HELP! Move to new company or stay put? Want another baby/maternity package problems

[Workingmum93]

I have to make a decision tomorrow whether to stay put in my current company or move to a new company.

Pay is the same more or less, the move would be more about the better hours being offered (part time 9-5), shorter commute by 30-45 mins, parking onsite. My hours now are the same days, the hours I manage with flexi time for childcare, no parking available.

The move on paper sounds like a no brainer - what’s making it hard is I’ve been in jobs before where getting annual leave is hard and the flexi time option i have currently is amazing. I use it to go to the gym or for childcare purposes so it’s a very good life balance for me without causing any problems or having to ask a manager for permission. I’m worried I will miss this in another company if it’s more rigid.

in addition, in my current position the maternity package is very good. First time round I got pregnant first try, however this time round it’s taking longer. I don’t want to accept a new job, get pregnant then have to take maternity which might not be as good as with my current company as I’ve been there 4 years now, although I also am aware I might not get pregnant for ages so I don’t want to put accepting a new position on hold if it is the case. I also think the new role would be perfect in terms of progression which is non existent in my current company.

has anyone been in this position before? What did you do?

What's the maternity package at the new company? What does their flexitime policy say? You can request to see these from your recruiter.

You need to be aware that you probably won't be eligible for an enhanced maternity package initially until you've been there for an amount of time. It's 6 months at my employer.

Other than a shorter commute, what does this new job offer? (You say at the beginning that it's better hours, but then seem unsure whether that's actually the case later on with your flexitime comment)

If you're actively TTC right now, is it the right time to move? Not just because of maternity pay (some places you'd need to be there years to qualify for enhanced pay), but because it will be easier for you to come back after maternity leave to somewhere you're already established, have proven yourself, have relationships, know the unwritten rules, have high flexibility, etc.

Your description of your current Flexi system sounds more valuable than free parking for someone planning another child too.