Full time dream job or part time job for better flexibility

[AshEL]

Help!! I have recently been accepted on the Apprenticeship of social work programme (2yrs mix of working and studying your masters - all paid for & you are paid a wage but must remain with CFA for 3 years after qualification). This post would be 5 days a week. I have always wanted to get into social work as I am definitely admin focused and concerned with social injustice etc. but the role does worry me in terms of burnout etc. the pay would be far higher and more opportunities down the line.
I am currently working as a team leader in a disability service - 3 days a week plus 2 12hr shifts a month (on my partners days off) - the week I do my 12 hr I usually do 2 office days but changes each month. I use parental leave to have this flexibility. I like this job, its a good work enviroment and very fair and supportive managment. I dont looooove it as in it doesnt thrill me/push me professionally, I am capable of more but definitely a good work life balance.

I have a 7yo and a 1.2 yo. I have always worked part time & not sure if its hust bordeom on maternity leave that is pushing me toward social work and a full time career, or should I stay put with my part time job and look to go for managment down the road? social work wont be an option again for me its now or never with going back to study.

To add - my kids would be in creche & afterschool at least 4 days per week 9-5 and most of the summer bar my a/l etc. if I took social work. Im so conflicted and dont know what to do!!!!!!! Please help a very stressed mam.

I would generally suggest taking the job with the option for professional growth, OP. You've mentioned that your current role doesn't motivate you - if it did, wouldn't you be looking to move into management sooner, rather than some distant, unspecified point down the line? What makes you feel being in management will make it more palatable? How would you have felt if you'd been turned down for the apprenticeship, which I understand to be very difficult to get accepted on? That should clue you in as to how you'd feel about starting it.

Equally, I'm going to pitch some ideas in the event you decide to return to your team leader work when ML ends. You're perhaps seeing your current boredom as pre-emptive of the monotony awaiting you. Maybe it doesn't need to be like this. Could you ask for alternative projects or additional training to give some variety into the role? If there's no scope for that, I'd start the Master's. Anyway, best of luck whichever way you decide!