What would you do?

[bbqhulahoop]

I recently returned to work following maternity leave. It wasn't a happy return as my flexible working request got rejected and since then, I've been looking around for other jobs. I've been with my current employer for 10+ years and never progressed beyond my starting position- this is mostly because life has been pretty difficult for a lot of those years and it suited me to coast rather than push myself, but I am now getting really bored at work.

Somehow, I seem to have got to the final stages of interviews for a job with a new company. The step up in terms of salary is a lot and this has me doubting myself as to whether I am good enough for the job or whether now is the right time to push myself while I still have a small baby who doesn't sleep at home and a pre-teen who still needs a lot from me. My partner is really wonderful and supportive but he also has a super pressured job and as his earning potential is much higher, this means I pick up more of the load around the house/ with childcare etc.

The positives for moving are the extra money and a new challenge- I really am bored of my current role.

The negatives are that I would have to work A LOT harder in return for the extra salary. While I'm not against working hard at all, it has to be manageable too. It's also a sales role and I'm not completely sold on the product so I think it would be harder to sell than my current product- it's also in a different sector that I have no experience in. Finally, I have a fair bit of security in my current role- the company is doing well and if they did make me redundant my length of service means I'd be okay. Jumping ship to a new company means a lot less security. They can get rid of you for nothing in the first few years.

I think I'm edging towards a no but I'm not sure if it's just anxiety getting in the way so am interested to know what others would do in my position

You do rather sound as if you are talking yourself out of it.
I think I would probably stay where I am for now if I were you, because it doesn't sound as if it's the right time, with DC and so forth, or as if your heart is in it.
Perhaps you could keep trying for flexible working? Maybe use the interest you have for other firms as a negotiation point (although this would depend on the culture of your firm; it could be counterproductive in some places)

I posted a similar dilema on MN about 13 years ago. I’d just had my 4th, so two young DC at home and two primary age in school.

I had the option of a straight forward PT job and a FT job which would push me way outside my comfort zone. About 90% of posters told me it wasn’t the right time and the right job would always be there in the future.

I ignored them and took the challenge and I’ve never once regretted it, not for a second. I occasionally on other threads see the posters who advised me to go for it and feel massively appreciative that they took the time to give me advice.

My life has changed exponentially since then and it started with that leap.

I think the fact you're not completely sold on the product is important. You need to decide whether to move on 2 separate counts (1) longer hours / stress. And (2) whether you will actually like the job, enjoy what you are doing to allow you to have the conviction to be successful selling the product.

Thank you everyone. That's helped me focus my thinking a bit more. Much appreciated