Should I take the new job?

[Myotis]

Help- I am totally struggling with what to do.
I have been offered a new civil service job, a change from my current role and less pay (£13k less 😭) but it is a good job, interesting, and is likely to be less stressful and more rewarding.
Or do I stay in my current role- it’s fine, lovely team, but it’s been very stressful recently and it’s private sector so constant tendering, monitoring utilisation, and is likely to stay the same for the next 20 years to retirement.
We still have a fair amount on the mortgage, school age kids, and health issues mean I am the main breadwinner.
I honestly don’t know what to do and have to
let people know tomorrow 😭

Depends what the salaries are for me. If you’re currently on £100k then I’d potentially take it, £50k then no.

Currently 56 ☹️

I guess you have a rough idea of whether your household budget can allow for the drop in salary? If I had my time again I would 100% choose the lowest stress option. Years of workplace stress has left me (and several of my peers) horribly burnt out, and it has severely affected my health and resilience.

Might the defined benefit civil service pension actually mean there isn't nearly as big a difference between the overall packages as you think?

Calculate your actual take home and then decide.

I’d guess about £700 a month? Factor in travel if relevant, other costs, pension etc and see if you can afford it.