Take the job that's best for me or best for the family?

[youdrive85]

Two job offers. One is more local, more flexible, and would mean I'm there for more school runs. The other involves a significant commute two or three days a week, but sounds like a more enjoyable role with better career progression.

Thoughts?

Totally depends on bigger picture, age of kids, impact on partner etc

Personally I'd go for the more family-friendly job. It's a very personal choice, but when your DC are growing up you never know what hurdles are around the corner and how much they may need you, so it's a relief to have some built-in flexibility incase life gets tougher.

Ten years ago I’d have chosen the career one, now I’d choose the family friendly one!

If someone else is there to do the school runs, I’d pick the job that suited me. It’s only a couple of days a week, you’ll be there for the others.

Family friendly every time.

How old are the kids? How long is the commute? Is it 2 days or 3? Is there a difference in salary, taking into account the longer commute?

Are you a single parent? If so job one. If you have a partner/spouse then job two.

Different people would make different choices. Personally in this situation I'd pick the more family friendly one as being around more to do school runs etc would be more important to me generally than a more interesting job. BUT I also would hate doing a long commute a few days a week too if it could be avoided so wouldn't choose a role involving that, separate from my desire to do school runs!