So I retrained a few years back. Worked in the nhs for a year then moved into social care.
Moved into social care as they offered hybrid working, part time hours and more money. It felt like a no brainer.
I’ve been here 2.5 years. I love the actual job we do it’s great and the flexibility is great - never had A/L declined, allowed to move working days around at the drop of a hat and complete autonomy on my workload. But it’s been really difficult to learn remotely, it’s very individualistic, my manager is all over the place (think sometimes supportive, other times wants to be your friend, disappears off the face of the earth or brushes you off when you ask for help/ raise an issue, is a bit passive aggressive tbh). There’s a very top down approach with no listening, everyone’s pretty anxious and overloaded and no one really has much confidence because the training, support etc is just so lacking. Career progression wise, the next ‘band up’ workers all left as it seems they get completely overloaded with little support and people don’t seem to move up to that band until quite A few years in. Also the office (only compulsory to go once a week) is 45 minutes away and my clients are 30 minute drive at least, meaning I can’t claim petrol for about 3/4 of the actual petrol I use). I also really need more money so could do with increasing my hours- someone has recently left as they couldn’t increase her hours.
A job has come up in my old team in the NHS. Band up from my previous role (I meet the person spec etc), more hours than current role but still p/t. Pros- I know the B7, really liked working in That team (although most of them have moved on). More money than currently. I was pretty happy working in this team. It’s 15 minute drive away.
Cons- it’s on site and fixed hours, sometimes difficult to get A/L you want, was declined leaving and coming in half an hours early to take children to an appointment once (whereas current job this is always agreed) as small team and people want school holidays off, will be on site so no flexibility. Job gets quite ‘samey’ quite quicky and is fast paced environment m. Advertised job I’d have extra things to do like supervising some others so may keep me on my toes.
For context my husband works shifts, I have a year 5 and year 7 child (who has ehcp- autism). I have family locally who could help out here and there. I am not sure whether to stick with current job until my children are both settled in secondary etc. (as I can currently plan my days so I can be home for them to get home etc, other job would mean having to get others to be home/ pick up/ etc…..) for ease of life. Current manager and supervisor are being incredibly nice at the moment - I think because it’s so thin on the ground with staff and they’re going to put some extra responsibility on me soon .
Sorry really long post . What would you do? It’s been playing on my mind….. I feel like management/ culture at current place will never change…… but also that it offers so much flexibility it makes my life easier which makes it much less stressful. But the lack of support/ individualistic nature is just flipping awful tbh x