Which job would you pick? Going back after maternity leave...

[JustMeAndThee]

I'm totally torn, and it's driving me mad!
These are the 2 roles that I'd be picking between, and I just need other peoples input really. Will leave the pros and cons here and come back to answer any questions anyone might have

Job One (Current):
Went back early from last ML and regretted it - planned on taking a year off this time
Set days/hours - 9-5 so can do school drop offs but not pick ups
Been there a long time - know the role inside out and colleagues well
No progression - even potential redundancy next year (nothing more than my hunch atm but really wouldn’t surprise me)
Not much more than NMW - won’t change
Only a 10 min commute - not possible to WFH

Job Two:
Role would begin in 3 months so would be going back from ML early again (DC would be 7 months) and would need to organise childcare for summer holidays
Set days/hours - Monday to Friday, within school time so could do every school drop off and pick up
Brand new role, can transfer my skills but different to anything I’ve done before which I do love the thought of
Loads of scope for progression and increasing hours when both DC are in school
Slightly more than NMW - would change quite quickly as the role grew and I’d be given more responsibility
15-20 min commute but a nursery very close for DC2 and could choose to WFH any time

Job 2. No contest. Better hours, pay and progression.

Is job 2 in the same company, or a totally new job?

I can't see any arguments for job 1!

Job 2, definitely. Flexibility of WFH, pick ups and drop offs can be done, scope for progression. The only negative is going back earlier than you wanted to but for me I’d pick 2 any day.

Two - every time

@Raera

Is job 2 in the same company, or a totally new job?

A totally new job!

Thank you all for your input so far. I REALLY want the job, it's just ending my ML early which bothers me...

I went back when DC1 was 5 months old and have regretted it ever since. DC2 is my last baby.

Definitely job 2!

If job 2 was in the same company where you are known and hopefully trusted, I'd go for that.
Job 1 is a "comfy pair of slippers" which is a bonus when returning from ML - and is at the time you'd like to return to work.
Do you need the stress of a huge new challenge when you are still dealing with baby brain and possibly less support if you need time off for unexpected childcare issues as they don't know you?
Just my thoughts!

@Raera

If job 2 was in the same company where you are known and hopefully trusted, I'd go for that. Job 1 is a "comfy pair of slippers" which is a bonus when returning from ML - and is at the time you'd like to return to work. Do you need the stress of a huge new challenge when you are still dealing with baby brain and possibly less support if you need time off for unexpected childcare issues as they don't know you? Just my thoughts!

Thanks for your reply, have also thought of this

Honestly, I'm not overly happy at job 1, and have felt for a little while like it's time for new slippers don't get me wrong, I could do my time again.. But changes have been happening there and not for the best.

I'm very lucky they DC2 has so far (touch wood) been an absolute dream, and I'm hoping this continues.

My concern is going back to job 1 and getting too comfy there again and not moving on any time in the foreseeable future.

Job 2

Noe's your chance to get out of somewhere you don't particularly sound like you enjoy and If you don't take the plunge now and do something different will you ever?
The hours and being able to choose to wfh if for example the kids were Ill etc would seal the deal for me.
If you get job 2 Would there be a possibility of starting on a part time basis until your lo is a year old then upping to ft?

And so now you have replied, I say good luck with your new job 2!

It's a complete no-brainer. I can't believe you are even wobbling.

Seven months off with DC is still a good amount of time and more than many women can afford to take. I assume you know for sure you can't push the start date for job 2 back any?

Is there any flex in Job 2 to go part time for a bit? Might make going back earlier a bit easier if you're only doing 3 or 4 days a week.

Job 2 would be 9.30-2.30, M-F, for the foreseeable, with scope to increase hours as the job grows. I currently work a weekend day too so would be nice to have Sat and Sun off with family.

Sorry if I'm missing important information! Happy to keep answering questions also interesting that you're all going for job 2 - I honestly expected a lot of replies telling me how I'll never get the time back with my baby if I go back to work early (as I already know.)

Job 2!

Crikey, a resounding job 2!

That terrifies me slightly but I do appreciate you all taking the time to read/advise on my dilemma!

Another vote for job 2. Flexibility and wfh are an absolute godsend with kids. Plus progression opportunities, it’s a no brainer.
Have you asked job 2 if they can push the start date back at all?

Job 2!!! No question. For the change and progression opportunities alone.

I'm really curious as to what job 2 is I have to say!

The hours for job 2 would be my dream lol.

Job 1. The only certainty is time with your kids. Take longer mat leave, enjoy the summer holidays and keep looking. Job 2 may not be the better role you think, and as a new joiner you will have less employment rights at a vulnerable time.

Clearly my opinion is a minority though and my view is clouded by bad experiences of jobs not being what promised/anticipated.

Oh. Just seen job 2 hours. Job 2 then!

Would the redundancy oay out be worth waiting for?

Job 2. The scope for progression/increasing hours would sway me especially if you're not overly happy with job 1. And I think the hours are better.

Can you afford the loss of wage by going part time with job 2? Or is the wage increase enough to cover the missing hours you’d have in job 1?

Definitely job 2. And I say that even having taken 5 years off after having kids. It will be so worth it in the long run.