Should I just appreciate what I've got?

[HettyMeg]

I am in a bit of unusual situation in that I work from home (visit the office in London every couple of months or so to keep up with colleagues). I live in Scotland so I get a higher than average salary for living here (London wage) but I still haven't had a pay rise in 3 years - pay cut when I went back from mat leave last year as I was moving to a 4 day week

I really, really miss spending time with colleagues and being in an office but I don't want to travel any more than that as I am a mum now (and can't afford to).

Also my line manager is unsupportive - not toxic but distant and uninvolved. I work very autonomously to the point I now feel like a freelancer rather than an employee.

I Am considering a new challenge and to find a job where I spend more time with colleagues and have more support around me. but I'm worried because

• I have pigeonholed myself into quite a niche role - few people do my job and similar senior opportunities are scant in the same field

• I could move to an adjacent field and do a lower paid role and work my way up, but we have private nursery and a mortgage to pay. I do have transferable skills though.

• there are basically no part time jobs advertised.

Do I suck it up? Do I look for something new and take a wage cut or do I keep the security of What I have now. Any suggestions welcome

I don’t think it hurts to have a look around and see what’s out there. I’ve found office life is a bit overrated. I mainly work from home and am forced to go into the office but there’s no real chat as most people just sit quietly and work so I wonder why I’ve bothered driving the 40 minutes into the office.

@Morganchristie I think it's the feeling of being part of a team that I really miss. I feel completely disconnected from the company and not being there in person is part of that

I’d wait until your little one(s) start school, as wfh and being (over)paid because you’re drawing a London salary whilst living in a cheaper area, are huge perks.

have you directly told your line manager in a 1:1 meeting that you’d like more opportunities to develop and diversify your skill set? What response did you get?

Use the advantages of pay and wfh to get your ducks in a row.

Firstly try and figure out what you want to do
Also practice living on a lower salary right now and see if it's doable. Just transfer an amount into a savings account and try and live off it. Might make you realise life is ok or make you appreciate what you have.

Get your cv brushed up. Look at roles and what further experience/ training you need. Look at job descriptions and start building a bank of knowledge and experience. Particularly look in your current role for this and ask for it if necessary.

It will be difficult but get networking. Linkd in, keeping on good terms with colleagues etc. just getting the feelers out that you're open to new challenges, even if for now it's within your own company.

All of this will make you understand whether your current role is worth sticking at or worth moving from.

@Alongtimelonely that is years away though, I can't imagine still being in the same job until then. I have discussed my frustrations and wanting to diversify but there are quite limited opportunities as it's a small company with limited resources and progression opportunities because the people at the level above me have all worked there for years and show no signs of leaving.

@declutteringmymind it's a good idea to try living on a smaller budget but I think we would struggle to be honest. I am the main breadwinner as my other half works for a charity. Currently looking at LinkedIn to getting ideas of companies etc.

Are you planning any more children? That would impact my decision making in your case.

@Iwrote Yes but not for a while ie not planning to even start TTC again for another year or so as we can't afford it.

If you're already having to put off TTC due to finances I absolutely wouldn't take a drop in pay now. I'd get baby 2 done, take the maternity package, return for a year or so then reevaluate.

I am / was ambitious at work, but took a 4 year trading water period to get my children born, it felt like a good balance for me.