Please help me decide what to do

[Georgie99]

I just don't know what to do.. help!

I have a 5 year old in school and a 3 year old who goes to grandparents one day a week and pre-school 2 days a week. My partner works full time, quite long hours.

My 3 year old will start school Sept '15.

I currently work 3 days a week. OK pay, 15 minutes away, flexible working and we are quite comfortable as a family. I am able to drop kids off at school and grandparents pick up. BUT the actual job is boring, no real job satisfaction, which I find quite frustrating.

I have been offered an great job opportunity with a great company. It's double the pay so I'll be able to save for a new kitchen BUT I would have to go up to 4 days a week. The job would be more full on and it's a 30 minute commute. However it's a great job that I would enjoy.

I just dont know what to do. Do I give up my comfortable 3 day a week boring job that's great for the kids? or do I take the job and risk the work family balance fall apart? has anyone been in a similar situation? I feel really bad about leaving my 3 year old for an extra day when he seems so young and needy.

My partner would support me either way and is just as indecisive as me so I need advice! thankyou.

I've not been in your situation but am chronically bad at making life decisions like this! I worked full time with my first in a fairly demanding job and am currently taking stock as i'm about to go back after maternity leave with my second. For me, a rewarding job is massively important but only you know what's right for you. Some questions I've found helpful in the past...

What does your gut say? Can you imagine yourself doing the same job and life you have now in a year or two's time? If the answer's no, then maybe it's time to make the leap. What would you need to make this possible? How much of that can you influence / control?

The other thought is that Work life balance of the family is down to both you and your partner, not just you. You say they're supportive which is fab. Are they willing/able do more than they are currently on the life side of the balance. Maybe that needs to be part of your decision.

I find making decisions like this so stressful so wish you the very best of luck.

It is important that you get satisfaction for yourself as well as looking after the family. I would go for the new job

I'd vote for the new job, too. But I agree with Littlepaleale, it may be that your partner needs to make some adjustments to support you into a more rewarding job.

I work 4 days a week in an interesting job. I wouldn't swap that for 3 days a week in a dull job. It isn't just about the job now, it's also about future prospects. However I also wouldn't swap my 4 days a week to a FT more interesting job. So it is an individual thing about what makes the balance.

Behave as if you've decided to go for the job. What issues will you need to resolve? Will it work?

(I think you should go for it!)

Thanks everybody it has been the first time ive used mumsnet but youve all been really useful thankyou. Sometimes you over think things so much you loose perspective! you're right, i should go for a more rewarding job because thats always been important to me. :-)

Well done! You'll be able to do it. It's more organisation and planning needed.

I know you want to save towards a kitchen, but do consider spending some of your extra income in a way that might take the pressure off both of you. It might be a cleaner, gardener or someone to do your ironing. Or even just a takeaway more often.