To step back or redundancy

[UncertainJob1]

Recently went through the redundancy process, my original plan was to take a trial in a demotion then leave with the redundancy payout.

However, I have now found out that the pay for the role is only a few thousand lower annually than I was being paid. I really don’t want to take the demotion fully, it’s a role I did 4 years ago, did not enjoy, offers little progression in the current climate, with people I have managed. The redundancy pay would keep me going for about 6 months with no changes to spending.

Would I be crazy to follow my original plan? Or is it better to accept that the pay is around the same, and higher than I would get most other places at my previous grade (I’ve looked) and offers the flexibility I need with childcare (which other positions don’t look like they would)?

I feel the key is that I don’t want to go backwards, do a job I don’t like and importantly take the perceived hit to my ego. But I do think it’s a lot to do with my ego, and a job should be more important than that.

Couple of things that might help with framing it.

1. Look at where you’re likely to be in 6 months time if you take the redundancy. Probably in a job that pays the same or less than the one you’re trialling, but expects more from you. Would you rather be under or overpaid for the level you’re working at. I’d rather know I’m being over paid, but you might be different.
2. How will you handle not working at all, and job hunting from a position of being unemployed. Some people are happy in that situation, some really struggle.

That makes sense, thanks - it’s a good mindset to go into it with when the role starts. I think I’ll continue to look, but it’ll be good to remind myself of those points when I feel like it’s my annoyances getting in the way rather than the actual practicalities of the job.

You don't say what your line of work is, but the job market for most people right now is abysmal. I have 2 friends made redundant 6 months ago still looking. One is facing losing her home and panicking. 6 months redundancy money may not be enough.

I would take the demotion and stay applying for the job tout want right away. It's easier to get a job when you have a job.

I still have a few weeks till I start the new role, so hoping that I find something in the meantime (however what I’ve seen so far looks unlikely), but with everything signed it all feels like it’s going that way.
Agree, I’m definitely worried that they’ll be nothing else out there.