… to ask how to decide between these two jobs. HELP!

[calmama]

I’ve been in a very unhappy job situation with a toxic workplace for years and years. DS is now old enough that I can work full time, assuming a new job will be flexible to enable me to manage everything with him.

To my utter surprise, I have just been told I am the preferred candidate for two jobs I have gone through the interview process for! I think they’ll both be flexible enough - though one seems more than the other.

Pinching myself because I thought I’d never get out of that place and both jobs would be amazing for me in terms of skills and passions, despite both being for quite different organisations.

Both are at reference check stage. My issue is I can’t decide which to choose. I go back and forth almost hourly. I know it’s a good issue to have, but I’m worried about regretting my decision. My current employer has been such a nightmare for me for so long my wrecked self-confidence is still grappling with the fact both organisations want me at all.

Has anyone been faced with this sort of tricky choice? What did you do? Help!

We can't give you any advice if you don't tell us a bit more about the 2 jobs you have been offered

Location? Salary? Hours? Responsibilities?

In the absence of any facts about the jobs - I'd do a list of pros and cons and see which comes out in top position.

With a young family, my priorities would be flexibility, career progression and salary.

Kind of a pointless post without saying anything at all about the 2 jobs OP, are there pros and cons to both?

Commuting distance/wfh? Pension employer contribution? Number of days leave? Stress levels of the org or sector as a whole?

This job may well be just one job in your career, make sure it works for you now but also will be a good step longer term.

Not enough info to advise. What is drawing you to or putting you off either of the jobs?

Give more details and we might be able to advise. If both good what are the differences. You say one seems more flexible.

What are the pros and cons of each, we might be able to help

Also I meant to say congratulations. I just left a toxic job after 10 years and started a new one last week. The relief is immeasurable.

I would make a weighted list of pros and cons (weighted by how important a particular aspect of the role is) and score each job. It might not end up that the higher scoring job is what your 'gut' wants, but the process of really weighing up the two jobs will help you make a decision.

Sorry, my head is swimming.

Not much difference in pay. Job One is in a university setting about 15min drive away but I’m told could be hybrid and Job Two is a not-for-profit that is entirely WFH as headquarters is based elsewhere in the country.

Job One has a higher superannuation contribution and I’m assuming more perks on campus.

I’m drawn to both! They both involve working within my area of expertise and passions. Nothing much is really putting me off, and each interviewing panel seemed really great. So it’s very hard to decide.

Well done @Oysterbabe ! I can’t believe there is light at the end of the tunnel for me.

I personally wouldn't want to take a new job that was entirely wfh. I think it's easier to learn stuff and form relationships if you can actually meet people!

I'd go with the hybrid option purely to keep a balance of seeing people in person sometimes. I've worked fully remotely and although loved the benefit of it, did also miss the collaborative work environment and the general social aspect. Working physically with people keeps me motivated.

Take Job One

Trust me. Working at uni is the dream, I've several friends that do. Good benefits. AL pension etc. also far more job security that a 'not for profit ' which will be reliant on funding. And job one is 15 mins away. It's a no brainier

I'd go for job 1.

Well, my opinion is that there is no decision to make yet.

When you have two offers, that's the time to make a choice.

Until then - sorry - but you are just setting yourself up for heartache if you persuade yourself to choose one over the other, and what if you turn one down and then don't get offered the preferred one?

Just keep your head until you have a choice to make.

Bit snippy

Go for hybrid at the university. Hybrid is much better for making connections and learning and building a long term career than WFH. And universities have a good pension and career structure.

You’re right @AlisonDonut . I know I haven’t reached the formal offer or negotiation stage. But I have had verbal confirmation I have been chosen by both. I realise this could be retracted.

And conversely for me working at a uni was a nightmare: toxic environment, bullying/blame culture, seemingly endless restructures of the department that added little value, while more widely there was never any cash for pay rises. Leaving was the best thing I ever did!

I agree with the weighted pro/cons list OP. And if they still come out evenly, I’d say go for the one which offers greater flexibility.

Definitely go for Hybrid working job. Entirely WFH can be quite isolating and can impact team cohesion etc

I would always choose a hybrid model where I could go to if needed/wanted.

I'd go for the university job from what you've said. It sounds fun, you'll meet more people (100% wfh is really tough when you're learning a new job) and maybe even make new friends! It'll feel like a real new lease of life!

Definitely job one

She said "I'm told could be hybrid".

You might find it's actually entirely office based depending on how strong a "could be" that is. How important is that to you?

In my experience it was really non stop working at a uni. Depends on your role though.

Not for profit - completey depends on the type (size, culture) of org/personnel. But on the whole probably a little more chilled out.

I would probably take the uni setting as they are typically more competitive roles than not for profit.

Mainly: congratulations!!!!