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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to consider turning down a job with more money simply because I'm happy enough where I am?

61 replies

MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:03

In a nutshell - been offered new job about £250 per month more, fewer hours (24 instead of 28)

The money would be nice but not essential.

New job would give me more scope to use specialist abilities.

But.... I'm happy where I am and like the people and culture. People change I know, but it's a lovely environment and really friendly place, although I feel a bit frsutrated sometimes as work is more basic. Although it is nice to have zero stress and an 'easy life'.

(Oh, and am planning DC2 so would not excatly be ideal to be in new job a few months then announce PG.)

I'm finding this decision really tough. WWYD?

OP posts:
fernie3 · 13/02/2010 22:07

if it was me I would take the new job because your reasons not to could be true of the new job, you might like the people there etc
I wouldnt worry about TTC too much.

havoc · 13/02/2010 22:18

I'd change jobs - more money for fewer hours? You'd be mad not to . But I love changing jobs!

On the other hand, if you are happy where you are (rather than just coasting), and you don't need the extra money, I can see the appeal of staying put. Also, you may not get £250 extra in your hand - think tax, extra travel costs.

Did you apply for the job?

havoc · 13/02/2010 22:21

Good luck TTC, by the way. (that should not be a reason not to take the job )

Snowstorm · 13/02/2010 22:24

I'm deducing that you are not someone who likes changing jobs and who has made up their mind but wants to be told that she's not completely mad for not moving.

I'd probably say that if you don't need the extra money and that you are happy in your job and are planning another child then stay there ... less stress means more likely to get pregnant and presumably the whole maternity leave/pay thing still works out better in your favour if you've been there longer? Also, if you've worked somewhere a while and have a good track-record/reputation there then you'll have more leeway and understanding when you need to take the time off for the various appointments etc. without anyone thinking 'You've only just got here and already you are asking for X, Y and Z time off - how annoying is that'.

That's my gut reaction.

hanaflower · 13/02/2010 22:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:28

Yes I did apply, but almost didn't as I was afraid I'd have a dilemma if I got the job!

The £250 extra would be net.

I suffered from bad sickness last PG and was working for the employer I would be going back to (different section, v large organisation). While I'm sure there was no issue with absences, I feel my current employer would be more understanding and caring and possibly lead to less anxiety for me - (but I am a worrier who tends to worry about anything I possibly can!)

The other slight concern is that while fewer hours and more money is in itself an easy decision - I would obviously have more responsibility and perhaps stress - where now I just walk out at the end of the day and forget all about until I am next in - this is something I love and unsure if the extra money is 'worth it'.

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 13/02/2010 22:30

bottom line do you want to cruise or be stretched.more money obviously they expect more,and use of your specialist skills

why did you apply for another job if so content?looking elsewhere suggests malaise

so either remain unstretched and cruise
or get extra dosh for more effort

Original poster
MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:30

Snowstorm - that is my gut reaction too - I am thinking it wourl be better to have DC2 and then think again about getting a better job / more money etc.

I am not someone who likes changing jobs - far from it!! - I agonise long and hard! I was with first employer 19 years, had a 2 year break with DS1 - gave up work all together - then got current ('lesser') job when he was about 18mths.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:32

Cruisin' is nice (by and large) scottishmummy. I kicked against it to begin with but has its benefits - esp. with stroppy 2 yo to content with at end of the day!

But you've summed up the choice well

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:34

Oh and btw, I apllied for this job as (a) former colleage told me of vacancy and it seemed rude not to, (b) I like a challenge and (c) to see if I still 'had it'!

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 13/02/2010 22:35

depends upon your temperament and preference.what you think will suit you

i hate cruising am always looking at next thing to study/achieve/do

JaneS · 13/02/2010 22:36

What do you see yourself doing in 5, 10 years? If the new job gives you more opportunities, that might be a point in its favour.

fluffles · 13/02/2010 22:36

more money, fewer hours AND more scope for using specialist abilities???

i'd be there in a shot!

fewer hours also better if pregnant or after ML. also, fine to be pregnant a few months into new job.. by the time you move, then coceive, then get to the stage you have to tell them, you probably wont even be 'new' anymore.

and don't stay for people.. people can leave and change... you will kick yourself if you stay and your lovely colleagues leave.

scottishmummy · 13/02/2010 22:37

you like a challenge.really?not how your posts read.sorry but the discussion of easy street sounds v cosy

if you do like challenge take the leap

Snowstorm · 13/02/2010 22:37

You 'have it' but I don't think you really 'want it' - or not now at least ... fear of the unknown and all that.

havoc · 13/02/2010 22:38

it seems that you know what you want to do.

You have my permission to stay in you current job!

blueshoes · 13/02/2010 22:38

If you are thinking of adding to your family soon, it is a good reason for staying in your current cushy job.

You can always move later. There will always be other and better jobs, once you are ready to put in the effort.

Original poster
MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:40

I like a theoretical challenge I suppose Scottishmummy - whether I am bold enough to follow it through is another matter. I like intellectual challenge of completeing application, selling mself on paper, performing well etc. Then I tend to say, ah well - good result - now back to my normal life. Odd eh?

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsSeanBean · 13/02/2010 22:41

Thank you Havoc

I love the term 'cushy' btw!!! Not heard it for a while, but yes where I am now def, counts as a 'cushy number'.

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 13/02/2010 22:42

completely up to you.you need to do it Xhours per week

Bonsoir · 14/02/2010 10:12

Agree with blueshoes. TTC and pregnancy and maternity leave are all full of unknowns - probably wise to ensure your job is a known quantity.

If you weren't intending to have another baby soon, I would advise you to move, however!

overthehillandfaraway · 14/02/2010 16:02

i've had this dilemma a few times. Felt guilty because not climbing the career ladder but absolutely love the job i'm in.
current job is challenging in its own right so not becoming stagnant.

you should go with what you want to do rather than what you feel you ought to do.

you spend a lot of your life at work and its more important that you are happy as this, in turn, affects your home life.

lisad123wantsherquoteinDM · 14/02/2010 16:07

see i might get shouted down for this, but I wouldnt take it. Money isnt everything and tbh if you are planning DC2, you will need a stress free relax place to work and trust me, 2 kids makes a real difference when your working too, especially once one hits school age.
I love my current job, the girls I work with and while more money would be great I wouldnt let it rule me decisions.

Whats that saying "better the devil you know"

scottishmummy · 14/02/2010 16:46

money isnt everything.all about work/life balance.

but i would say don't apply for jobs you don't want. panel took time to interview you, read your application.someone else didn't get short-listed because you did. and then you probably decline

it is pointless to pursue a job application as an ego boost to see if you can get it

next time ask for an appraisal of abilities

Bonsoir · 14/02/2010 16:52

There is nothing wrong (everything right, in fact) at all with testing yourself on the job market. It is good practise and companies know candidates do this.