To ask for help weighing up the pros and cons applying for a senior job

[babycatcher411]

I’m currently on maternity leave, due to go back to work the week after DS first birthday.

Currently I am a shift worker, I work 32 hours (rostered over the month), which includes night shifts. When I go back I don’t have to work nights till DS is no longer BF.

I love my job. It’s very stressful at times, but I absolutely love what I do, and I’m excited to go back (but equally very apprehensive about leaving DS for long periods).

A new post has come up at work, it’s more senior to the post I have currently. It’s a role I’m very interested in, in many respect, but equally there are aspects that I wouldn’t enjoy as much. I would probably say I enjoy my current job 90% of the time, the new job would likely be less than that.

However, the pay jump would be from approx £26k (32hrs), to £37k (full time 37.5hrs).

The new job would be predominantly 9-5 mon-fri, vs what I currently do which generally works out at 5-6 shifts every two weeks.

So shorter days, but more commuting. It would involve occasional travel to our sister site (longer commute).

The pay uplift is very appealing, as is about 75% of the role. Changing roles would move me from essentially ‘shop floor’ to ‘desk job’ for most of the job. It would remove a significant amount of stress that my current post holds due to staffing/workload, but equally add stress due to having to work to deadlines and having a higher level of responsibility.

I’m happy, given a settling in period, that I could effectively do the job, and be happy doing the job.
But I don’t know if I really want to go back full time.

I’m also shit scared of interviewing. I haven’t had an interview in years. I’ll have to do a lot of prep work before the interview, and I’m worried anxiety will just get the better of me in the end anyway and I’ll be wasting my/everyone’s time.

At the moment I keep making excuses as to why I haven’t started to write my application, yet all I can think about is this job!

Something I find always helps me in this situation is to make a list of pros and cons, a bit like you've done here. Generally one site ends up longer. So take that side - try that on as a decision. If it's applying for the new job- how does that feel? Envisage yourself doing it - how does that feel? Imagine yourself not applying and going back to your old role - do you feel happier with that scenario, or less happy? Generally at that point your gut kicks in and you know what the decision needs to be.

I think it sounds ideal and you've nothing to lose. Go for it.

You’ve nothing to lose by applying for it - you don’t have any decisions to make until you are actually offered the new role.

Ask friends to read through your application and ask a couple of people to do mock interviews with you.

Sounds great go for it
Desk jobs are generally easier and less tiring
You can do it !!
I got payrise a / new roles every time after mat leave (3). Tbh it's going to be a lot of effort workin with a baby so may as well earn as much as possible!
Lower paid jobs aren't necessarily easier.

How long are your other shifts? DS is 18mo and I find that I like to have breakfast together and finish early to get back for DS dinner and bed routine, because those are an important part of our day. I used to like doing long days and before actually having DS I would have thought I'd prefer a few long days, but actually it's the opposite for me because I want quality time with him every day. The extra 5 hours are just one extra per day, but if your 32 hour shifts compress to 3 or 4 days then you might miss the whole day's awake time.

Is there any flexibility with the desk role to work from home and/or to adjust your hours? Both those can be great for reducing commuting time or fitting into a better routine. If your DC is off sick, being able to at least get a few hours of work done from home can be great (and less guilt than if you're abandoning a team with a busy shift).

Have you looked into your childcare costs? If you want a nursery or pre-school then many have set hours e.g. 7.30-1, 1-6.30; you need it to cover your working hours (will it with the long shifts?) but equally you might find you're paying for hours you don't need on your 9-5 and the extra costs might make a financial difference.

Do you get higher pension contributions or other benefits to take into account? Also will the senior role let you take another natural step up in a few more years?

Regardless you should apply while you think it over, application and interview experience are useful. If you name change nearer the time and say the type of role then there are people who could give you relevant tips.