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!!!!

Is it normal to feel sick at just the thought of applying for a job?

That is the other thing that is putting me off.

Total lack of self belief! Which ironically no one at work would believe as I’m really confident and outgoing at work!

If you're not really excited at the prospect and really want the job then I wouldn't apply. Not only is it a waste of your time but also the interviewer's and you'd be taking the place of someone who really does want it.

I know that's not your responsibility and it's perfectly fine to just go along and find out more about it but it seems like a lot to do if you're really not that bothered about it.

Is there an option of an informal chat on the phone to find out what the job entails and whether it's something that you'd love to do?

You mention lack of confidence. For me, working from home all the time would do that to me. I’d hate to work from home all the time. Might not to you, but just throwing that into the mix.

And if your husband is keen presumably he’s also up for picking up the domestic stuff that makes wfh make your life easier? Does he have days he wfh too?

I'd apply definitely, that's a tiny commute, shorter days even though more of them, WFH holds no appeal for me whatsoever at that length of commute (it might if it was an hour plus but for that reason inky, I hate WFH). I have a similar commute, work 8.30-4.30 and am home for taxiing teens or whatever.

Check the net pay very carefully and account for any costs like extra pension, food, car parking, fuel etc.

I took a £15k pay cut to move from office to wfh but I’m actually broadly similar because of tax bands, high transport costs and buying food out I was actually better off despite the large cut.

I’m in a similar place on one hand I think if I max it out for 2-5yrs I could shove the extra in my pension and go earlier. I’d check tax though as you move into higher rate. Versus enjoying the very lovely balance I have now but may have to work 2yrs more to get the pension where I need it. Personally I’m sticking with the easier cruise at the moment and finding my joy outside work but everyone responds differently to stress. Also menopause impacts everyone differently and the last few years of my 40s into 50 was very very hard. I’m more balanced now. So consider your age too. Good luck whichever route you try.

No

Definitely apply, even if you don't accept/ don't get the post, you've shown that you are ready for a change and step-up which managers may be able to accommodate/ create/ line you up for in the future.

How exciting, good luck! And remember that whatever decision you make now, or during the application process, it's the right one.

OP apply for the job. The longer you stay in your easy but boring role the less you’re going to feel like you can do something else. ( I have been in that position and im
also public sector). The pay is a big jump and it’s all going to feel worth it in a few years when you see what a difference it’s made to your pension.

I wouldn’t do it, no way. My WFH is worth more than that.

This is a tiny commute!!

most office base roles have flexibility about location & hours. They’re unlikely to find someone happy to do FT in an office these days.

I say apply and see what happens.

I agree to apply, and that current WFH may well be part of what is reducing your confidence - it’s hard to get the same sense of recognition and feeling valued when working remotely. And if you get it, look to bump up pension contributions for a good chunk of the extra to get higher rate tax relief.

In fact I have rejected two offers, each bringing £450-£500 more per month due to being in office options.
But you have to be financially comfortable and have little ambition for promotion to do this. I’m quite happy where I am. If you want to progress further you can use this new role as a step to even higher salary with an aim to move quickly again.

Slight derail but shouldn’t you ask these questions before interview, or even applying.As an interviewer I have noticed a few people asking quite basic questions recently about jobs.
I was always taught you shouldn’t ask questions but say no I’ve already had the chance to discuss the role with x and they were able to answer all my questions. If you asked questions it makes you look unprepared and not done your homework/ not that committed.

I would if it’s only a 20min drive to work.

I think apply-its free! Nothing to lose. And whilst waiting to hear back-discuss the real practical implications with DH. You mention he is keen for the extra cash-keen enough to redistribute the household workload when you are no longer WFH?
No longer available for drop offs, pick ups, deliveries, prepping evening meal, emptying washer and slinging vacuum round in your lunch. Some of that load will have to be picker up by him in any new arrangement so you manage. How does he propose to support that?

No not a chance.

It’s 40% on income earned above £60k, so in this case 5k. It’s not 40% on all of your income once you hit 60k.

As said above progression above this post is not something I would be interested in.

In the job description it very much says open to some flexibility so I don’t think they would care me asking in an interview.

But I take on board your point .

However I also do bloody loads of interviews in my current post and I actually don’t mind any type of question. It’s their knowledge and skill and match to the actual job I’m looking for.

And those are the million dollar questions!

He started up his own business 2 years ago, so the answer is no he’s not more available. He’s stretched as it is. If his business is successful then we would not need the extra income but for now it would mean I was sharing the financial burden.

But the house would be a mess!

Higher rate tax starts at just over £50,000 so going from £45,000 to £65,000 would mean most of the rise would be taxed at 40%.

Nah, only net pay would be taxed at 40%. You need to take out pension contributions. Even excluding that, it's £1000 a month more for the same hours for a ten minute commute each way.

Interesting how many women prefer to sacrifice their earnings, their pension and their careers for the sake an 'easy' life. I've never found a job paying £40k p/a to be any less stressful than one paying £60k.

No .

Apply - it's good to stretch that muscle every so often anyway - updating CV, interview prep etc

Yes it is, and it is just the thought of change from your current WFH situation that has you feeling anxious.

If it was me I would go for it, a lot here saying 20k is nothing after tax etc, it would still be close to 1k more per month! That’s a considerable increase each month in my opinion. And 45k versus 71k is a big difference!!

I had a similar situation recently with an almost 30k increase, I was offered the job and didn’t accept it as there was no wfh for first 9 months, the job was 15 mins away and basically no commute really. I really really really regret not taking it!!!

money gives you options in life to save for early retirement, pay mortgage early, help DC on property ladder etc and reduce to 3 days a week if you need to in time and still have more money than you would now!