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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be completely torn about different jobs...

33 replies

Terribleluck · 15/10/2021 19:22

This week was my second week of proper job-seeking (was made redundant three weeks ago). I've landed 3 interviews so far. One got to the second stage (and final), second is just one interview next week (although I have to do it at different times with different people, but they're not different stages), third I'm still waiting. Let's call them A, B, C.

A- great salary, long commute, no way to do it from home. DH is slightly against it. Senior management position in an up and coming startup. Very challenging and most likely out of my comfort zone.

B- average to moderately high salary (about 2/3s of As salary). Fully WFH, my dream industry/sector. Not much growth that I can think of, apart from becoming a manager within the company.

C- low salary for the role (50% of As salary). Great flexibility, not my ideal industry, but great growth potential (especially sideways which I has huge earning potential and it's something I'd really enjoy doing).

My heart is with B, and hoping that it materialises. However between A and C I genuinely don't know what I would choose.

OP posts:
Original poster
Terribleluck · 15/10/2021 19:54

Bump

OP posts:
DroopyClematis · 15/10/2021 20:12

I'd say B.
A sounds a tad stressful and C might not provide the lucrative sideways role.

Good luck OP!

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 15/10/2021 20:20

Do you have children? If so I’d ignore A altogether
B and C both sound brill
Fingers x

Mummadeze · 15/10/2021 20:22

B first, if not, A. Double the money would be too tempting to ignore for me

Original poster
Terribleluck · 15/10/2021 20:23

Yes! We have a toddler and primary school DC. (Which is why my DH is against it).

OP posts:
Moonlaserbearwolf · 15/10/2021 20:26

B, then C
I would avoid A. Sounds too stressful with young children (especially if your DH is already unsure about it) and startups are risky. It might not be a good long term prospect anyway.

Original poster
Terribleluck · 15/10/2021 20:45

I think DH knows he'll become the school-run parent. He's not very happy that the DC will have to stay in after school clubs until he can collect them (which is why he thinks I should.wait and get a rote job).

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TabithaTiger · 15/10/2021 20:52

B. Long commute will be really rough with young children. The extra salary won't compensate for the tiredness/ stress, plus travel costs, etc and cost of after school clubs. Also it's your dream sector - it's a no brainer to me.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 15/10/2021 21:07

I’ve only just returned to work after my second, my eldest is now is school- obviously if I had no choice I’d work from an office every day , but I’m fortunate to have flexi working from home, those days are life saver and I imagine more so as the homework stacks up. My commute is an hr and it exhausts me on days I’m in, not even double my money would make that worth it to me- I need sanity.

Original poster
Terribleluck · 15/10/2021 22:33

Yes, I had to get an electric car! Although the one that does the mileage and the lease that gives me enough miles per year is £400pcm . I'd have to change cars to a super fuel efficient one.

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KayKayWat · 15/10/2021 22:38

B for me as long as money good enough. But money no longer justifies a stressful existence for me so I'm biased.

ellyeth · 15/10/2021 22:49

I'd definitely say B.

eeek88 · 15/10/2021 22:54

I think I prefer c to a because a long commute would have a huge detrimental effect on my quality of life

BootsScootsAndToots · 15/10/2021 23:16

Obviously B as your op states as your preference.

But if it comes down to A or C it would be C for me.

Flexibility is non negotiable for me. I now live over an hour from my office but even when I lived much closer I still only went in 2 days a week.

My new role is in once a month and that is perfect.

Skysblue · 15/10/2021 23:47

B, then A. Butnif you don’t fancy A (and it does sound more stressful being a startup) you are allowed to keep looking 😬

Lightswitch123 · 16/10/2021 00:36

How long is commite for A

hotmeatymilk · 16/10/2021 00:58

B then C. Long commutes are my deal-breaker and have a huge detrimental impact on the person doing them but also the other parent who’s left to be the default one.

Does the A salary make up for the cost of the commute, the lost time, the wraparound care?

nanbread · 16/10/2021 00:59

I wouldn't choose A, personally. Have you worked in a start up before? Can be bloody tough.

The only benefit over the other jobs I see is salary and there are not important things than £. Of course, if you NEEDED the extra money to get by that would be different but it doesn't sound like it.

So I'd choose C after B.

Original poster
Terribleluck · 16/10/2021 07:11

I haven't worked in proper start-ups but have worked in older / established companies with a start-up mentality at a growth stage. I think the extra money does cover everything extra and we're still quids in. When you add it up, I think we're still better off by around £500pcm

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greensteps · 16/10/2021 07:29

How much investment does the start up have? Is it really a long term prospect? Will you have to work late/ overtime?

I’ve worked in lots of startups and while they can be exciting, I wouldn’t do it with young kids. They are paying you well because they expect a total commitment, and (IME) don’t value work life balance or employee wellbeing

Original poster
Terribleluck · 16/10/2021 07:34

They've recently had substantial investment. They're about 4 years old. IMO they don't even pay that well for what they're asking for, and you're right I don't think "family time/work-life balance" is part of their ethos just yet.

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rainbowstardrops · 16/10/2021 09:45

I would hope for B and then C after that. I don't think A is very practical at the moment.

DrSbaitso · 16/10/2021 09:47

I'd do B, for sure.

Original poster
Terribleluck · 16/10/2021 11:42

Absolutely! B is the clear winner BUT between A and C I really can't decide. Both have good things and bad things about them. The problem is I think I might regret either option.

OP posts:
greensteps · 16/10/2021 13:16

I would avoid A like the plague. The only thing going for it is the money, and you say even that is not competitive. I can understand why it’s appealing, but it’s a job for someone with no other commitments. C has great potential and great flexibility. Money is not good but it could be a stepping stone.

But also -why not keep applying for more opportunities like B? It’s only been one week of job searching! You’re doing great. Know your worth.