Move jobs again? dilemma

[Invisimamma]

Until earlier this year I was in the same job for over a decade, I'll start by saying I'm not good with change and hold really high standards for myself which can mean I often don't feel like I'm good enough. So here's my situation, I need a bit of guidance deciding what to do...

I started a new job in May, change of field for me so I've had lots to learn but I feel I'm picking it up now, but I'm still a bit out of my comfort zone. Salary is £36k rising to £38k after 2 years, I work 4 days pro rata. So far it seems like a really nice team and supportive colleagues. It's a charity job so little in the way of progression or benefits and minimum pension contributions. There's talk of moving to a 4-day week which would mean 20% pay rise (as I'm already 4days they'd bring me up to fulltime) but that could be a while away yet.

I've been offered another role which would be a huge step up for me in terms of responsibility. It's £46k rising to £53k after 5 years, again 4 days pro rata. It's NHS so much better pension and job security in the long term. But I'm just so scared to make another change so soon, I'm worried I'm not good enough and not cut out for that level of responsibility just yet, that they'll soon discover I'm out of my depth i.e. major imposter syndrome. They're looking for late Sept start, I've had verbal offer but HR are taking their time so I have a bit of time to weigh up my options.

Both jobs are hybrid, mostly WFH with occasional office work and site visits.

The payrise of job2 would be life changing for my family but is it worth the extra stress that the role might bring. I feel I'm just settling into my new job, the transition wasn't a smooth one and now I'm contemplating doing it all again and it scares me. Also i feel guilty about leaving current company so soon as they've invested in training me. Written down it seems like a no-brainer but I just have a niggling doubt...

If it makes a difference, I'm in my early 30s with dc aged 13 and 9. Currently I earn slightly more than dp but I have much more flexibility than he does so much of the childcare naturally falls to me as he works an irregular shift pattern.

Can I ask what type of role it is? As you mentioned your recent move was to a new field, is it a similar role in each organisation?

It's a tough call, but I think on balance, if the new team seems nice, and stable, I'd take the higher pay as it's fairly significant.

You should do it. You need to be your own highest priority in life, and since the hiring team think you're worth it, so should you!

I've just recently been offered a new role after a little over a year where I'm at now, but it's a 30% pay increase and fully remote, which is going to revolutionise our quality of life.

Am I nervous about the change? Wrestling with a bit of imposter syndrome? Yes, sure. But I know I will work hard to get settled in, and I will deserve every penny I earn.

It sounds like an amazing opportunity, op. Grab it with both hands.

I think while your kids are young stay where you are happy and work life balance (but what is your gut telling you ?) only you know the answer

it might be very soon to jump jobs too for the cv ??

It is a good bit more money though isn’t it ???

Move, you'd be mad not to.

Congratulations. Don't undersell yourself. Clearly the recruiters think you would do an excellent job. I think you should go for it. If it's a mistake, they haven't reinvented slavery and you can always move.

I worked in the same job for 15 years and have had 3 jobs in the last 3 years. All moved for better pay and conditions.

you only live once and you’ve got to grab every opportunity for happiness.

Argh, I feel your pain. I started a new role last year and it's been really hard getting up to speed and getting to grips with a different culture.

I know that ultimately I need to move on as it's just not the right place for me, but the thought of starting over again is so wearing, and terrifying as struggling with the current role has really fucked my confidence.

I do think moving forward is for the best in general though, and for a lot more money it seems like the right thing to do.

They aren’t babies any more. You are not a job hopper- you are moving forward in your career. Don’t be afraid to seize the opportunity, which might not come again soon. Wfh is a great deal. What makes you think the job will be more stressful?

Thank you everyone. That's just what I needed to hear and all the points you've raised are exactly what I've been wrestling with.

To answer a some of the questions - the jobs are not related, both are quite different focus but similar skillset - project development, people management, strategic and operational stakeholder relations. Job1 is a sector specialist role and job2 is more generic overall but more senior and more responsibility.

Why do I think the second role will be more stressful? I'm will be coming into NHS fresh, at this level that is unusual so I will have a lot to learn. It's more responsibility and more of strategic role than I've had previously. I'll be managing a small team which I haven't done before. Also NHS is a challenging environment at the moment.

I put everything into the interviews so obviously I'm delighted to be in this position but I do struggle with change. I turned down two other positions and one interview when I first began looking. I interviewed for both at the same time but the NHS one have just taken their time.

I think the money and long-term security is pulling me towards job2, but I am just getting into the groove with job1. After 10yrs it's been a massive move for me.