Take new job or stay where I am?

[Patchouli6]

I’ve been very fortunately offered a new job role. The recruitment process has been very long and I had almost given up on it and resigned myself to sticking with my current job even though a few weeks ago I was super keen.

Current job
Salary is £7k lower, might increase this year but increases are usually small.
I get a good maternity package and I’m recently married so might be looking at starting a family soon
Good flexibility about WFH etc
But I’ve been there 5 years and have been feeling depressed recently about the lack of progression. My department is small and unlikely to be able to fund a more senior position. But my job is relatively easy as I’ve been doing it so long.

New job
£7k salary increase around £400 per month take home and obviously more into my pension.
Maternity benefits are unclear but it’s a big company so I would still expect something over and above the basic SMP.
I need to commute 2 days per week to nearest city, costing about £20 per week.
Moving jobs is obviously a risk and it won’t be ‘an easy life’ at least for a bit.

Which would you choose? Leave for more money or stay for an easier life?

I'd need to know more info about the new companies policies on maternity leave etc., and to compare the pensions of both companies as well.

^company's

Moving jobs is a risk, particularly in a period of economic downturn. £7k itself wouldn't be enough for me but does it offer better career progression? If it's the better long term option then go for that one.

Was the offer out of the blue or were you actively looking? If the latter then understand that the reasons you were looking will still be there and, if anything, your dissatisfaction will increase because you will know that you could have escaped and didn't.

Only you can weigh up what's more beneficial, more money or an easier life. I have been offered a few roles for more money but I have a great job, unbelievably flexible, great relationship with my boss which counts for a lot as I've had some shit bosses, I'm progressing at the perfect pace. So more money wouldn't sway me, been offered £10k more it didn't trump what I already have.

You say you've been depressed, that would sway me a lot. Sounds like you need a fresh start.

I would stay where I am as when you have a good maternity package and can do the job with your eyes closed this would be a safer option

I was semi-looking for a new role, as coming to the conclusion the lack of progression in my role was weighing me down. Also although I mostly WFH now I can see getting out of the house a couple of times per week might benefit me in the long run. My husband is well paid and we have a lot of savings to fall back on if things went wrong. But, leaving somewhere after 5 years is terrifying!