Would I be completely bonkers to give up a better paid flexible role for a less well paid full time role?

[Iprefercoffeetotea]

Background: I work mainly from home in a role which has changed a lot recently and I can no longer play to my strengths. My last annual appraisal was poor (though not bad enough to put me on performance management - yet) after 4 years of good ones. I have a new boss who seems very supportive at the moment but I am unhappy with the work I am being asked to do. I think having a poor appraisal means that even if a different role came up internally I would not get it so I have to look elsewhere.

I have a second interview tomorrow for a full time role which would involve a commute. The job content is totally up my street and I think I have a reasonable chance of being offered the job. But it wouldn't be nearly as flexible, though they said at first interview (without me asking) that I could work at least one day a week at home. The salary is lower.

DS is mid teens so can look after himself but I am stressing about being home in time to take him to his evening hobbies, he's not old enough to drive yet. I am not really bothered about the salary as I don't have a mortgage to worry about. I just need to earn enough to pay the bills and eat!

Should I put job content above flexibility?

What’s the job market like? Is it likely that any part time roles will come up soon? Have you asked the potential new employers if you can work flexibly or reduce hours?

I have stayed too long in a bad job, where my performance and confidence has suffered. I wish I’d got out sooner, it’s going to take me a little while to regain my belief in my abilities. If your current role is not going to change I’d urge you to get out ASAP.

I'd go along to the interview and give it your best shot. If you get offered the role then you could try to negotiate over salary and number of working from home days.

Also worth enquiring about the overall package - do they offer a pension, flexible benefits anything else that would bump up the overall amount?

if not it's down to you - I'd find it hard to say take a job for less, but equally doing the wrong role for the wrong boss really sucks and in our place it's the same - it's really hard to move once you've had a less than stellar review.