I know it’s my decision but I am truly torn. I was made redundant recently and have thrown myself into applying for jobs. I work in the legal profession and have spend the last 7 years studying. I have three children both primary and secondary school ages.
Job 1 -
In the city. Bigger company so very secure. Driving would be 50 minutes each way, or I could get the train which would take 30 minutes then a 10 minute walk to the office. So 40-45 minutes.
Here is the drawback. In my current job I have been able to take my children to school meaning my husband can work early morning. He is self employed and if I take job 1 he will have to take the kids to school. This will result in a loss of around £30 earnings for him each morning as it is his busiest time. He wants me to do the job I want to so said he will deal with this. However it is £600 a month we will lose as a household. I couldn’t take the kids to school then get there on time, even if I reduced my lunch hour to 30 minutes. They have said after probation I can work one day a week from home.
As well as hubbys earnings being reduced, I will be paying £25 for the train each week.
Salary is £2k less than job 2, but salary progression will be better upon qualification and experience. Also bonuses once targets are met.
I have been in twice and they seem lovely. I had a chat with a staff member and she said the culture is great.
It is in the department I want to be in. I have done this type of work for a few years now and am very passionate about it.
Job 2 -
Smaller company in a nearby town. 15 minute drive door to door.
Salary £2k more than job 1. Maybe some progression over time but likely not as much as job 1.
As it is so close I would be able to continue taking the kids to school, enabling my husband to continue his work morning as usual so no losses there. Fuel will be around £15 per week.
The people seem lovely as with job 1. They seem very supportive and we had a good chat.
it is still in the legal sector but a different department to what I want to do. They have said they have started doing the type of work I want to do 6 months ago but it hasn’t taken off enough for me to work in this area. However, they would like me to help grow the department with the view of me swapping over once it grows.
I was on minimum wage at my previous role (where I was made redundant) so both jobs increase my salary by either £8k or £10k. Practically job 2 makes more sense as it is close and we wouldn’t be losing anything, so I would see more of the salary increase from my previous role. But job 1 is the area I want to stay in within the sector and what I have the most experience in. I just don’t think the financial losses will work. I’m gutted about this. Any help/advice would be great. As they both seem really nice this makes it even harder. I’ve worked and studied hard for a long time to get an opportunity like job 1 but job 2 makes more sense financially and practically.