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Original poster

Easy life v lots more money

77 replies

Tipsntoes · 26/01/2018 23:38

I have a good interesting job. TBH, I have no idea why they pay me so much for what I do. It's not a massive salary compared to some reported on here, but it brings me close to the 40% tax bracket , it's five mins from home and apart from exceptional circumstances, I leave home at 8:15 and and am home by 5pm. This means I can see DSs (teens) off to get the bus in the morning and am home in time to do a proper family dinner and nag about answer homework queries.

The job itself is challenging enough to be interesting but not enough to keep me awake at night.

I've seen a similar job advertised, in London paying £25k more. On paper it's exactly the same job, but a larger organisation so I expect the workload would be higher. I tick all the boxes on the person spec.

However, even assuming the working day isn't longer, I'd be away from home for much longer because of the commute (c. 1hr 15 each way). The commute would cost around £6k and of course I'd pay a lot of tax, so whilst I wouldn't be £25kpa better off, it's still enough to make a substantial difference. DS2 is doing GCSEs next year and does need chivvying along.

Is the opportunity 2 years too soon? WWYD?

We don't "need" the money we have a comfortable life already, but I do feel I have potential I haven't reached and I'm only 2 years off 50, when, I'm told, applying for jobs becomes a lot harder.

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 26/01/2018 23:46

If you like the idea of living in London by all means give it a go. However, I don't think you will be a lot better of financially once all the commuting, extra housing costs and more tax is taken into consideration. And certainly take into account what your family think.

minnymoobear · 26/01/2018 23:47

IM similar age and it would be easy life for me everyone!
Esp with teenagers and a job close to home with little stress- that’s the dream!

Original poster
Tipsntoes · 26/01/2018 23:47

We won't move. I can commute in 1hr 15 from here.

OP posts:
stellenbosch · 26/01/2018 23:55

I'd like to know what job do you do to be paid so highly? (And to like and BE interested in?)

BelleandBeast · 26/01/2018 23:57

I wouldn't - the commute (don't under estimate the complete pain it is to commute to London, especially in the winter ) , the unknown boss who might be a complete nightmare.

Make better use of the time you have now - family time, hobbies etc. Money isn't the be all.

Original poster
Tipsntoes · 27/01/2018 00:02

I'm a school business manager stellenbosch.

Every other SBM you meet will tell you they're overworked and stressed to the hilt. It's true there are a lot of balls to juggle, but that's part of the fun, so either they're doing it wrong, or I am. This is my third school, my HT thinks I'm amazing and compared to the jobs I did in the real world, working in schools is a piece of cake.

OP posts:
stellenbosch · 27/01/2018 00:04

Is that term time only?

What does it entail and what qualifications do you need?

Original poster
Tipsntoes · 27/01/2018 00:10

Hours vary from school to school. I now manage a group of 5 schools and I work term-time plus three weeks. Most secondaries want F-T 52 weeks, although I would argue they're wasting their money and it's not necessary. Primaries are usually term-time.

A School Business Manager basically manages everything that isn't directly related to teaching and learning. So, HR, Finance, Admin, Premises, Health & Safety.

Most of the better paid jobs ask for a "qualified accountant" although they don't state what that means. I have the Diploma in School Business Management, which my first school sponsored me to do. You don't always need that for a small school job but I wouldn't have got this one without it.

OP posts:
HeddaGarbled · 27/01/2018 00:14

I don't think that you should let the money be the deciding issue. It's your comment that you think you have potential you haven't reached that's important. Is there anything about the possible new job that you feel will give you more challenge or job satisfaction? Or is this about status - that you think people will regard you as more of a high achiever if you have a substantially higher salary?

highinthesky · 27/01/2018 00:15

I’d go for it, it will always provide a good challenge.

It’s a case of priorities and what yours are at the moment. Any “excess” you earn can be directed straight into your pension with 40% back.

PrincessMargaret · 27/01/2018 00:16

I wouldn't swap a five minute commute and a relatively stress free life with teenagers for more money. No way. Quality of life is worth more than cash that you are managing without at that mo.

blue25 · 27/01/2018 00:22

Don't be scared to go for it, especially If you think you may later regret not doing so. Push yourself and see what happens. You may absolutely love it and have lots more money! If not, you re-evaluate and go from there.

Original poster
Tipsntoes · 27/01/2018 00:26

I don't really want it now, I'd like to be around mornings and evenings until DC finish school really, but I do want to move onwards and upwards before it's too late.

It used to be that 50 marked the end of your employability, or at least it did in the industry I came from, but maybe that's changed now with the prospect of working much later. 20 years ago, most people in my old industry were retired by 55.

OP posts:
HerrenaHarridan · 27/01/2018 00:33

I wouldn’t.

But only you will know if you will regret not taking it later

Littlelambpeep · 27/01/2018 00:37

I'm in a similar position but I have to say 100percent STAY in your great job with a head who respects you - proper family . work balance. Don't be foolish

FancyNewBeesly · 27/01/2018 00:39

Not unless we really needed the money, I wouldn't. In my opinion, the benefits of working so close to home vs commuting over an hour, and a manageable workload that gets you home on time are not to be sniffed at.

Your post suggests you feel unfulfilled but would this job really give you more fulfilment if it's basically the same role? I've taken those jobs that pay more for the same role, especially in London, and the expectations on my time and performance and the amount my life would revolve around my job increased exponentially along with salary.

Personally I'm done living to work. If it were a more senior role with differing responsibilities that would be different, but if sounds like you'd be doing much the same, just more of it and further away.

Depending on how well you get on with your boss you could tell them you've seen this vacancy with a much greater salary and tell them you're considering applying - they may offer you a pay rise to keep you on (have been in this position before too)

Longdistance · 27/01/2018 00:39

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

FancyNewBeesly · 27/01/2018 00:41

Of course you could always apply and get a feel for the role, place and workload- nothing to say you have to take it if offered.

7Days · 27/01/2018 00:49

No bloody way, if I was you.
You have enough money and a good life work balance.
This job sounds like a step sideways not a step up. ( Regardless of money)
Stay where you are and if you need fulfilment you have time for that

RosemaryHoight · 27/01/2018 01:05

Could your dh step down at work and up at home?

I would be inclined to go for the best job I could get.

Commuting by train into London is awful.

Well I'm no help am I?

Original poster
Tipsntoes · 27/01/2018 01:07

I did commute for years and I was glad to see the back of it. OTOH a whole two hours a day with my book Grin

DH commutes but he doesn't work long hours and he does more than his share at home.

OP posts:
Blankiefan · 27/01/2018 07:41

I think you'd be about £100-150 better off per month after tax. That wouldnt be enough for me to take the commute on.

FairyPenguin · 27/01/2018 07:53

Personally I'd stay in the job you're in. Finding a local job you enjoy where you can be around to support your children is the holy grail for so many people I know. I wouldn't give mine up for a sideways move, a much longer (and costly) commute, and some extra money I don't need.

rollingonariver · 27/01/2018 07:59

Personally, I'd go for the easy life. Work to live not live to work every time, especially if you have kids Smile
I also think if you enjoy your job (and earn enough to live comfortably) then stay there! My DP moved jobs to a different company and it was entirely different. The bigger company treated him like shit and everyone seemed out to get each other, he'd gone from what felt like a family to a big business nightmare!

highinthesky · 27/01/2018 07:59

I don’t think this is a sideways move though, don’t be fooled by the title.

School business managers’ operational roles vary as long as pieces of string and I get the impression from the salary that this new role is quite complex. Probably best for the OP to call the recruiting manager to get a feel for the role and then decided whether it’s someth she’d want to do.