Would you take this job?

[Dilemmasdilemmas]

I'm currently employed in a public service job which is mostly based from home, with a 30 minute commute when needed. It's very flexible, my direct manager is nice (if a little chaotic and lacking in tact!) but the work can be quite slow and boring with lots of lull periods, and there aren't huge prospects for progression.

Recently I've been getting a little bit bored and decided to apply for a new job in another public service agency, which I've now been offered. The job will involve 1.5 hours of travel each way, but I'd likely be going in to the office about 2x a week. It's about £12K more in pay and is in an area I'm more interested in, but is potentially more stressful and demanding.

Would you take the new job? I'm worried I'm giving up a pretty comfortable and easygoing work environment, plus the 2x a week office attendance has the potential to change in future depending on business need, which wouldn't be great as the travel involves multiple modes of transport - if it was one train it'd be much more bearable!

No DC but thinking about TTC in the next 6-12 months potentially, if that's relevant! (Both offer the same parental leave arrangements and I'd be eligible for parental leave at the new job right away.)

I forgot to mention, the new job would be in a much bigger organisation with many more opportunities for progression. My current job is in a fairly small organisation but it is a nice place to work and the leaders are nice and supportive.

To be honest OP if it was me I would take the new job.
You sound like you would like this new job and are a little bit unsure to step out if your comfort zone which is 100% understandable and relatable.

Ask yourself - 1 year down the line would you be kicking yourself for not taking this new job? Or would you be happy in your current position?

The new job may be demanding but if it’s something you want - and from what you’ve described the pay, maternity leave and opportunity to progress sound appealing to you- I’d go for it.

Yes take the new job but see it as a stepping stone to the next one. If you can, get the 3 days at home contractual.

A 1.5 hour commute will be really tough with young children, but you don't need to worry about that until it happens.

Look for more opportunities. Commuting time is very precious and can get tiring and stressful after a while as there is no time for anything else.

I was going to say, if you're trying for a baby soon, having a nice calm job could he a godsend...

No. The length of commute would be a deal breaker for me. Is there any chance of something similar coming up closer/with less or no office days?

With no DC I'd take that job!

Thanks everyone for your opinions, I think everyone I've spoken to has had a different view! My main concern is the commute - I wouldn't want to do it more than once a week ideally. I'm not sure I can count on the maximum of 2x a week either because the organisation is currently working through its longer-term arrangements on flexible working. I've also heard from friends that even if you negotiate a set amount of days from home this can be varied based on business need.

I don't know if I'm just 'settling' though by staying in my current job, which is dull but safe and comfortable.