To turn down a massive pay rise to stay in a more interesting job?

[StokeyWonk20]

Trying to be scant on detail but the above sums it up. I love my job but have the chance to turbo charge salary and responsibility by moving elsewhere. My current job has good prospects in the long run but I’d probably have to wait at least three years and face much more competition to match the salary/responsibility on offer.

AIBU to consider turning it down?

I seems to me you are trying to make a longer term decision without a longer term plan.

Busted!

Based on choices I’ve made to date, career satisfaction is key for me. I love work. Retiring early has never been the goal and in London I’m realistic that I’ll never get the enormous house either!

If you turned down the offer and the role and pay rise were offered to one of your current colleagues, how would you feel?
Regret that 'it could've been me' or contentment that you played it safe?

Good question. I think I’d feel ok about it tbh.

Would taking the higher paid role for a couple of years then moving back enable you to leapfrog a couple of levels with your current employer?