New job for less money and more hours but better career prospects…

[Woeismethischristmas]

Argh going round in circles with this. Currently have a job in housekeeping in a hotel which works well with school hours, short commute but minimum wage no prospects. It’s ok generally sometimes people are quite frankly disgusting though. Someone pissed in the refillable shower gel today, never using one of them again.

I was emailed by a former employer and invited to apply to a new job, office admin based but with decent prospects. Better money but not by the time I’d paid childcare and a dog Walker, 9-5 hours longer commute but I feel this is my opportunity to restart my career/ pension. Am in my 40s, divorced, crappy employment history post kids. Dc are all primary school age.

Aibu to apply/ take new job even if it means I’m poorer overall for a bit and the dc will need to go to breakfast club/ have an school sitter.

I would jump at it OP. Have you had a look in more detail regarding how much exactly you would lose if you took the job? Is there anywhere you could cut back on to lessen the financial impact or is it going to be a smaller amount that is manageable with some belt tightening? If it's a small financial loss then I think the benefits far outweigh that.

Oh god I would move to it in a flash.

Looking at it. I’d receive an extra 400 a month taking into account universal credit taper but I’d pay nearly 800 a month in childcare/ dog Walker/ extra fuel for the commute. Could I afford it? If my ex paid regular maintenance it’s a bit sporadic.

You also need to consider that office work will be easier physically as you get older. I think you'll have to give it a try, I'm sure they'll always need housekeepers if it doesn't work out.

No quite in your situation, but I'm starting a job in January which is 150% of my current salary but the extra will be eaten up by commute pretty much (currently home based, soon to be 1.5hr commute). I'm taking it for the career prospects with a view to it being a 2-3 year move and then stepping up again. So I won't be out of pocket, but not really any extra money for a significant step up in responsibility, time away from family etc.
In your situation, would you be able to claim some help with the childcare through tax free vouchers or Universal credit, to lessen the impact. With it being office based is there any opportunity to work from home one or two days a week? If it's an ex employer who already knows you there may be more scope for negotiation? That would then help both with childcare and commute cost?
All the above may not be useful, but if you can make it work, it sounds like a good move for the future, for a bit of pain now.

It sounds like you should take it. I've always been fit and healthy and have been a bit surprised at how menopause /age has made me feel more tired and achey. I thought that only kicked in when you are 'old' old.

Also, have the opportunity to earn more is really important. You still have years and years or Woking life.

Yes take it - it might be difficult short term but better prospects will mean a better life later on for you and your dcs. If it doesn’t work out as a PP said you can likely pick up another housekeeping role. Best of luck - sounds like it could be a great opportunity.

I would take it. The extra childcare will only be for a few years and your career can progress.

It sounds promising but …

Applying doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get the job.

What are the ‘decent prospects’? Do you already have relevant qualifications? Is the new employer offering to facilitate further study or training? If not, how are you likely to progress?

And is the new job sustainable? They’re not just taking people on to cover a gap, only to discover they don’t need you in a few months? Do they have a good record for employee retention?

Good luck!

Have you expressed to your current more local employer that you are interested in progressing? They may fight to keep you.

I totally understand I might not get it but applying then turning it down might of burnt my bridges as it were. I do think officework will be easier physically as I get older. Totally right that I could easily get another housekeeping job they are desperate for staff where I am. Prospects are decent they’ll do training and I have a relevant degree. In a complicated fashion they work with/ for local government and staff often move across/ up once they’ve been there a while

I think that’ll do my cv good as the first office based role after child break. I’ve updated my cv and emailed it in. Fingers crossed 😁

Best of luck OP. Sounds like a good move!

Good luck OP

@afromom a big part of the problem is I can’t find registered childcare for after school. I’ve posted on the Facebook page for childminders to see if anyone would be interested. Even if they charged £60 a day for the less than 2 hours it’d be cheaper to me!

Yes
Better prospects
Better pension
Long term gain