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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to turn down £12k pay rise because I'm risk averse?

99 replies

BluebellGal · 17/05/2017 20:24

As title says, AIBU to turn down a job with such a large pay rise because I've only been in my current job for a few months and I'm happy there? Have been head hunted for this new opportunity, same role just slightly different market (but one I have experience/interest in). Would be Manager (head hunter) said they wants to hire me and emailed today to ask why I've not applied yet. Should I just go for it, see what happens? I've met the senior staff before, so know a bit about new company.

For background, I moved to my new job after years of being in a dead end job going nowhere. I'm a FT working mum with a young family. Scared of jumping ship to find out I've made a mistake later (I'm breadwinner). We are managing fine on current salary, but the pay rise would allow our family to save for the first time since maternity leave. Jobs in my field not easy to come by close to where I live.

Job 1:
Big company, large hub office
High commuting costs
4 hours commuting per day (wfh regularly too)
Friendly staff
Good career prospects/ profitable company
Benefits standard for industry
Family friendly company

Job 2:
Large company, small office/division
Free commute (close to home)
£12k pay rise inc commuting savings
Friendly but seem disorganised (busy?)
Career prospects less clear but company's growing
Benefits standard for industry
Claim to be family friendly

AIBU to turn down job 2? Surely the time saved commuting and the money outweighs the risk of not liking the new company. I really don't know what to do and need some objective views, as the few people I've spoken to have just said "don't go for money" which I suppose is good advice, so they think I should stay in existing job as I'm happy there. I'm managing ok with the commute and looking after a young family, although it can be tough sometimes.

OP posts:
darkhorse85 · 17/05/2017 20:37

PLUS if it doesn't work out - you're earning 12k more. You won't move for less. Automatically pushes up your salary even further for the next role.

museumum · 17/05/2017 20:37

Ditch the commute!

Also Sheryl Sandberg says in Lean In that the only thing to consider when moving is if the company is growing. If it is - go for it. You'll get much better chances of promotion in time.

PerpendicularVincent · 17/05/2017 20:37

I ditched a 4 hour commute and it's like getting my life back. I would consider job 2 for that alone, but a 12k payrise is fantastic too.

It wouldn't hurt to check it out?

Quartz2208 · 17/05/2017 20:37

You can't not go for the better option just because you are scared. Take a risk it's closer to home and more money and a step up

MadeForThis · 17/05/2017 20:37

Job 2. Commute, more time with family to relax. More money to save and enjoy.

NoSquirrels · 17/05/2017 20:37

A 1.5-2 hr commute each way is huge.

The £12K is a red herring - but a lovely one!

Apply - what's to lose? You can always decide not to take it if it sounds bad/you don't get on at interview.

PlymouthMaid1 · 17/05/2017 20:39

Def job two

gleam · 17/05/2017 20:40

I'd want to know more about the career prospects in Job 2.
Would working at Job 2 make your CV look better, ie different experience, more senior position, or the fact that you've jumped ship so soon make it look worse?
Could you lock in some sweeteners into your contract at Job 2, since they're so eager to have you? Longer notice period (from them), company shares, working from home, further training (if necessary), better holidays/pension etc?

Does the disorganisation at Job 2 bother you?

MerlinEmrys · 17/05/2017 20:41

12k is my entire (p/t but still) salary.
I'd go for it for the extra money and the commute. Time is money!

Original poster
BluebellGal · 17/05/2017 20:42

Very interesting to see your initial reactions about commute rather than pay rise. Thanks for your thoughts, it is helpful to hear your objective opinions.

I have met them and we have had informal interview yes. I have been informally offered a job - verbally not in writing. I need to go through official channels so will have a formal interview (they jumped the gun a bit - not their fault as procedures changed) .

This is definitely not a stealth boast! I am happy in my job finally, after being quite miserable in my previous job for a long time, so this feels like a big risk for me and a crazy move. Also worried about CV and future career prospects.

Re commute, yes it's tough but I get work and personal stuff done so not dead time iyswim

OP posts:
MyCalmX · 17/05/2017 20:42

How is it a fucking stealth boost with all the info included? It's a poster with a question, not out to piss on your cornflakes Annas

witsender · 17/05/2017 20:43

3.5hr commuting is still massive.

Alexandra87 · 17/05/2017 20:45

4 extra hours a day with my dc would do it for me

marabounuts · 17/05/2017 20:46

no brainer. Huge pay rise and no commute? I'd take a 12k pay cut to get out of such a long commute. Not sure what you are asking really Wink

Congratulations Wine

DancingLedge · 17/05/2017 20:48

If you're saving 3hrs commute a day =15hours a week
3.5 hrs/day=17.5hr/week
4hr/day=20hrs/week.

20HRS/WEEK.

I'd take a pay cut to gain that much time/week.

I'm really really intrigued as to what's stopping you.
What's the most important factor for you? .....A gut feeling? If so, maybe explore that more.

Or do you generally tend to think, well, 'better the devil you know'. Personally think this is a negative way of looking at life.

But, please, tell us, what's going on for you?

SugarMiceInTheRain · 17/05/2017 20:49

I'd definitely take the new job. Saving yourself 4 hours a day?! I'd take a pay cut for that!

DeadGood · 17/05/2017 20:49

This would be a difficult decision if one job paid well and the other had the non-existent commute.

But all of the pluses seem to be with Job 2! Dude, go for it!

BluePeppers · 17/05/2017 20:50

Job 2 wo any hesitation as it will give you more time at home wiuth yoUr dcs (which yoU want).

Plus it still progression, it's well paid, a job yu are interested in etc..

I'm wondering what sort of risk you are seeing there that you don't apply?

Chewbecca · 17/05/2017 20:52

It is a no brainer for me, job 2 wins easily based on commute largely.

paulapantsdown · 17/05/2017 20:52

12k a year rise and 20 hours commuting saved? What's to think about?!

Etymology23 · 17/05/2017 20:54

A 3.5 hr commute is still half the contracted hours of a full time 9-5 job. An extra 50% hours. I would echo other posters and say I'd take a pay cut to get that time back!

Hassled · 17/05/2017 20:54

Job 2 without a shadow of a doubt. It makes so much more sense. What are we all not getting? Is it fear of the unknown/fear of failure that's holding you back? Because you must see that on paper Job 2 is way better.

Ethylred · 17/05/2017 20:55

FGS you haven't even applied yet. Do that at least. Then come back and witter about being scared risk averse.

EweAreHere · 17/05/2017 20:56

I don't understand the question ... it's a no contest answer IMO ... Job 2!

If you can get it, think of all the extra time for yourself and your family you should be clawing back. 3-4 hours PER DAY! And they want to pay you considerably more to have those hours back.

Apply! Get it! Have a great life!

ChrisPrattsFace · 17/05/2017 20:57

I would change. My commute was around 2hr 20 each day, now its 45 minutes. Saving money on commute, stress from travel - but then i really didn't enjoy it.
Make yourself a slightly more detailed pro/con list - include family time etc in it, it may help with your decision.

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