Am I selling myself short or making a smart move?

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I am about to turn down a role with a huge company, in favour of a small company. They both offer private healthcare and there’s a difference of 400 a month after tax. The role with the smaller company is still good pay and gives me complete autonomy over where I am based when working. I also have one day a week where I work a half day. DP works overseas often and so the remote working means me and DD could go with him and I also don’t have a commute.

Part of me feels a bit silly turning down the huge company. It was a real achievement to have got the role but I can’t help feeling my heart isn’t in it as I am not sure I can face the corporate environment when I have this alternative option. Am I selling myself short or making a smart move?

Nobody knows but you. What’s making you doubt yourself?

@SereneSunrise I suppose I feel I’m stepping out of the corporate environment and taking a bit of a step back. I’m 39 and love being with dd and I am a bit sick of the showy big flashy company world. But I wonder if I will regret it.

Commuting and being just one of many in a large company really isn't that great. It sounds like the smaller company is a much better fit for you, particularly at this point in your life.

What made you apply for both roles? If it’s a case of any port in a storm I’d take the one that appeals the most. If both appealed to you and now you’re getting cold feet, I’d think about your decision more. The higher salary would buy in a lot of help but if it’s not manageable on a practical level, it’s not manageable.

@Jellycatspyjamas i was a bit on edge about the bigger one as I got a real sense that they were clock watching sort of company and I am not sure I can be arsed with all that… if I had to take DD to doctors or something it’s the sort of place you need to book annual leave. No flexibility. It put me off. And then I got this role too and it’s almost the exact opposite but doesn’t have the fancy title of the big company

I WFH mainly full time and I love the flexibility. It works with my DC really well. It’s worth it vs the money.

Can you tell us the name of the big company and someone might be able to share their experience of working there with you?

Have `a think about your long-term aspirations and whether you think the bigger company pedigree would make a meaningful difference in that sense. If not, I don't see any reason to take it based on what you've shared.

I don't think it's silly. If the small company works better for you, I'd go for it. The only thing I'd give thought to is the future. Big companies often think size matters! You may find it is difficult to get back into a big company when you are next looking for a role. (This is usually because you'll be managing smaller teams and smaller budgets in a smaller company).