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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Job A or B?

30 replies

missbipolar · 22/09/2022 17:11

I'm in the fortunate position of having 2 job offers on the table:

Job A: Mostly work for home, more money, more stress, is a permanent job. No room for progression

Job B: less stress, only a 12 month company but big company so opportunity to move departments at the end of contract, completely office based.

My head says B, as I've been dealing with MH issues lately but my heart says A. What would you go for?

OP posts:
Sprig1 · 22/09/2022 17:18

A, definitely. I wouldn't want to be in the office full time. How much will commuting cost you?

Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 22/09/2022 17:19

A. Then I'd use the experience gained to progress in other companies in future. I wouldn't ever want to work in an office full time again.

stinky · 22/09/2022 17:21

Definitely B, would hate to WFH alone every day, enjoy the office buzz and seeing people.

missbipolar · 22/09/2022 17:21

No commuting costs- the office for job B is literally a 2 min walk from my house (I live in the town center) however when I am required to be in the office for A- it'll involve either a £60 taxi fare each away or nearly 1.5 hours on public transport because of where its located (no direct transport links between my town and the office for A)

OP posts:
MRSE20 · 22/09/2022 17:22

A!
Just because it’s permanent and there is no room for progression doesn’t mean you have to be there for years and years. Take all the experience and knowledge from this job and use it towards the next. Then you can keep progressing! (If you wanted too)
I would give it a go.

PriamFarrl · 22/09/2022 17:26

How big a deal is the difference in money?
Do you get stressed under pressure? Would the lack of contact with others be good or bad for you? If WFH would you be able to shut off at the end of the day? Are they both jobs you would be happy to do?

missbipolar · 22/09/2022 17:28

Another consideration (sorry the drip feed) I'm slightly worried that if I'm completely wfh I'll just end up never leaving the house- as my username suggests I have bipolar and often go low rather then high, at my worst I didn't leave the house at all for nearly 5 months- and this wasn't during covid/lockdowns.

OP posts:
Greentime101 · 22/09/2022 17:28

I would choose B - being stressed and alone at home is not for me

Adultchildofelderlyparents · 22/09/2022 17:30

Why does your heart say A? What's the thing that's drawing you to one more than the other? Homeworking? Money?
Which of the two jobs will you enjoy the actual work most? Is one more of a challenge/career development opportunity?

Gentleman1 · 22/09/2022 17:31

Job A

Earn more money save time travelling as well as money - trust me its worth it and if you get bored nothing stopping you stepping up the ladder somewher e else.

missbipolar · 22/09/2022 17:33

My heart says A because of the money- I worry alot about money especially because I have no safety night- because of my visa I'm not entitled to any benefits etc so if I lose my job for any reason I either need to have savings or get something else ASAP.

However in terms of job satisfaction I think I'd get more out of B- and B is closer aligned to what I've done in the past

OP posts:
VioletCharlotte · 22/09/2022 17:36

If it was me then I would go for Job A, but it sounds like you're leaning towards job B. Do you think it would be better for your mental health to have the routine of going to the office every day and seeing people?
12 month contract would make me feel quite anxious.

CrabbitBastard · 22/09/2022 17:38

Job A

Being home based (occassional travel) has worked wonders for my mental health. Would never want to go back to an office. You'll be able to take breaks, be in your own environment, swear as loud as you can as soon as you are off camera, play your own choice of music in the background.

No progression here either and no pay rise for a while but I don't care. I am so much happier and really enjoy my job even though I'm the busiest I've ever been.

washingbasketqueen · 22/09/2022 17:46

Sounds like you want to be talked into doing B. Do whichever you feel is best for your overall well-being and career. Money isn't everything.

myleftventricle · 22/09/2022 17:57

When people have said go for B does your heart sink or do you feel brighter? You sound like you're coming up with more positives for B and the only thing drawing you towards A is the money. If so then go for B because it's your heart and your actual desire to do it. Everything you've said about A is negative except the money. Your subconscious is telling you what you need to know!

Funkyblues101 · 22/09/2022 17:58

If MH issues as a result of lack of routine then definitely go to the office.

jeaux90 · 22/09/2022 18:00

Does B give you opportunity to earn more money longer term? As in its great experience?

I also wonder whether B might provide a good routine, walking to work so getting a little fresh air, exercise, meeting people and maybe a bit more social stuff? (Not that you have to say yes to that of course)

FancyFelix · 22/09/2022 18:53

Can you not ask Job B if they will match job A's salary offer?

LivingMyBestLie · 22/09/2022 18:54

Job B. I wouldn't like to WFH all week, it would be lonely.

Adultchildofelderlyparents · 22/09/2022 19:03

Under these circumstances, and considering your health that you mentioned earlier, I think B sounds like the best option.
Less stress - less pressure on health
Office based - socialisation is good for health, and also opportunity to experience working with others to boost knowledge and experience
Big company - more opportunity to progress, and bigger companies tend to have better benefits
Job satisfaction - always a bonus

It might be less money than job A but some of the other positives outweigh that. Try to save something each month, even just a little bit, to give yourself some peace of mind.

MrsMarlowe · 22/09/2022 19:06

Greentime101 · 22/09/2022 17:28

I would choose B - being stressed and alone at home is not for me

These are my thoughts too

JustAnotherSod · 22/09/2022 19:09

Imagine Job B phoned tomorrow and withdrew the offer - how would you feel?

Working that will give you the answer you are looking for.

Nandocushion · 22/09/2022 19:11

B 100%.

WaveyHair · 22/09/2022 19:12

B. Better long term prospects.

DisforDarkChocolate · 22/09/2022 19:12

If I wanted to work from home I'd take A but look to move on in 18 months or so.

If my mental health would prefer an office job, I'd go for B.