To take a leap into a new job or stay where I am?

[GazingAndGrazing]

I was really miserable about my job last November. I’ve been with the same company for 9 years and whilst not specifically working in HR the role is 40% HR admin advisor.

I saw a vacancy for a HR advisor role in a completely different sector than mine, private care homes, nice and local so I applied, had 3 interviews and was pipped at the post by someone more qualified than me - I don’t have HR Qualifications, lots of experience in this role and previous roles.

The new recruit hasn’t made it past their probation and the company have invited me in for an informal chat this week. My work has significantly improved, I’m happy again now but I’m going to go along.

Pros for my current role - company car, long service, enhanced holidays, due to Covid I’m now working from home on a perm contract change (massive positive here) laptop, mobile phone, stand alone role so I make my own deadlines and targets, not great pay.

New company - better pay, office close to home, no company car, no laptop, no mobile phone. They are looking to update their systems, policy’s, handbooks. I can see it being a really exciting opportunity to be involved in moving the company forward and can see the laptop, phone etc being a part of the future.
At the interviews they spoke about travelling to care homes where I now wonder about zoom and teams calls instead?

I have teens, pets, husband and everything else that entails so, AIBU to stay in my comfy role with all the benefits but know I’m not going to set the world on fire or take a leap and try something completely new in a role that I know I’m not qualified for (and they also know this) but very able and capable in doing?

The new one might open doors in terms of future HR roles elsewhere. It sound like your current job won't do that?

(I don't see a work phone as a benefit btw- it just means they expect me to in contact when not working. It doesn't enhance my life in any way. Equally, the laptop is for my work's benefit, not mine.)

My current role doesn’t have any doors left to open.

I’m only 43, pondering if I stick with what I know and can do with my eyes shut or take the leap (if they offer it to me obviously)

I think if it was me, I'd take the leap. I'd aim to negotiate as much WFH/flexibility as possible from the outset - it's much harder once you're in a role.

On the basis that a role that opens doors for you that are currently shut is likely to be a good thing.

With everything you have written down, I'd stick with the current job for now, and maybe keep an eye out for something else. All the things you list as pros don't feature in the new role. And with so so so many redundancies at the moment, I'd be sticking where I had long service.

Do I need more doors to open though?

I feel like I have finally got to a place where it’s a happy balance, WFH, car to travel to meetings if needed, sticking my toe in to HR and thoroughly enjoying it but still having my own targets and deadlines outside of that role to do as I please. Being at home is a great advantage but I will certainly be sticking with what I know, what suits our family, just keeping my work life balance nice but no Ompf or thrill for me.

The fact that the other candidate, who had HR qualifications and more HR experience than you, didn’t make it through the probation period would make me very cautious.

@VodselForDinner

The fact that the other candidate, who had HR qualifications and more HR experience than you, didn’t make it through the probation period would make me very cautious.

Good point and, they also really put me through a very unsteady process which lasted for ages. It seemed like one person should be heading up the process and a level up rubber stamping but in reality I met half the company during the process... hmm, that’s a very good point

I can’t help feeling 2nd best

Could you get your current org to support you in getting qualifications?
I would want to know why other applicant didn’t get through probation.
In these times I would be looking at security ...
there are quite a few on line and some free. Coursera, futurelearn etc?

That is a good point from Vodsel. What have they told you about why the previous person left?

Go for the chat. Find out more. Make decision later. Also try to find out what happened to the other woman. You don’t want to jump into job insecurity.

Agree with PP - red flag that the other candidate did not pass probation.

Cross post!

I've just had to make a very similar choice, although my children are younger. I'm a similar age to you. I've gone for staying where I am and studying part time so that in a year or so it's easier to take the leap. And hopefully my skills will make me valuable enough to keep some home working.

OP, I wouldn't dream of moving at this time, particularly as your current position has settle down.

You have too much to lose.

I would be looking at getting some qualifications and when the economy settles down have a look around.

The company put the last candidate through the same process and dumped them.
Had they unrealistic expectations?

You have a nice package with your company that suits your life. You may be very grateful of this in 6 months time if the huge slowdown in the economy continues.

If their first choice didn't make it through probabtion, it can indicate management problems.

I too would worry why last candidate didn't pass probation. They sound like they are impossible to please?

Is the new job in an industry likely to be strong in an economic downturn? I know there’s no guarantees but I would only risk losing long service for something that was likely to be long term, especially at the moment.

I’ve used lockdown and furlough to do some online training gaining certificates in HR foundation, diploma in CBT, grief and bereavement counselling and advanced autism awareness with a 5 year plan to build my own client base up to work from home.

I appreciate I need to qualify in counselling, I have 5 years...

Thank you for all of your replies I’m going to stick with my 5 year plan

@Starbuggy

Is the new job in an industry likely to be strong in an economic downturn? I know there’s no guarantees but I would only risk losing long service for something that was likely to be long term, especially at the moment.

It’s a large private care home sector.

I agree about compromising long service t this time

Thank you for helping