Job security or job satisfaction?

[jeezaluiza]

AIBU to prioritise security over satisfaction?

Currently work as a designer in a small independent consultancy. Think bean bags in the office, apple macs, very fun and rewarding projects at the cutting edge of our industry, big private clients, a good reputation. The type of job I’d have dreamed of as a kid, and love. Have worked here for 12 years, salary circa £45k, with not much room to increase this very far, as I’m just under director level as it is and I don’t think the salary jump is huge. Commute is 30 mins by train, and I work in the office most days but do have flexibility to WFH as needed, averaging 1 day per week. Can make my own hours to an extent - go in late / leave early / work through lunch etc. Small company so no benefits really - SSP etc. Defined contribution pension, 3% employer contribution.

However - I’m a bit concerned about job security - I know we are struggling to break even at the moment and have been running a loss for some months. Directors have been making concerning remarks about cash flow and prioritising keeping people in employment.

I have been offered a public sector job, slightly lower grade than I am currently (£38k salary) but with scope to progress through management to probably higher salaries. The job will be much less fulfilling - very basic design work compared to what I’ve been used to, with very low budgets. Office is closer geographically, but harder to get to - likely a 20 minute drive with no designated parking, or two trains plus a walk. 3 days in office, 2 WFH. Career average pension, 6 months sick pay, death in service, plus other benefits. And option to condense hours to 4 days.

I feel like this is a bit of a career defining (or career ending?!) move, but also that I’d be unreasonable to turn down a public sector job with these benefits and security with two young kids - but my head is fried trying to make a decision.

AIBU to take the public sector role?

I think this is my worry - I’ve never loved a job like this before, I feel it’s quite a rare thing. But @Longtoeis right, I’ll maybe love it less as it becomes more stressful trying to keep it afloat…

You’ve been there 12 years
you can’t have had many “proper” jobs before then?

Public sector is being hammered with budget cuts at the moment and that’s only likely to get worse. Sadly it’s not as secure as it once was, and career progression is not a given. You certainly won’t get automatic promotion as you might in a private company, and competition for roles is fierce. I’m not saying you shouldn’t take the role btw - but just something to be aware of

I think sadly the writing is on the wall for your current company.

If they’re not making profit and the outlook for new work is bleak than then next step will be cuts to staff and all the follows.

If you have dependents to provide for, you are the main family income that pays the bills, then your job satisfaction is always going to need job security as well as pleasure in the work.

I don’t think public sector experience precludes a move back to private sector. Especially if you lean into areas such as management, policy, governance, social and community issues.

For example, one path back to the private sector is social impact, CSR. These can be well paid and rewarding roles for which public sector or non profit experience is valued.

Consider booking a session with a career coach - they’re often great people to talk to at these professional crossroads moments - they can help you take stock of your transferable skills, recognise your value, and see new career paths you might not currently be aware of. Help you make a five-ten year career plan, etc!

I think creatively and culturally you would find the change hard and feel bored. I would hang around and see if any chance of a pay off. Also if you want a change look at corporate in house jobs, will be higher quality work than councils.

Depends how old I am? 😂👵🏼

I’ve had 3 other “proper” jobs, for a couple of years each. So you’re right, not loads! But enough to note that liking where you work and what you do is not a given.

Do you think public sector employment contracts allow a side hustle?

For me there’s a minimum threshold on all the aspects to a job that needs to be met for it to work. Then everything beyond that is nice to haves. If something isn’t hitting that minimum level then the downsides to it won’t be outweighed by other aspects being really good. Getting that clear in my mind and working out those minimum requirements for me was really helpful when looking at these kind of trade offs.

eg. Pay level - theres a threshold needed to pay the bills. Anything beyond that enables nice extras, or things like balance out busy / dull / lots of hours / stress that can be reset by out of work stuff.
Working hours - there are ones that can make work if the extra pay is tgere, maybe by paying for child care or a cleaner or parking, ones that never will, and ones that come with no additional costs. Or ones that come with potential for freelancing.

Interest and excitement wise - life needs a certain level. Hating every minute of the job unlikely to stay sane. Job being fine and low stress meaning can get the buzz in outside work stuff - works.

Yes they do so long as it is not a conflict of interest.

For example selling homemade crafts on Etsy, working in a shop, being on a board, freelance work such as tutoring etc.

There is a lot of official guidance on this and they’ll have an ethics officer who can advise - it is possible to do it, with constraints, and to do it above board.

What do you mean, you’ve ’been offered a job’? Did you apply for it? What was your thinking when you started looking/applying?

Anyway, it really depend on your skill set and its transferability. If you’ve good, transferable skills, do what makes you happy.
If you don’t, go for stability. Defining stability is tricky though. The public sector is going to stop being the gravy train it always has been very soon. We can no longer afford it.

I don't think the public sector has ever been the "gravy train" people assume it is! It's not a race to the bottom either - what's wrong with good pensions, holidays and maternity leave?

I digress though - OP I think what would put me off is the commute and travel to this particular job. Maybe keep looking for something that fits better with your commute as that will add to your feelings of being "adrift"

I would caution assumptions that low (non existent) budgets do not allow creativity and sometimes the constraints of money and working in the public sector can develop skills and talents that you never realised you had.

I work in similar field and the most creative people I have met are working in the public sector.