What would you do in my situation?

Rockythecat

Hello, I am very lucky to have two job offers and I wondered what others on this thread might do in my situation? 

The first offer is for a job that is really well paid and prestigious. It will also - almost certainly - be highly stressful, with a political workplace and very long hours. It will, however, put me in a very good place financially after a few years (though I will never give up my MSE ways).

The second offer is from a group that I have known for a long time. I like the people I have met who work there. The job is flexible in terms of location (no "presenteeism") and there is a great emphasis on work-life balance. However, the salary is less than half of the other one (though more than enough to live on). 

Like everyone, I value work life balance and nice colleagues. But the difference in salary and benefits between the two roles gives me pause. 

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. 

DullGreyGuy

Are the roles fundamentally different? A 50% pay difference would suggest either they are or there is a big difference in seniority/industry. Where do either of these roles lead you?

Personally... I can, and have, put up with high pressure/long hour roles in exchange for notably more money (never been double) but I do so with an exit strategy and with a view that it helps me on my next  step of my career and savings/debt repayment etc. That strategy however has to include not getting used to the monies unless the experience will allow you to step into your next role in a different environment but similar pay

These days the spread in pay for me is fairly small and so interest in the work, the people, hours etc all play a bit more of a part in the decision.

MikeyPGT

If you happen to be young and keen then  probably the former, if you're getting to a stage where settling down to life is a priority then teh latter definitely sounds like a winner.  I have done both sorts of job and to be honest the pleasure of working with people you like and lack of hassle is worth a 50% pay cut ...

SueC_2

As MikeyPGT says, I think it depends on whereabouts in your career you are, what stage of life and what ambitions you have.  What's right for one person won't be right for the next. 

In some ways you need to forget about the money and decide what you are actually looking for in a job, and which role meets that need best.  And if the outcome of that is that the lower paid role would be better for you, then you need to decide if you want to sell your soul to the devil in return for a higher income and go for the higher paid job despite it not actually being what you want to do.

goater78

Take the higher paid stressful job.  Do it for a few years and then you will have more opportunities.

There is nothing wrong with a political workplace, if anything they can be quite fun to work in. 

Rockythecat

Thanks @DullGreyGuy @MikeyPGT @SueC_2 @goater78