Would you go for a promotion if it meant a longer commute and financially you were no better off?

[ColdMeatPlatter]

Hi I work in the NHS as a band 6, almost top of the payband, 10 minute commute, early 30s, young kids and have just reduced my hours to facilitate school pick ups a few days a week.

Band 7 jobs in our sector within our trust are like hens teeth, in fact I've never known one to be advertised. A post has been advertised this week. It's in a different hospital, 1 hour away. I would be no better off by the time I pay for fuel. It's advertised as full time so I doubt they would accept a part time application (the person leaving the post couldn't get part time hours.)

This is only my 2nd week of reduced hours and I'm loving it so far. I was so excited to have the children in the afternoons, have contact with teachers etc. On the other hand I could do this job with my eyes closed and would love the challenge.

If you were me, would you go for it? I don't want to apply without being serious about wanting it. It's a small team and everyone knows everyone else. It wouldn't go down well if I pulled out later on.

depends how much you want to advance your career

Commuting is really tough and adds a later of stress and expense to your day

I've done it for years and only recently found a local job

It depends if you want the career development really? I'm also a band 6 & went for a band 7 job recently.
It was more hours & a longer commute 2 days a week, but 4 set days a week & no nights, weekends or bank holidays, so more quality time with the family overall.

I also really wanted the career development. The training on offer was amazing & I wouldve really valued the leadership & management experience. I didn't get the job, but I got experience from the interview & at least I know my application skills are up to scratch.

So i'd say apply, then decide.

Thanks career progression is important to me, when I think about the job I get excited. When I think.about the commute I definitely don't! I feel stagnant. But the time with the children is more important at the moment I feel. If there were more opportunities for progression I would hold off for a few years, but it happens so so rarely. Perhaps I could request a 4 day week if got it and see what happens?

" I could do this job with my eyes closed and would love the challenge."
So is it challenging or easy?

Sorry I mean I could do my current job with my eyes closed. The new one would be a challenge.

hat does make sensue sorry
difficult one - how old are your children? what does your gut say?

The children are almost 4 and just turned 1. My mum is my amazing (paid) childminder and is supportive in whatever I choose to do as is DH. DS1 starts school in September and we are hoping to TTC for one more DC at the end of the year or early next year. Initially my gut said no way, life is good, fairly easy, why rock the boat? But the more I think about it, the more I realise I don't want to get stuck in a career rut at 32.

God I'm talking like it's my job for the taking when the chances are I won't even get it!

I have been at the top of band 6 for a few years now. Commuting is horrendous at times and the constant stress of rushing back for the children is a nightmare. I suppose, if you have your mum as your childminder, then the pressure will be easier.
I actually moved jobs from a hospital in another town, to one in my home town, once my 2nd child was born (after maternity leave). I wasn't keen on the job and missed my old place (where I had been for over 10 years). Thanks to cutbacks my job was moved to a hospital further away from the first one so I am NOT a happy bunny.
I have often thought of a band 7 post. I was doing band 7 work for years and was reviewed by the trust to be moved up (manager put me forward but HR said NO). I have a Masters degree too. I think, especially in my profession, band 7's get a lot of crap to deal with and, even at the top of band 7 payscale, you will be less than £5k better off. I just don't think it's worth it (esp once you factor in travel, tax, NI). I only do 3 days now and it's lovely having extra time off for 'life' etc.
Band 8 salary would make a difference though LOL. Plus, they don't work nights/weekends...

nah I wouldn't. I have just gone to band 6 to 7 with extra 50 minute commute and even though I really love my job and am a workaholic it feels barely worth it with the rickety commute. Am also barren so don't have sprogs to take into account.

I wonder if there is another way of feeling less stagnant career wise---pt distance learning course/pt evening course once a week in order to career develop yourself for when you might have more childfree time to apply for different jobs?

nb 32 is hardly past it seeing as the new retirement age is 95yrs or something :-)

I'm in the same position and I'm not applying for the job even though I'm confident Id get the band 7 post. It's full time and just over an hour commute.

But promotion isn't that important to me. I want a better work life balance.

I would contact them and ask of they would consider part time, if they say no then I wouldn't apply. You seem quite clear that you want part time hours. I have recently been in a similar situation but my children are very young and I just don't want to work full time

Thanks so much everyone for your experiences and thoughts. jve read them all carefully and sure I will do again many times. I am already doing an MSc part time as I was feeling t stagnation lol, but it was tough going and I was really hoping my new hours would free up a.bit of time for that as well.

I think I will contact the line manager and gauge how open they are to part time and take it from there. Part of me hopes they say no outright and that would be the decision made!

Sounds like a good plan, let us kknow how you get on

Will do stealth, thanks again.