I work in academia in university. My role is v specialised and only about 4 jobs in my ?area? have come up in the last decade. The university has made an offer of voluntary severance to all lecturers. I am pretty certain compulsory redundancies will follow.
I have been in my role for 12 years. When I took the job I was child free and my location was a half hour walk from home. I now have a 110 round trip commute, 3 days a week with a further two days working at home and am required to work one weekend a month. My commute takes about 3 hours a day, on average. I also have two children at primary school. I used to love my job but now feel debilitated, stressed and don?t think I?m giving my best to my employer or children.
A lot of factors are making me think I should take the offer (equivalent of 6 mths salary). I have worked FT since both children were born, having already been made redundant once before. I took every bit of overtime I could and, as a result of me and DH ploughing everything into the house we are mortgage free. In the meantime my dad died suddenly and I have an elderly, frail mother who I want to spend more time with. IF I did take the offer then I would intend not to return to work until both children were in senior school ? about 4 years time. Getting back in to my current role would be highly unlikely. Pay wise my job is very well paid but I don?t want to go back into my current role and accept that I will take a huge pay drop in future when I go back to work.
I suppose what is stopping me is that I trained for 6 years to achieve what I have done. We do squander money at the mo, partly because I?m tired and miserable in my current job and spending to compensate. I?ve managed, and been far happier, on less. DH is v supportive and wants me to give up ? he?d be happy to hand the finances to me.My children have also said they want me to stop work - despite all the treats having to end.
I have two weeks to apply for voluntary severance and my head is in turmoil.