Step up or step down career wise?

[Itisabeautifulday]

I am 50 and job hunting at the moment. I worked part time for 14 years since DC1 was born; and then latest 4 years full time. Don’t have a huge amount on pension; but family finances are ok as DH is the main breadwinner.

I ended with burnout in my current corporate job, but have been off sick for a few months and feeling better.

One part of me wants to find a better paid job in a smaller company so I can save more pension; the other part of me thinks maybe I should go part time; but I worked part time for a long time already.

2 kids, 18 & 15. DH in a well paid job, but his industry is declining, wants to retire in 5 years, as he is older than me. Has more pension.

What would you do? It is quite a big loss going part time. Even one day per week is 20% less salary.

Just to add that a huge part of the burnout was due to unfair treatment; and the fact that I felt I was being managed out, from big 4. I am planning to go back into industry.

If I go part time I will probably have to work longer if I go full time I may be able to retire earlier and do more things with DH, eg: travelling

You’re an ex big-4 consultant who worked in consultancy until you’re 50. That’s a huge deal. You could genuinely do coo / board level roles in smaller companies.

Just to clarify I only worked the last 4 years in big 4, as a Manager position; however stepping down seems like a waste of those 4 years in big 4. I think I can get a better paid job in a smaller company in industry,

I think I'd go full time, in a job that you feel will be fulfilling and exciting

I would go full time and retire earlier. If that doesn't work for you, it is easier to then see if they will let you go part time, than find a part time role.

You’re married, presumably worked PT to do more of the weekday parenting, so pension provision should be shared and for both of you. For example it’d be unfair if your H retired at a younger age to you.

In your situation I’d seek a good full time role, since few things are advertised part time, and to build up pay and pension. and see if you can find better work / life balance, including by your H doing more with the DC and domestics.

If that’s still shit you could think again.

Usually one day less works out as less than a 20% pay cut.

Thank you all. Those are my thoughts, I will look for a full time job now that I still got energy. DH does help with a lot of the house and childcare, shopping, cooking, etc. Kids are much older now and more independent too. When they were younger I did more of the childcare, etc but this worked for both and I enjoyed/enjoy spending time with them. He was busier too, but since COVID we both work hybrid and share things in the house equally.

Eventually I may be able to negotiate 1 day off every other week, or 4 days per week.

I have been through a similar thought process during several changes of job over the years, and I am constantly trying to weigh up part time + lower salary vs. full time + possible burnout. Overall I have been much happier in a PT role. BUT I have found these very hard to obtain as a new role, when changing companies, so I end up back in a full time role and hate it. It’s been much easier to ask for a reduction in hours once in a role. So if you feel like you have the energy, go for a role that genuinely excited you in a a company that appeals to you. And you may be able to request part time further down the line if you feel you would like to reduce your hours.

It is a tricky one, isn’t it? I don’t want something boring but I also want work life balance.