To not know what to do?

[ohdeardeardear]

DH is in an impossible situation.

I will try to change some details as this is could be quite outing. Apologies for being so vague.

DH was made redundant a few months ago unexpectedly. He got a contracting role quite quickly then was offered a job in our home town but for a lot less than what he was on, but we thought it was a job and local so great. He started there and was a bit unsure but just got on with it

Another contracting role came up for a big organisation to which was closer to what he was on before, risky being only 6 months but decided to go with it as better prospects post 6 month period and more money.

Then the other job got back in touch and he started to think about a permanent role, closer to home (we have children) and no travelling up a big motorway, so even though less money we could get rid of his car and save that way.

Now, he handed his notice in at the big organisation and they have begged him to stay, offered more money and permanent job. Prospects are good with this if he wants to go to another big organisation.

The job where we live think the world of DH and really want him. The boss had to persuade big bosses for him to come back and has said not to let him down.

Please offer some pearls of wisdom, he is so torn.

Ooh this is not easy :(
It must be amazing to feel so wanted though!
Pros and cons list is a must: whatever suits him and family best far outweighs letting someone down.

You're right. It's probably the hardest decision he's ever had to make!

How much is the pay difference between the two?

Has he noticed that he's been feeling more content/relaxed with life since being at local job?

Is it more or less a question of leaving the big-leagues for a smaller/local outfit?

Hhmmm I'd be thinking about
Career and progression as well as my family .... unless they're awful I'd favour the larger company with more opportunities

Less stress with the local job. But yes, what's the difference in salary? Can you manage on the local job salary?

What are the other benefits - job stability, pension, holiday, flexi attitude etc

Which job does he enjoy most? If you have a genuine choice (ie don't need one of them to pay the bills) that's the only thing that really matters. Being happy at work is worth £££ both to the employee and his family.

£4K difference so not a huge difference over a year. He hasn't gone back to local job yet as he has to serve a notice period. He's worried local job people wouldn't like him as he's left before.

Bigger job, he will get more, better pension and it's good to have a big company on your c.v.

Benefits to big organisation is pension, private medical insurance, holiday, definitely more stability. It's also a not for profit business so less stress on that front.

What are your circumstances OP? Do you work, have plans to, have career goals which will affect your H’s job flexibility in future ?

Bigger job, more opportunities, less risk, more prospects.

I have a very stable job, work part-time and generally happy in my role and no plans or wants to change. Can increase hours when DC are older.

People think very highly of him wherever he goes, I don't mean this to sound cheesy or whatever, but he works so hard and does a really good job.

The big organisation one is something he is good at and would be able to do all of the time, the other one is broadening his horizons but he's not sure he a) wants to do it b) would be very good at it or c) understand it and the thing he is good at would probably be only half his job.

I'm trying not to drip feed, sorry I know this is all so vague.

Sounds like the big organisation would be better for him and if the smaller job would only be half what he is good at he might get fed up with it. Maybe sit down and write a pro and con list for both jobs.
Sounds like the bigger organisation had more to offer him in the future too

Does he enjoy the bit he’s good at st the big job?

Does he want to learn the new bit he might be good at?

£4K over a year wouldn’t sway me. But future opportunities for growth would. I’d head for the Big Organisation unless there was a strong pull not to

Do NOT let guilt make him take the local job. They’d shaft him as soon as look at him if it was better for them.

He does enjoy the thing he is good at. He does want to learn more. The travel is playing on his mind, traffic can be a nightmare, he can't just drop things to come home.

He is worried that his card is already marked at the local job due to leaving, his boss was so understanding though and he parted on more than good terms. This job also has more opportunity if it takes off but it isn't guaranteed like the big one is.

it isn't guaranteed like the big one is

That really would clinch it for me, as well as Benefits to big organisation is pension, private medical insurance, holiday, definitely more stability. It's also a not for profit business so less stress on that front

How far is the travel to the Big Org?

How far away are you (from the kids) when you’re at work?

What family/friends/childcare do you have near the kids?

From what you’ve said it sounds like the big company is better right now (more money, less risk and good benefits) and is better long term (progression opportunities, a well known company on his CV). The only major downside is the commute, but presumably it’s do-able as he’s already working there as a contractor?