Stay safe or take a risk?

[adilemna123]

TLDR: Should I leave safe, secure job for potentially long-term higher reward?

I'm 30 years old and a middle manager in local government, earning £47k. I'm a bit antsy about my role, I don't feel like I have many skills; it can be quite a petty, political environment (lots of my colleagues are deeply unhappy - I'm not especially but it can be unpleasant to be around.) Lots of onerous, frustrating processes.

I couldn't get promoted unless my manager left and his role became vacant which I don't think he has any plans to do. If I did, I would earn around £55-60k, but it would involve managing lots of people - not something I'm mega keen on.

However, my work-life balance is excellent. I finish work at 4pm every day and have the evening to exercise, socialise, cook, whatever. Great DB pension and maternity leave - I want kids in the next few years so worth considering. I am mainly left alone to get on with my work - I'm pretty introverted and more of a 'work to live' person so this is good for me.

The new role
I recently finished a bootcamp to try and learn some new skills and learn about other jobs, and got a job offer from one of the big tech firms who partnered with the programme.

It's junior, and not actually a technical role, but would pay £54k. A huge company with less rigid promotion structures. The next step up would see me earn ~£80k. A great name to have on my CV, culture seems really positive, really good Glassdoor reviews, I got good vibes from the hiring manager. As I mentioned, I do want kids and I think it would be easier to make the move before them than after.

However... core working hours run until 6pm (I know this is normal but just not what I'm used to!) and I'm not sure what the expectation of overtime is; I imagine some will definitely be expected. I don't need more money; I own a home and have a comfortable amount of savings and I wouldn't consider myself particularly ambitious - I am motivated to learn and achieve things but have no desire to be a big boss or anything like that.

There would potentially be a lot to learn, but I'm worried after years of work that goes at a snail's pace, I'll be out of my depth in a fast-paced environment.

Go for the new role. Sounds like you are currently coasting and the fact you went on the Bootcamp suggests you’re hungry for new stimulus.
The opportunity you’re being offered doesn’t happen to everyone, so the tech company obviously sees your potential. Take the offer and see what happens next. A new, exciting, and challenging environment will shift your perspectives and open up further options.
And in terms of work/life balance and wellbeing, all big companies are aware of this and offer flexibility via hybrid working etc. For sure it is possible to work hard AND have a life.

@Ladiz - I am definitely coasting, you're right, which with potentially another 40 years of work ahead of me isn't a good thing. Thank you.

I'd also go for the new role, because even though it's coming in with a better salary, it also sounds like the environment & culture are better. So you may finish later in the day but if you're challenged, engaged and fulfilled it sounds far better long term! Do you really want to go another 30+ years with your only perk being an earlier finish time?

Okay I am convinced. The main perk of the job being 'not doing the job as much' is a ridiculous way to think about things. I do tend to overthink things massively but writing it all down has made me see it's a good move.

Good luck!

Good luck! You're too young to coast. Take a jump into the unknown. What's the worst that could happen?!

Good decision! Would be interesting to hear how it goes after a few months. Good luck.

I start in a month! I'll report back.