I'm 6+3 and i am currently an office manager in HE. I really do not enjoy the role. It's a role i have done 3 x in other institutions (moved due to restructure then relocated due to partners work). I started this role in May 2017 and all looked positive to begin with however i was shortly after starting diagnosed with CFS. My manager has been very supportive and has blamed my commute, recent house move, etc on my tiredness and even said to me this week 'she had hoped i'd feel better now i have moved house and hoped the CFS had disappeared over Christmas'... well it's a lifelong illness.
I have the opportunity to move side wards into another senior position where I would be managing less people, have more flexibility, more support and be in a younger team, etc (i'm the youngest by 17yrs in current team - I'm 30) but have a lot less experience of actually doing. Alternatively, i could go for the lower grade and take a slight paycut but not be managing, have more flexibility, more support, less worries, etc and really get to know the role before i went for a promotion in a few years time if i wanted to (although i'm not sure i would as don't enjoy responsibility of management either after recent biscuitgate in the office.)
My question is, what should i do? If i take like for like it'll be same more, slightly less responsibility, but i think i'll feel guilty for going on maternity leave so soon after or should i go for a demotion (lose 5 days holiday due to demotion (higher grade = 30 lower = 25) but then not have to worry. If they put me on the top of the grade for the demotion i would only be £8-900 difference. I'd also be allowed to go PT, which i wouldn't if i stayed in this current role.
Deadline for both roles is 12th. I've spoken to the manager and he is keen - he is aware i'm interested in both roles.
Partner doesn't mind what i do as long as I am happy.
What to do? Which to go for?