Stick or swap?

Fireflyaway

I recently quit my job due to a combination of stress / not likely I'd pass my probation.
I applied for a variety of jobs, some I really liked, some ok ones and some that were not great but better than being without work.
I've been offered and accepted one of them but it has its downsides. 45 min drive each way, 10k less pay than I was on and It's a 1 year fixed term. I'm struggling to get enthusiastic!
So my question is should I stop looking for other roles, throw myself into this and give It my all for a year? It may turn out to be better than I think? Or should I keep looking for something better? I've got family members encouraging me both ways and would like some other perspectives.

Tabbytabitha

Fireflyaway wrote: »

I recently quit my job due to a combination of stress / not likely I'd pass my probation.
I applied for a variety of jobs, some I really liked, some ok ones and some that were not great but better than being without work.
I've been offered and accepted one of them but it has its downsides. 45 min drive each way, 10k less pay than I was on and It's a 1 year fixed term. I'm struggling to get enthusiastic!
So my question is should I stop looking for other roles, throw myself into this and give It my all for a year? It may turn out to be better than I think? Or should I keep looking for something better? I've got family members encouraging me both ways and would like some other perspectives.

How would this or the other jobs fit in with your career development plans?

Fireflyaway

Good question. I'm nearly 40 and have never had a career as such, just a series of jobs. I've come to realize I'm no longer concerned about moving up the ladder. I don't want the stress or responsibility. Just want to make some money and be happy whilst doing it.

theoretica

There is looking and looking. Unless you believe you are in the best possible job for you it is worth keeping an eye on what is available and putting your hat in the ring for anything really good. On the other hand if something is only a tiny bit better than what you have it may not be worth it.

Brynsam

Fireflyaway wrote: »

So my question is should I stop looking for other roles, throw myself into this and give It my all for a year? It may turn out to be better than I think? Or should I keep looking for something better? I've got family members encouraging me both ways and would like some other perspectives.

...but perspectives based on virtually zero knowledge of you - and you are the key player here. It's not some theoretical game: what matters to you? If this job is OK and you can pay the bills, why not see it as a year's break from the stresses and strains of a higher-paid (and more demanding) job. As you suggest, throw yourself into it and with luck you'll get more out of it, not least in terms of building your own confidence and clocking up a great reference.

Obviously if you just happen to stumble across a great opportunity....