Another commute versus easy life thread

[Candoolili]

There are multiple threads on similar which I’ve perused.

Essentially I am trying to decide if I should take a new job and would really value others thoughts who’ve maybe faced a similar dilemma. I’ve two children aged almost 3 and 5.

Pros of move- much better pay scale, thought starting salary equates to my current one.

Work sounds more interesting- am seriously bored of my current work though could do it in my sleep.

management seem lovely, and flexible- work can be “agile” and there’s no expectation to go back to office after a visit

Cons of move- would be commuting for an hour each way most days (in car) travel expenses are good tho

would have to return to full time work at least temporarily- likely negotiable at some point given that it’s civil service…

general newness and what-if anxieties!

any thoughts welcome- am I better going on mindless autopilot for awhile or taking on a new (but potentially exhausting) challenge that is only more lucrative in the long term?

thank you!!!

I have just taken on a longer commute for better pay and more interesting work. I wouldn't have done it with young children though. I actually found that as they moved through primary school it was more important to be close to home than when they were tiny.

Don't look at this job as your only option, keep looking, there will be others.

A bit confused as you said 'here’s no expectation to go back to office after a visit' but then also there's a hour commute?
What's your current childcare and family situation? If they have another parent who lives with you, can they do a share of drop off and pick up?
At that age, it does seem a bit of a shame as you'd barely see them in the week. They'll never be this age again

Yes I also don’t understand about agile but commute daily?

Yes it’s confusing. I don’t want to give away too much but essentially I would have visits to do as part of my work- could return home after so could be back by 3pm to do admin etc at home. I could take 1-2 days per week to wfh. I currently work 4 days per week and use a local crèche/ afterschool. So it’s an additional day of not seeing the kids (much).

I don't think you'll get travel cost from your home to base, so what would be the additional cost for fuel etc?

Civil service pay scales don’t really exist. You stay at the bottom

It’s a public service role really- and not in the uk. Travel costs are calculated from office- which is almost equidistant from many of the places I’d be travelling too. Thanks for bearing with me. It’s awkward to explain! I’d be aiming to be part time again by the following year 🙈

Sorry my typing is shocking, I’m cooking dinner!

Additional cost for fuel would be minimal

Also- scale rises to almost 30,000 more than what I’m on now. I’ve maxed out the scale in my current role

How much less will you see of your children across the week?
I stayed in a job I should have moved on from for several years because the hours were good and had great flexibility when DC were young. Lots of people do this (mainly women) as flexibility and maximum time with DC when they're young goes for a lot

I reckon a full day less. I usually took Fridays with the pair, but the elder is starting school this week. I’m not lucky enough to have home from home type childcare such as grandparents available

I was thinking of trying to do early pick ups and catch up work in evenings. Possibly wishful thinking- but the work is quantifiable so they are quite flexible

I would do it. You want your career to progress and thissounds like the kind of progression you need. on days where you can go home earlier or wfh you will make up for the longer days.

DC need to see you love them and are focused on them when you are around then, not that you are ever present.

Thanks- good to hear both perspectives on this. One of those things I probably will only know is a good / bad decision by giving it a go 🙄