Has anyone NOT accepted their 'dream' job (longish)

[LadyP]

May sound slighlty odd, but have been offered my dream job and although I have not officially accepted it (verbally or written), things are moving in that general direction.

However, I found out 3 days ago and am still not sure. This job ticks all the right boxes, much more money, much more of a challenge, in the borough where I live, flexible hours and less hours, but everyone else seems to be over the moon for me except me!!!!!

My current work place has even tried to keep me. It has just been confirmed that they will receive the government funding to give me the almost the type of job I want. However, nowhere near as much money and the challenge, although an improvement on what I have now, is not as much the new one.

Is it just nerves/fear of the unknown that is making me doubt whether I should move? I have always been fine, although sad, about moving before but this seems different.

Thanks for any advice

I think what you're feeling is probably understandable and is likely o be driven more by the fear of the unknown as you suggest yourself. It's easy to feel comfortable with what you know. I do think that fear of the unknown with respect to work strengthens the longer you have worked within the same company or role. In other words, the longer you stay in one place, the harder it becomes to leave. Whilst not in too similat a situation, the role I have involves moving company, job and subject matter every 12 months or so - if not less tha 12 months. I guess I've become used to moving now but the first day, if not couple of weeks still scare me **less every time I do it. And after a while I do find myself wondering what all the original fuss was about!

Personally, I would go for it!

surely you will regret it if you dont give it a go?
good luck

I would go for it unless your current employer can offer you the definaite right job. If the new job is as secure as the current one then go for it - flexible hours, less hours and more money sound ideal to me. I'll accept it if you dont!!! lol

This could be me....(not my dream job...) but I have been offered (and taken) a job that ticks all the boxes you mention (although my reasons for looking for something else are slightly different to yours) however, like you I'm having mega doubts (and I finish my current job on Friday!) I'd say its fear of the unknown - you are in a comfort zone and sometimes moving on is too much like hard work...
is this your first job change since having children? (it is mine and I know that being a mother is hard work, so the thought of having to work hard at a new job is daunting.....)
Try to image not taking the job and how you would feel....

LadyP,

are you scared, at some level, of disappointment? Calling something your dream job is setting a high standard. I think everyone is nervous when it comes to grasping the opportunity to realise dreams - what if your dream ain't what you thought? what then? what will your new dream job be? Even if it is everything you want, what will you dream of and aspire to? What I'm saying is that what you're feeling is entirely normal. But I am sure you couldn't live with yourself if you don't grasp it while you can

Thanks for the replies.

I think you make a very valid point, hatter. I think I am scared of not being able to live up to expectations.
I have though about it a lot this afternoon and I know that I will take it....just good to get Mnetters to back up my decision.

Don't worry, I won't come back and hunt you all down if it goes pear-shaped

Thanks again