Which job? I can’t decide!!

[Heylaszloguesswhat]

I need some opinions! Choice of two roles. I have worked part-time since my child was born 12 years ago. I’m also struggling with some health issues. Nothing debilitating, but definitely gets in the way sometimes.

Job A - part time, 3 days a week. 2 days in the office non-negotiable. Fixed 9-5 hours. 30 minute longer and more expensive commute. Job description very much stuff I’ve done before and enjoy, I think I’d do well. Enough variety to keep me interested. Slightly lower salary (comparing hourly rate), less favourable benefits (lower pension contributions, no bonus, slightly less holiday). But is part time so would still have days off in the week.

Job B - full time 35 hour week. Very flexible on the way those hours are worked.
2 days of 5 in the office, the rest WFH. But wouldn’t be frowned upon if I wasn’t well enough to travel on occasion to say “I’m logging on from home today” on one of my office days. Easier commute. Role in a specialised area I’d love to move into (though also slightly scary as I’d be out of my comfort zone) . Slightly higher salary (comparing hourly rate). Great benefits - higher pension contribution, great sick pay policy, income protection, healthcare, yearly bonus, option to purchase more holiday. But I’m slightly scared at returning full time in case it’s too much for me!

Which do I go for??

Ultimately you know your health and energy levels but the second role sounds like it has more going for it and more perks.
I worry you'll regret it if you don't go for it out of fear.
I guess the only decider is how much you'll miss the time off during the week. Especially with an almost teen!

Thanks Frogy11. That’s what it boils down to - more time to myself vs more opportunity for freedom to work in a way that suits me more.

B definitely

I should add my DH is very hands on at home. He would WFH the days im in the office and he already does most of the cooking.

I think when you have that flexibility from your employer its everything for making sure you'll succeed. I think its also a great big green flag for how nice it likely is to work there. Take B OP, I'm sure you can work out any of the niggles. I find WFH days feel quite relaxing in themselves with no commute that adding more of those isn't as draining as you might expect.

Can you negotiate job B down to 4 days a week? Could be a good compromise.

I would go for B. You might be able to negotiate reduced hours once you are in role.
If they are flexible and offer more annual leave it might end up not being too different being FT.

I was worried when I went from 3dpw to FT but similar to you that the company is very flexible and I have 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays so I get quite a bit of time in school holidays with DC and my boss is happy for me to go to medical appointments during the work day and make up the hours (chronic illness with a lot of appointments).

B. The main reason is because you say it's an area you'd love to get into.

Your child is older and more independent so full time is doable. Once you've done a 6months or a year you can submit a flexi working request for reduced or compressed hours.

The recruiter for Job B says once fully trained, a flexible working request to compress or reduce hours is not out of the question. But initially it would need to be the full time hours.

Thanks for the replies/votes. I often see posts encouraging working mums to stay part time if they can afford to. So I was expecting more votes for Job A. But I was leaning more towards Job B so I’m happy to see it’s the more popular choice!