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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Please help me make a life changing decision

47 replies

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 21:12

I have posted recently that I was out at risk of redundancy while pregnant. I applied for loads of roles internally to secure my maternity leave. Last week I was offered a job at the same grade in another team. I was so relieved. Then once we agreed a start date they informed me that they were only prepared to pay me 80% of what I earn now. The salary I was on 5 years ago. It feels like a massive professional step back.

In the meantime I have had the first of my three individual consultation meetings, and informed I have been put into a protected pool of two people and there is one job available. That gives me a 50% chance I can keep my role at my own salary, but the current job offer won't wait until this process is over. I have also applied for at least 10 other internal jobs so have more back up options. There is a lot of competition for these roles due to large numbers at risk.

My preference would be to stay, as if I take the job where they want to lower my salary, I can't get back to where I am easily - they only increase pay by 10% if you get promoted(!) I will have to look externally once I return from maternity as our mortgage depends on my earnings. It makes me feel a bit forced out, when it would be nice to have the security of a company I know while the baby is little. I am currently suffering with hyperemesis, and have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression due to the illness and work stress. I just want this to all be over so I can relax.

However it's a massive gamble and I am genuinely exhausted. What would you do?

YABU - Take the offer on the table, focus on health, and worry about money / jobs when you return.

YANBU - Don't stand for less, take the risk and fight now to make it easier in the long run.

OP posts:

gamerchick · 10/04/2021 21:19

What did your other thread suggest? Maybe you can read back over those replies. I'm not voting as I hate buttons that are assigned to something and this is your RL. Not something for strangers to decide on by clicking a button.

I'm sorry you're stressed out OP. Not something you need atm.

Original poster

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 21:20

Just interested in what others would do in the situation. I won't necessarily be basing my decision on the vote outcome

OP posts:

FightingTheFoo · 10/04/2021 21:22

As people said in the other thread, you need legal advice from an employment lawyer because what the company are doing isn't legal.

FightingTheFoo · 10/04/2021 21:22

@SkittlesRainbow

Just interested in what others would do in the situation. I won't necessarily be basing my decision on the vote outcome

I would get legal advice from an employment lawyer

Namenic · 10/04/2021 21:23

I guess it would depend on my financial situation. I’d be less willing to take risks if I was the sole/main earner or high outgoings - I might take the job with less money. However if I had a buffer (eg could live on partner’s salary), I might be more tempted to stay. Hard decision though - good luck whatever you decide.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 10/04/2021 21:26

Are you in a union?

TillyTopper · 10/04/2021 21:26

Take the offer on the table if you can't afford to do without it - it doesn't mean you can't change later when you find something else better paid that you like.

CallforHecate · 10/04/2021 21:29

Have you talked to Acas? Is what they are trying to do legal?

Original poster

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 21:29

I have investigated and apparently they can do this. Have spoken to ACAS and others about it and they can do it if it's a different role (even at the same grade), so that is the reality. This is why I am trying to work out whether to just go for it or keep fighting for a better role.

Going down an employment law route is timely, and stressful and unlikely to be successful. It's not something I have the capacity to do right now.

OP posts:

Blankiefan · 10/04/2021 21:34

What an annoying poll for you (it's currently 50/50!). I'm risk adverse and as I get older, increasingly pragmatic. I'd say protect your mat pay and look for a new role when you get back.

Original poster

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 21:34

Thanks @TillyTopper and @Namenic this is the sort of answer I am looking for, just your thoughts on the situation as an outsider giving me perspective on the impact of my next decision.

OP posts:

Original poster

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 21:36

@Blankiefan

I know it's so close - but it makes me feel better as I'm going back and forth so much! It's clearly not an obvious choice that I'm missing because I'm not thinking straight.

OP posts:

coronafiona · 10/04/2021 21:40

I would take the 80% offer purely to secure mat leave abs I would use my last 3months of leave to find another job.

Jenjenn · 10/04/2021 21:42

I would also protect maternity pay. Accept 80% re but try to renegotiate start date to see if a better offer comes through maybe.

SparrowNest · 10/04/2021 21:42

I agree with people saying take the security, you don’t need the stress and uncertainty being pregnant, and you know your mortgage is covered. When you’re in a position to, definitely look at jobs elsewhere though. They’re taking the piss.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 10/04/2021 21:43

Toss a coin. If it comes up one way and you find yourself thinking "I'll do best of three" then you know that you want the other.

Original poster

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 21:46

@AskingQuestionsAllTheTime hahha that is how my mind works! That's kind of why I did this, to see if it would make me realise the real decision I need!

OP posts:

Dustyhedge · 10/04/2021 21:50

I’d take the 80% and then hope to leave ASAP following mat leave.

Minniem2020 · 10/04/2021 22:29

Given the current situation with job vacancies and the amount of people out of work I'd take the security. Its easier to find another job when you have 1 already

Original poster

SkittlesRainbow · 10/04/2021 22:31

@Minniem2020 that's a good point. I realise I am in a somewhat privileged position to even have this option.

OP posts:

Minniem2020 · 10/04/2021 22:34

Also, you don't need any more stress and anxiety worrying if you're going to find something else. You should be able to enjoy your pregnancy. Good luck with whatever you decide

Barneybear11 · 10/04/2021 22:43

I’d take the 80% job, and try to find a new job ready to start after maternity leave. Keeping in mind that if I had enhanced maternity pay, needing to go back for a period of time.

suggestionsplease1 · 10/04/2021 22:44

Do you know who the other candidate is for the existing role? Sometimes that can let you have a guess at your prospects. Or can you approach your employer and ask for leeway in this...that a decision is made on your existing role before you have to commit to the new one?

Sounds really stressful, hope it works out for you either way. (Were you not offered a job with another company for a much higher wage but didn't take it because if the maternity situation?... I am trying to recall other thread...) That must give you an idea of your value!

HTH1 · 10/04/2021 22:49

If you accept the 80% job now, can you change your mind if you get to keep your existing role? It might not be what you want to do morally but, let’s face it, the company is not worrying about your feelings in all this.

Rattysparklebum · 10/04/2021 23:05

You are in a protected pool, does that mean if you don’t get the post at your existing wage where you have a 50% chance then they will offer you a different post anyway?

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