I’ve been in my current job for 6 years (and been promoted twice during that time), I really like the people, the culture and the work, but the pay is not good compared with the rest of my industry. This didn’t use to bother me as DH and I were DINKYs and felt we had enough money to cover our needs and wants, but in the last few years we have: moved from a flat to a family home (doubling our mortgage), had a baby (so lost pay on maternity and now have nursery costs), plus having to deal with cost of living crisis. So I’m now starting to feel I should try to earn more.
The job market in my area is very hot at the moment and I’m being offered a lot of roles. One company in particular, which is very highly regarded, has asked me to apply for a role which would be 50 % more money and chance of big bonuses (my current company doesn’t do bonuses). However it is well known that the people there work very long hours into the evening and sometimes on weekends (I currently work 9-6 most of the time, with the odd hour of work needed in the evenings). the new role would also be more stressful.
The industry is fairly small, everyone knows everyone and the role is quite senior, so I don’t want to go for an interview unless I’m fairly sure I would take the job if offered it.
Im really torn on what to do. I know I won’t be up for any pay rises or promotions at my current company for 5-8 years (due to the structure), and even then a promotion isn’t guaranteed, although I’ve been told it would be likely. However I’m happy at work, have plenty of time for my baby and could take things easy until I have baby #2.
On the other hand, we are now getting worried about money, admittedly not about whether we can eat or pay the mortgage, but more like we’ve had to stop all holidays, we’ll have to delay TTC #2 for a year to try to build up some savings to cover mat leave and avoid double nursery fees. We’ve also had to stop medium purchases (eg like furniture) and it will take us ages to save for the new bathroom our house desperately needs (it’s mouldy and falling apart so not just a cosmetic want). If I got this job our money worries would disappear.
DH is also looking for a new job with a promotion but will likely only get a 15% pay increase, so not enough for us to be as financially comfortable as we were a couple of years ago. He is happy to support me whether I stay in my current role or go for the higher pay/longer hours/more stress option.
AIBU to go for it?