AIBU to not know which to choose (job choice related)

[MeanderingGently]

OK, a first AIBU as I was hoping for replies.
I have a job for 3 days per week. I can't survive on the money, I need 2 more days' work a week and have been trying for ages to get something. Anything really....
I have applied for loads but nothing doing...until this week.

Job A, basic pay, clearing up/cleaning/setting up type job, gives a straight 2 days per week (finish at 3pm) they provide uniform, transport, large company, very efficient HR, proper induction (mid May). Very friendly, zoom interview, but very welcoming on the 'phone. Possibility of picking up lots of extra work in holidays and peak times, when I'm off from my main job (school) anyway, so I could easily boost my hours and therefore pay. Don't need to sit in front of a computer to do the job, could be quite refreshing to do something practical, but would be hard work and on my feet all day.

Job B. It looked like my dream job on paper, working at reception, no menial task but lots of admin, telephone etc. Would have to learn booking systems and spend a lot of time at a desk. Pays more money, small organisation in beautiful location but difficult to get to in winter down lanes. Work pattern needs to be juggled to fit in with my current commitments, had face to face interview and they initially turned me down (which is why I went for the other job). Now they have come back, someone hasn't accepted their offer and now they're offering it me.

Not sure if my viewpoint isn't being clouded by the fact that Job B turned me down first and have now changed their minds; it is more money but less potential to do extra in holidays. And suddenly I'm thinking, do I want to be stuck in front of a computer all day?

What would you advise? Would you choose A or B? After initially wanting job B, would I be unreasonable to choose A on the grounds that it's just extra cash I want really, anyway, even though this is a drastic change of mind....?

sounds like you'll enjoy Job B a huge amount more and you can do the juggling.
Don't resent them for having to make a single choice & choosing someone else initially; it's a sign the job is a good one that they attracted good candidates & was competitive to get it.

I don't like cleaning myself, maybe my bias!!

What's your other job? Staring at the laptop too? Does job 2 fit better into your career plan? Is job 2 dealing with public, would you mind that?
How many "extra" hours would you have to do in job 1 to get same pay as job 2?
Tbh job 1 sounds more flexible which is always a nice bonus to have.

Ragged - That's a good point about the job attracting good candidates so was more competitive, and yes, I guess they have to choose the best for their business.

I would do job A.

No need to stress about fitting shifts round things, extra shifts, doing something practical.
No stress of getting to work in winter.

bonfireheart - yes, my main job is a combination of sitting at a desk and staring at a screen, combined with dealing with children (school support job). I didn't want another school job, so went for something different.

I'm not really at the stage of life where I have a 'career plan' as I'm much older and I'm doing part-time work to fill in the gaps. I have a few more years before my pension kicks in but not so many, so career development isn't an issue these days (it was when I was younger).

Being older it has been harder to get anything at all, there shouldn't be age bias but I think sometimes there is.

I wouldn't have to do too many extra hours in Job A to get to the pay of Job B as they're all very basic pay grades.

Go for job a.

You’ll start to stress yourself out trying to work job b around current work commitments.

A sounds ideal for you in your situation as long as you are able to do the physical side of job A, I’m desk based 5 days and not sure I could be on my feet all day but I’m unfit etc

Sunny1112 - I think you have explained very clearly why I'm suddenly veering towards Job A.
It's basic, hard work but mindless, no stress, easy shifts pattern, different from my current work...no worry about what to wear for work each day. But I haven't done anything like this before, I'm afraid of choosing it and then hating every minute when I actually get there. But that could happen in either job!

Are you fit and healthy with no back problems and do you know anyone working for Job A company?
If they are as good as they sell themselves on interview and there is guaranteed work I would go for that job.
If a lockdown in autumn/winter would dry up all the hours I would go for Job B.

I think I would choose A. Years ago I had several part time jobs and trying to work the hours around each other was exhausting.
Plus would the pay difference actually be that much once you have factored having to make your own way to job B?

I'm fit and healthy, no back problems as such. Or at least, I sometimes get shoulder ache from sitting in front of a computer (probably bad posture/desk height but that's a different issue) and I wouldn't mind being more active.

A good point about the possibility of another lockdown in the Autumn. Both jobs are hospitality-type work but different settings, so both organisations were furloughed during the lockdowns....

Looking at the fact you are not interested in progression, I would go for A. At another stage of your career and life, I would have gone for B.

Job A, you don’t need extra stress and sometimes doing something different is really good for your headspace.

These comments are really helpful, and useful input.
Certainly in my younger years I would have gone for Job B because of the career aspects, progression, and using the qualifications I have gained over the years.

But it's true that those things aren't relevant these days, I'm at the stage where I need money to live on; but over and above that, I definitely veer towards the less stress option and an easy life. I'm more interested in the things I do outside of work rather than at the office...

How fit are you? I don’t want to sound ageist but if you’re looking for work to fill in a few years until your pension kicks in, you might find job A physically challenging after a while. Or it could keep you fit! Depends what suits you. Just a thought.

Do they both offer a decent pension and you said you are older so will job A still be sustainable in 10 years time. I’m in my 50s and longevity and prosperity into retirement are now my priorities and I wish to god I had considered it earlier.

I'd go for A

Just an update for what it's worth....I decided to take Job A in the end and I'm happy and comfortable with my decision.
It was really helpful putting it on here, firstly because writing it down made me consider it properly instead of the whole thing just going round and round in my head, and secondly because the replies made me look at things from a different perspective. Huge thanks!