Career dilemma

[applesandbananasandoranges]

Finding it difficult to make a decision about a job offer so hoping for some advice.

I left my last job in marketing management a couple of years ago due to stress and a horrrible manager. I took some time out and then spent most of last year looking for work. It was hard - I’m past 50 - but at Easter this year I was finally offered an admin job with an official body (not part of CS). The work is not hugely interesting or demanding however the team I work with and my manager have been extremely welcoming and supportive. It’s a nice place to work.

I’ve just this week been offered a CS job from a general application I made last year. It’s in a department with a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.

My dilemma is that the job itself just doesn’t interest me at all. It will involve lots of number crunching and data drilling, deadlines etc. I don’t mind a bit of this type of work but it really wouldn’t appeal to do it all day.

However as it has been such a lengthy and arduous process to get to this point I’m tempted to accept the offer and see it as a stepping stone to a role I would prefer.

There’s very little opportunity to progress in my current role and there would be no difference in pay if I moved.

Sorry if this is maybe a too late... it sounds like you’d be leaving a job with a nice working environment, but no long term prospects for an unknown environment with equally dull (but more relevant?) work, but better long term prospects?

Would you be able to progress your career within the new company, or by stepping stone would you have to move company again to get into your desired role? How long do you think you could keep working on the new job if the stepping stone move didn’t materialise, compared with your current? That would be key for me with the equal pay and current economic situation. Good luck either way hope it works out for the best.

I’d stick with the current job given you’re content and the people are nice, unless you’re so keen for future advancement that you’re willing to take the risk on the new one having not as nice people and definitely having dull work.