA role. You'll probably know in a second if the one you don't want turns up. Then do the one you do want.

Could you volunteer alongside your PM role? I'm currently doing this after moving from nursing to project management, missing helping others but not missing having shit and punches thrown at me. I find this the best of all worlds.

A huge amount has changed in the last few years due to workload going through the roof and budgets continually being cut. There just aren't enough experienced people for the work. The managers who can hack it tend to be full-time and with no other responsibilities i.e. no kids or kids left home, quite determined/ambitious and dare I say hardnosed. The ones that are trying to balance with family life are stressed out. Just my observation.