I need some help from impartial people. I’ll give some background but hopefully it won’t be a tome...
Current job:
£48k fte but three days so about £28k actual gross. 15-30min easy drive to work. Interesting but reasonably ‘easy’, mid-management (report directly to COO Equivalent). Masses of flexibility - easy about time for ill children, swapping days around, assemblies etc. No nonsense about sickness etc. No real benefits. Generally well respected and valued - nice place to work and I like it but I’m not challenged at present.
Possible new job:
£55k - £60k but would be full-time, hour long commute into London on tube (I detest the tube). More challenging, more senior, more potential development. However not much flexibility likely.
On paper it sounds like a no brainer, but...
Health
I’m not 100% since having my DS2 (who’s 18 months) and having a few tests/investigations - getting to appointments right now is easy. Would be trickier at new job.
Children
DS1 is 6 and has HFA, DS2 is 18m and HARD WORK. I’ve had quite bad PND but feel like I’m finally coming through the tunnel.
I worry a new job would be a stressor and the upheaval could negatively affect DS1 who is about to go into Yr2. He’s had a good year but I like being able to have availability to go into school, see teacher etc. New job would mean I never did drop off so if not get a relationship built with his teacher. He’s very able and happy currently - I don’t want anything to upset him and throw him off course.
DH
I’m just mentioning him because he’d support me whatever - he shares drop offs etc and is a fully participating parent. Schedules would need jiggling but we could probably do it.
Childcare
Currently using a CM for DS2 and AFC and CM and GP for DS2. We’d have to up it but we’d still be a bit better off if I took the other job and I’d get 30 free hours in 2 years which isn’t long really.
My gut is saying stick where I am but I’m definitely interested in the new job.
Bah. Any advice?