Nice fixed term job or permanent management job working weekends? WWYD

[BigCupOfMilkyTeaPlease]

Hi, I'm not sure if AIBU re jobs? For context I've worked for a big organisation for the past four years. Three years in first job welfare related, moved into an admin Dept manager job and had a terrible experience of being bullied by the manager. Recently moved into another welfare type job; lovely team, very flexible re wfh, interesting work but fixed term and had to take a drop in grade and salary. But feel so much better.

However, before starting I applied for a manager's job in my original department, not expecting to get an interview. Met with my old manager who encouraged me to apply. I was offered and accepted an interview. Job fits all of my skills, pay really good, some flexibility but working mid week and over weekend (office hours). Now I'm panicking if I get offered it (am the only person being interviewed)! Am I stupid to think about leaving my happy bubble? Am I blindly just thinking about the pay increase and how it would help my family?

WWYD (I know I might not get the job, but didn't expect to get to interview stage)???

go to the interview. You may decide that, having asked your question and liked around/met some people, that it isn’t for you.
meanwhile, think about your current situation. What happens at the end of the fixed term? How are you finances currently - do you need more £? Would weekend working require you to give up family time/cause childcare issues? Maybe weekend working works better for you etc etc. Some answers to those questions might make things clearer for you.
good luck and well done so far!

Thanks @Alphabet1spaghetti2 - I know most of the managers (were promoted from same grade as me, I didn't apply at that time) and they are really nice. The work is more complex but interesting and staff are well supported, weekends are known to be calmer. We could def do with the additional money (it's quite jump and three grades above current job, but only been working in current a few weeks) and childcare wise it would work out as DH is around and kids are getting older, going out with friends etc. it's an unknown re contract becoming permanent in current job, lots of shifting around and most of the team are either acting up or covering maternity, lots of fixed term contracts.

I think I have just lost confidence in myself and am worried if I do and if I don't get it!

Definitely go for it

Well, a man wouldn’t be asking anyone. Hoik up your testosterone levels and interview.

Ask the questions you want answers to, discuss it at home and then decide your time limit for each position.

Thanks and yes you're right @TheSandgroper! Would you guys go for it?

I would go for the interview. Because you never know that they may offer, play the game as if you want the role. You can always so no later - after all employers do exactly the same, they interview a range of people and say no to those that they don’t think will fit.

At least go for the interview. Often people know from their initial reaction (so if they call you and offer the job) if it is the right thing. One person can destroy a good team or job because they totally change the dynamics. If the reason you left will not be an issue in the new role, at least give yourself this chance.

Also a pros and cons list seems cliched but can help. Go for the interview and if offered it spend time thinking both jobs through and coming to a decision.

If your manager is encouraging you, and you are the only person being interviewed I'd say it's fairly likely they want you to get the job. Try and be confident in yourself and your abilities and give it a go, the security of the permanent job, and the extra money would be so handy at the moment

Go with enthusiasm and intention to go for it. Some little bit of you was confident enough to reply so build on that.

If you can an offer you can think about how you might manage weekend work. Presumably it’s not every weekend and presumably this job also opens up more possibilities in future.

Thanks for all of your comments! I left the job but one on good terms, and only went to another job as I didn't want to work rotating shifts anymore.

My management job was difficult because of my direct manager, but working with the team etc was good and I enjoyed it.

Okay so I'm going to go for it! Any advice re interview prep? As another poster said I need to 'act more like a man would,' how do I do that lol? What sort of examples etc? My old boss said to use the STAR technique, but my memory isn't the best. How would you approach it?

Update for anyone still invested - I got the permanent job! I can't believe it 😊

Yes!! Congratulations 👏 🎉 🥳

@BigCupOfMilkyTeaPlease well done 😊

Well done!

Thank you guys, you really helped my confidence 💐 The job will make such a difference to our family I'm so happy!

Congratulations!! Go you!!