Disillusioned & unhappy at work - stay or return home overseas

LegacyUser

I've been in my current job for over 10years and am completely disillusioned and unhappy at work. In that time, my workload has almost quadrupled and is almost 8 times the suggested international guidelines. As a result I feel completely ineffective, that what I do is ineffective and what I can provide is a drop in the ocean. Morale in the workplace is also extremely low. I've been looking for a change for several years now and have had a few interviews. There are very few positions available in my work, and I feel like my options in other areas are extremely limited as my degree is a professional degree and very specific. I had an interview last year and am second on the panel in my area for a position, however when I rang PAS the other day, only 2 positions have come up since the interviews that were in the middle of last year, so realistically I could be waiting years and nothing comes of it.

I'm originally from overseas and a job came up back in my home town that would be a step up the career ladder and start to move away from the day to day work that I am doing and largely not enjoying. I didn't apply at the time and then regretted it which i thought was telling. However it was then re-advertised so i applied and it looks like I may be made an offer as they have contacted my references. However I'm now so confused and upset rather than excited at the thought of moving home. If a job came up here, I'd take it in a heartbeat but I could be stuck for years and I honestly don't know if I can continue with it. If I do take up the job, I'd have to leave my dog behind for a while before he came with me and I don't know if that is what upsetting me, or if it is more than that. My manager has said I can take a career break for 18mths so it leaves open the option of returning if I want to, but I feel that if I go I won't be coming back. I've been considering further study and was looking at the option at maybe going 3 days a week and doing my masters, however money would be tight and it would take 2yrs and I'd still be stuck with the 3days at work, most likely continuing to feel the same way I feel and then who knows how long after finishing the course it would be before I'd be able to find something different. At least with the new job it gives me the chance to start making that step but I feel like I should be happy at the opportunity and I'm not.

I feel like I have the opportunity to make the change that I need with work and that if I don't I am just sabotaging myself by staying somewhere that is making me so unhappy with limited opportunities for change, but at the same time I am really upset at thought of leaving and it is really weighing on me and I don't know what to do.

Teyla Emmagan

Take the new job and continue to look for jobs here. You need to get out of your current job as your number 1 priority. If you go 3 days in it you could still end up with the same workload you have now. Your health may not survive another 2 years. And a masters may not be the way out. I'm a year into a postgraduate and I've realised I hate it. It's awful about the dog but in the long run they will be okay.

Dial Hard

Absolutely take the career break and take the new job if it's offered. Make arrangements for your dog to join you as soon as possible and see how you get on. If you don't like it you can come back but at least you'll know. Good luck.