to consider a new job?

[ClarabellaCTL]

So I have worked for my current employer for 8 years. They are a great company to work for and despite me being at management level they allow me a great amount of flexibility so I don't work full time and I work from home quite a bit too. There are 2 drawbacks - It's an hours drive each way to the office and there is no scope for me to progress there. The next level up for me would be Head of Dept which I don't want as there is a huge amount of foreign travel involved and I can't commit to that (not fair on the kids). I wasn't looking for a new job, but I was approached via LinkedIn by a recruiter for a job that is literally 10 minutes drive from my house. It's a similar salary, but it was advertised as Full time so I said no thanks. He's just rung me and said the company are really keen to meet me, and they would consider part-time for the right person. Trouble is I feel guilty for even considering it. My boss is so lovely and has bent over backwards to accommodate my requests for flexible working, she doesn't expect me to travel, she lets me chop and change my days so easily. I think I'm answering my own question here, I'm mad to even consider leaving!

It just depends on what you personally value more. Some people would never give up flexibility for a chance to progress, and others would never give up the chance to progress for added flexibility.
I disagree that you're mad to consider it, and harsh as it sounds, you can't stay in a job because the manager is nice and you'd feel guilty leaving.

If you think the job itself sounds good, then there's no harm in finding out more. It sounds like they're keen to be flexible for the right person, and until you ask its hard to know a company's policy/culture on working from home etc. You might ask and find that they are really positive towards it, the last place I worked encouraged it if it was what you wanted.

Surely there's no harm in meeting them? You don't actually have to make the decision just yet.

Just the fact that it has a much shorter commute means you have to at least meet these people and have an initial chat. Imagine saving yourself 50x2 minutes every single working day and ploughing that back into your family. That is not to be sniffed at.

You have done 8 years at your present place and they were flexible to you but it is a long commute and a dead end job. If I were your manager, I would not be happy but it is understandable.

I assume that cutting down to part time means you are still taking home the same net pay? Interviewing does not mean you will get the role. Good to get the interview practice any way and get your CV up-to-date. With Brexit, who knows.

Why would you feel guilty? It’s just a job. 🤷🏻‍♀️

You shouldn't feel guilty for considering it. It's just a job. It's nice that they've been a good employee to you, but if they had to get rid of you they would.

I'd meet the other company and have a chat. The prospect of getting 90 minutes back to do what I wanted with every single day would be enough of a carrot for me.

The relationship you have with your employer is based on you doing your job and them paying you, you don't owe them any more than this.

I know we feel gratitude when we get "extra" things like flexibility etc, but these are not an act of generosity they also benefit the employer as they get to keep staff longer.

Talk to the new company, you might find that you would be really happy there and the fact that they will consider part time working already shows that they offer some flexibility.

Thank you all - I'll probably never hear from them again now, lol! If they do get in touch I'll certainly go along to meet them and find out more.

To save yourself 9 hours a week in commuting time, I think YWBU not to at least meet with them and see what's on offer!

Ultimately- if you dies tomorrow they'd replace you next week. If they needed to give you redundancy to save their jobs/company- they would. You would be reducing your travel time. You'd be mad not to meet and ask further questions. You do t owe anyone anymore loyalty that you think they'd give you.