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Which job to take?

6 replies

Tuesdaysdilemma · 05/10/2010 18:11

Hello all, regular but namechanged for this as I want to get unbiased opinions by people who don?t ?know? me :)

Right so? have been out of work for almost a year, due to relocating to follow DH. Have two dcs aged 5 and 2. My last job was pretty dreamy, interesting, well paid, part-time, and I have been mourning it ever since. Being a SAHM has been really hard for me, my confidence, social life etc have really suffered, although I have to admit it has benefited my family.

Now, after months and months of soul destroying job search, I suddenly have not one but two opportunities (you know what they say about buses etc). So, that's great, right? The problem is, the two opportunities couldn't be more different...

Option no 1: large corporate, full time, probably quite stressful, not really my dream career, but otoh very well paid, lots of status and prestige etc. Have worked in that sector before, and was miserable, although now I?d like to think I am older and wiser and I wouldn?t let it get to me as much?

Option no 2: non profit start-up, doing something I would probably quite enjoy, largely from home with some international travel 2-3 times a year, relatively flexible hours (although I would still need childcare obviously). Have been dreaming of working in the non-profit sector for years and this is it? only problem is, this company might not be around for much longer (the next 6 months are make or break?), and the salary would be barely enough to cover childcare. Otoh, it is small, a start-up, so lots of opportunities for being entrepreunerial and making a difference (or failing?).

I am lucky that my dh has a great job so we don?t desperately need a large second income at the moment, but you never know? this economy is crazy and he?s already been through 2 bankruptcies (his is a lucrative but volatile sector).

I really don?t know what to do. Head says 1, heart says 2. Heart says it?s now or never, follow your dreams, you?re lucky you can, start on this journey and see where it takes you. Head says if I turn my back on the corporate world, I might never get another chance (35 yo mother of two, with a long gap in my cv? yeah, right), and what if in 3-6 months time I am back where I am now, with no job and no concrete leads, having closed off a promising road?

Any thoughts, experiences, opinions? Thanks in advance

OP posts:
BlackandGold · 05/10/2010 21:51

Option 2

Follow your heart and do it!

GrendelsMum · 06/10/2010 20:20

Option 2. Option 1 sounds utterly crap.

Whatever happens, option 2 won't put you where you are now. You'll be a 35 year old entrepreneur fresh from working in a start-up, with international travel, a lot to talk about in terms of the impact you made, etc.

bunjies · 06/10/2010 20:35

If you don't need the money then option 2. You even sound happier when describing it!

TidyBush · 06/10/2010 20:40

I work in the not for profit sector and can certainly guarantee that no two days are ever the same Grin.

It's a constant juggling of priorities and sometimes a frustrating PITA meeting the expectations of so many stakeholders. But as twee as this sounds there is nothing like the satisfaction of making a difference to other people's lives.

mickb · 17/10/2010 00:11

def option 2 - sounds much more interesting

cpbp · 17/10/2010 18:30

I agee; I would follow your heart. Go for it. The best of luck.

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