Family Friendly Job vs Dream Job

wiseold

Folks,

I have an opportunity to go for what I always thought would be my dream job i.e. the final step in my career path (the top job I had always hoped for).

My current job pays very well (75K), it's close to home (half hour way), ideal as I have a very young child, hours are great, I enjoy the work and my colleagues are very easy to get on with, boss is great to work for. Plus it's a secure job.

The dream job pays (100K). It's 1.5 hours from home. It would be a big step up in terms of responsibility, so I would realistically see my working week go from 40 to 45 hours to 55 hours plus (at least until I settled in). The work looks interesting. No idea on organisation culture, so souldn't comment on how relationships with colleagues will develop.

In the past I would have jumped at the dream job, but now that I'm a parent, I feel my current set up works well and it would be very hard to give this up.

Any advice welcome? Stay in current job or go for the dream job?

I think you know the answer yourself tbf.

Dream jobs are one thing, but the kid won't be a kid forever, enjoy the time with them now.

AnnyHallsal

I think it's a big risk. I'm not sure the additional reward compensates for the increased inconvenience and stress. 'Fulfilment' would be the decider for me. Will you be able to live with turning this job down? Will you end up feeling trapped in your current position? If the answers are yes, no, I'd stay put.

dazberry

Indeed, the way you've worded the 100k job makes it sound that the only thing good (relatively speaking) is the 100k salary. Unless there is a non-monetary factor that is (also) drawing you towards the new job, I'd be very careful in considering the move...

D.

wiseold

Deleted User wrote: »

I think you know the answer yourself tbf.

Dream jobs are one thing, but the kid won't be a kid forever, enjoy the time with them now.

Pappa Dolla,

Short and to the point,

That's what I felt, I suppose it's one of those things, the extra money is very attractive, we could do a lot with it.

But there's no point having money and missing out on so much more.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

wiseold

AnnyHallsal wrote: »

I think it's a big risk. I'm not sure the additional reward compensates for the increased inconvenience and stress. 'Fulfilment' would be the decider for me. Will you be able to live with turning this job down? Will you end up feeling trapped in your current position? If the answers are yes, no, I'd stay put.

Thanks AnnyHallsal.

My answers are definitely Yes to the first question and No to the second.

Very strongly thinking of staying put.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

wiseold

dazberry wrote: »

Indeed, the way you've worded the 100k job makes it sound that the only thing good (relatively speaking) is the 100k salary. Unless there is a non-monetary factor that is (also) drawing you towards the new job, I'd be very careful in considering the move...

D.

Thanks Dazberry,

In the past, I was borderline workaholic. Loved work but everything else came a very distant second.

On honeymoon, I even did some work even though no one expected me to.

Since becoming a parent, work has become less important. I still work hard and am enthusiastic and interested, but family time is much more dear to me.

I suppose the way I've worded things is a true reflection...the big thing about this job is now the money.

mitresize5

I logged onto boards and this was one of the most recent posts on the first page ..... I'd have never seen this other wise

The reason I find that strange is that I've just come off recruitireland looking for alternative employment ....

less than 6 months after I faced the exact same question, perfectly happy and content in my previous job, moved for an extra 10K and a move up the career ladder.

All I can say was its the biggest mistake I ever made, if your happy in your current employment and it allows you a decent standard of living and a happy family life then dont risk it for a few extra bob

borderlinemeath

Don't forget to take into account the extra taxation on the higher salary.

OP I commuted for 3 years when I was in my dream job, traffic depending it was about 2 hours each way.

It put years on me, stressed me out, put a strain on my relationship as I always prioritised work over everything else and in the end I took a step backwards in my career to be far happier.

I think you know what to do.

nlgbbbblth

Stay put.

Outkast_IRE

extra money dont mean a thing when you wont have the hours at home to enjoy it with the family.
Kids grow up and you might still have the hunger to chase your dream job later on in life.

wiseold

Thanks to everyone for all the advice.

Have decided to stay put. Current situation is too good to risk it.

mickman

if the job was a little closer then i would jump at it as dream jobs are what we work for. you may never get the chance again but 1.5 hrs is way is just too much

RustyNut

Hey,

I gave up my dream job 12 years ago, took a significant drop in pay and took a job I like that was convenient to home the day my daughter was born, she arrived a month early and I was to leave for Austria that evening.
I have never looked back, my relationship with my family is worth more than any money, kids need your time more than your cash.

Just my €0.02