To think I won't be able to notice any difference in earning minimum wage and £29k a year

[user1498403489]

I'm about to go from earning roughly minimum wage (after tax and including all benefits) and earning 29k before tax. Roughly 25k after tax with tax credits and other income.

My new job will require far more stress but is much more of a career job and will progress to roughly 34k. So it's worth taking but am I being unreasonable to think for now I won't really notice ANY difference in lifestyle or money?

Once your dc hits 16+, the benefits get quite complicated. Families with dc of that age or at Uni find it a real struggle to survive on benefits. By the time you get to that stage you'll be much better off working.

Don't bank on payrises. Many people have had none for years and if public sector, none are foreseeable anytime soon.

My pay rises are guaranteed. They're included in the contract.

You are better off even if your monthly money is the same. You will have a pension, pay rises, career progression, possibility of a mortgage, self esteem and a sense of pride. You won't worry as your children become adults because your income stream won't stop. The benefits of a career are so much more than financial.