AIBU to consider leaving an easy remote job for stability?

[Howldens]

I have a work related dilemma & would love the opinion of the hive mind.

I currently have an easy job in a prestigious organisation. It was a “pivot” from my old industry which I was happy to leave.

Downsides are that it’s insecure work, the organisation is struggling, our team (inc me) is missing targets and it’s fully remote so I have a lot of flexibility but also I can be lonely (esp as I have a 50/50 custody arrangement so some weeks are lonely and lack structure so I can find myself scrolling Instagram on a Tuesday morning rather than getting up). Because I am a contractor I am responsible for all tax and despite saving have probably not saved enough for pension contribution whilst in this role.

the new job is back to my old industry, and a less prestigious organisation. Much more stable, big role with a team of 6 and responsibility for Europe & USA. Good money, pension, discretionary bonus.

downside is a lot of stress and pressure and (and I know I need to grow up a bit here) but it might look as if I failed at the prestigious move so it’s a bit about my ego. Going back to my old industry with all its problems and old faces (some good some not). The new boss will be very demanding and I suspect he might be quite difficult.

With the fully remote one, although I am lonely I have a lot of emotional energy for my kids when I see them because the job doesn’t demand a lot of me…. But equally I am 45 years old and feel I am wasting my years away, sometimes, not driving towards anything.

should I take the new job?

How likely is it that your current role goes belly up? I totally get the urge to want to keep the flexibility but if you’re on a sinking ship, the other spot is likely to be taken quicksticks...

Every £ you out in a pension today works harder and longer for you come retirement and it sounds like the other role is big enough such you could carve it out (retain Europe, drop to 3/4 days a week, train someone else for US) after a few years

I think it’s probably 50/50 on this current role. And in fact my contract is only until October. I think if their financial situation was better they’d keep me but hard to predict in current circs.