Would you apply for a job 20k extra PA but going from compressed 4 day week WFH to full office based work 5 days

[DifferentChoicesTooLate]

A job has come up that looks OK (not amazing but OK) but it’s 20k extra to what I earn now. However currently I do 5 days compressed in 4 and I can pick and chose whether I WFH or in the office, so I do a bit of both depending on how social I feel and deliveries etc. The new job has to work in the office 4 days a week (office a 20 mins drive away).

Im a bit fed up with my current job, little prospects to progress but it’s pretty much zero stress and a lovely team. I can do it my sleep so when I finish I’m completely present for my high school age kids.

I just don’t know what to do. In many ways I’ve got a great life work balance but I was once really ambitious and having kids has sapped that out of me. This would be more senior. I can’t help have a voice that tells me they wouldn’t even consider me as I feel a bit of a wash up.

But then no harm in applying and if I don’t get an interview I don’t get an interview.

Or I just carry on happy(ish) as I am.

Garrrr someone help!!!!

Apply

No harm in applying and seeing what the fit seems like (and obviously depends on how well you’re able to manage on current salary) but personally, wfh has been transformative for me so I wouldn’t.

Depends on how much of a percentage increase it is. 20k to 40k yes, but 150k to 170k no.

20 min commute is ok. Depends on whether the increased presence comes in increased stress. Only one way to find out …

Oh I bloody wish it was that 😂

So it will be £45 to £65 working up to £71. So not mega bucks but a tidy sum (for public sector!)

Just to add financial it would help out my DH is keen

A job has come up that looks OK (not amazing but OK)

If it's not your dream job, the reasons for applying would be 1. more money; 2. better progression opportunities.

Consider what practical differences the net of £20k p/a would make to your life - would it significantly improve it?

If you apply and get an interview, you can ask about progression and see if the opportunities excite you. Remember, you don't have to take the job if offered.

Personally I would apply and see what happens - you are obviously restless in your current role, so this would be good practice should your dream job come up in the future.

Finally, you might find there are flexible options when it comes to WFH/compressed hours - this is also something you could ask about in the interview.

No. I left a job recently because they withdrew hybrid working and I'm not remotely (pun intended) interested in five days a week in the office.

I’d apply and see what happens.

i had similar scenario recently, applied and was offered a role that was £17k base salary more but 3 x bonus so about £35k altogether more but they wanted 3 days in the office in the city Center with NO flexibility on leaving at 4pm instead of 5 on those days and making up the hours on the WFH days. I declined the role, wouldn’t have made it back home for 6pm for the latest childcare arrangements so although money was much better it wasn’t any better for a work / life balance. Shame, but wouldn’t have known that if I had no applied

@FlightCommanderPRJohnson i think your advice is sensible.

Writing my OP I realise it’s my inner lack of confidence that is stopping me applying.

I know I can do the job but I’m convinced myself they won’t believe me.

Im increasingly getting fed up with people who are not as skilled as me getting promotions. But it’s all my own fault.

What happened to the confident 20 something me????

Hell yeah. £20k is about £1k a month extra for the same hours. It's more senior and pay rises and pension contributions will start to add a lot more.

No, it wouldn’t be enough of a pay differential to me. I know that sounds crazy but life is for living and I’d have to be paid twice as much to want to work every day in an office.

The job advert does say some flexibility in the hours in the office, and actually outside of rush hour the journey is 10 mins, so I’m wondering if there is some scope for doing a couple of shorter days in the office and finishing them up at home and using my lunch break to drive home.

But I won’t know if I don’t ask…

I think that’s quite a bit more compared to your current salary.

but I notice you said it was “ok”.

if you’re in a low stress job with really good terms, I would think twice before giving that up.

I totally recognise what you said about previously being very ambitious and having list that. I feel similar but just accepting I’m at a different phase in my life now (maybe a bit wiser even?)

nevertheless, I’d go to interview, find out more about the job and whether you’d be interested. It is also good for an ego boost and taking stock ;even just putting the application snd cv together, never mind being invited to interview). You can also wait until they offer (unless they mention it earlier) and ask if they would consider you working from home 1 or 2 days per week.

Are you public sector now? Because if you’re not the public sector pension increases the total comp package above the 20k. Although appreciate that doesn’t pay the bills today.

No I wouldn't be interested in that. What if you hate it and are stuck with the commute and working 5 days a week with no flexibility.

If you want to leave your job, keep looking. Something else will come along.

Right I’m going to apply.

I need to tell myself what have I got to lose by just applying.

I think working the full week in the office IS a deal breaker for me, WFH has made life so much more manageable. But I would happily go to the office more, so if there is some negotiation I would consider it.

Thank you wise MNerts

No way would I switch from 4 days a week WFH for 5 days a week in the office. Quality of life is more important to me than money ... The extra £20K per year will be used in travel expenses, more N.I. more tax, more pension contributions, more towards student debt (if you have it.)

No. No way.

.

Yes!

Arrrggghhhh 😩

You'll also pay 40% tax on most of that extra 20k

Well on 65K you would be looking at paying some higher rate tax, so what would the additional net pay be? You can run the figures through a net pay calculater, there are free ones online.
I would then weigh up whether you feel it is worth it, taking into account travel time and costs and also the loss of compressed hours. On the plus side of course it could lead to further career progression.

You may as well apply and see how you feel about the place in general.

I'd apply and see how you feel at interview. Your children are getting older and you may find you need a new challenge plus long compressed days may be more difficult through menopause plus more money going into your pension esp public sector is worth consideration.

Just to say I don’t think it would lead to further progression as next step up is Assistant director and I have no interest in that level - you definitely lose all work/life balance.

I wouldn't but I'm content to coast in an easy wfh job 😂