Sticking out a junior grade vs leaving when not at 100%

daisyonthe84

I was very unwell a few years ago, and occupational health took me out of the situation while the doctors figured out was up.  Thankfully we know now, and I'd prefer not to go into medical detail, but it's a long-term issue and might flare up if I get too stressed or overworked.  What I've agreed with my employer is to average 30 hours per week, so effectively a 4 day week but over 5 days, and I WFH but very occasionally I go into the London office.  I think it has gone well... they seem happy, anyway!

What's tricky is that I work in an area where they struggle to hire the right people.  At the beginning of the year, I was asked to take on a higher profile management role, but the other people who already do the same role have a more senior title (and pay scale) compared to me.  I did ask what options there were at the time, and the message seemed to be that if I did well at the job I could get the new title in 2024, but no-one can promise anything.  My old role is changing a lot as well, so on the whole despite it not being a great deal, I thought it was worthwhile.

Then, probably because I'm doing this new role, I've been getting approached by recruiters etc and one that seemed particularly interesting to me has quickly turned into a job offer, for about 30% more money.  If I stay and get the new title in 2024, I'd probably get 10%, so it's tempting to take the new offer.  But, the new job would want me to be full time, in London 4 days per week with 1 day WFH.  They are a very successful company, with all sorts of nice perks, but being in the office is a big part of their culture.  They know I've got this health issue because I declared it, but they've not brought it up in any capacity.

My boyfriend thinks I'm mad to even think about it, because it will be a big step up in terms of the energy and effort it takes, and if things go wrong it'll be a lot easier for them to get rid of me than my current employer.  I kind of want to go for it though, partly because of the money and partly because I'm a bit frustrated about doing this senior role without the pay etc.  Am I being silly?

Undervalued

daisyonthe84 said:

I was very unwell a few years ago, and occupational health took me out of the situation while the doctors figured out was up.  Thankfully we know now, and I'd prefer not to go into medical detail, but it's a long-term issue and might flare up if I get too stressed or overworked.  What I've agreed with my employer is to average 30 hours per week, so effectively a 4 day week but over 5 days, and I WFH but very occasionally I go into the London office.  I think it has gone well... they seem happy, anyway!

What's tricky is that I work in an area where they struggle to hire the right people.  At the beginning of the year, I was asked to take on a higher profile management role, but the other people who already do the same role have a more senior title (and pay scale) compared to me.  I did ask what options there were at the time, and the message seemed to be that if I did well at the job I could get the new title in 2024, but no-one can promise anything.  My old role is changing a lot as well, so on the whole despite it not being a great deal, I thought it was worthwhile.

Then, probably because I'm doing this new role, I've been getting approached by recruiters etc and one that seemed particularly interesting to me has quickly turned into a job offer, for about 30% more money.  If I stay and get the new title in 2024, I'd probably get 10%, so it's tempting to take the new offer.  But, the new job would want me to be full time, in London 4 days per week with 1 day WFH.  They are a very successful company, with all sorts of nice perks, but being in the office is a big part of their culture.  They know I've got this health issue because I declared it, but they've not brought it up in any capacity.

My boyfriend thinks I'm mad to even think about it, because it will be a big step up in terms of the energy and effort it takes, and if things go wrong it'll be a lot easier for them to get rid of me than my current employer.  I kind of want to go for it though, partly because of the money and partly because I'm a bit frustrated about doing this senior role without the pay etc.  Am I being silly?

Although many firms will, they are not legally obliged to make any adjustments for a "health issue" unless it meets the legal definition of a disability (for employment purposes).

If you do have a disability they they must, if it is possible, make "reasonable adjustments" to help. Debating what is reasonable of course keep lawyers in fat fees!

JReacher1

It really a decision only you can make. If you’re confident that you can handle extra stress and four days in the office and not have a relapse then may be worth going for it. 

You’ll have to just be aware if you have a relapse then your new employer will probably not be very sympathetic and could potentially get rid of you. 

A potential third option is that you can use this job offer to lever a payrise at your current place. If you give the reason for leaving the more senior title and salary then they may do something to improve this for you. Especially if they are happy with your performance. 

theoretica

The 30% more is hourly and not total for going to more hours?  Because it isn't much of a rise at all if it is the total figure and you are working 25% more hours in going from 4 days to 5.

Silverking

You said you're mainly working from home currently, does the 30% also include the extra you'll be paying to get into London 4 out of the 5 days?

Marcon

daisyonthe84 said:

I was very unwell a few years ago, and occupational health took me out of the situation while the doctors figured out was up.  Thankfully we know now, and I'd prefer not to go into medical detail, but it's a long-term issue and might flare up if I get too stressed or overworked.  What I've agreed with my employer is to average 30 hours per week, so effectively a 4 day week but over 5 days, and I WFH but very occasionally I go into the London office.  I think it has gone well... they seem happy, anyway!

What's tricky is that I work in an area where they struggle to hire the right people.  At the beginning of the year, I was asked to take on a higher profile management role, but the other people who already do the same role have a more senior title (and pay scale) compared to me.  I did ask what options there were at the time, and the message seemed to be that if I did well at the job I could get the new title in 2024, but no-one can promise anything.  My old role is changing a lot as well, so on the whole despite it not being a great deal, I thought it was worthwhile.

Then, probably because I'm doing this new role, I've been getting approached by recruiters etc and one that seemed particularly interesting to me has quickly turned into a job offer, for about 30% more money.  If I stay and get the new title in 2024, I'd probably get 10%, so it's tempting to take the new offer.  But, the new job would want me to be full time, in London 4 days per week with 1 day WFH.  They are a very successful company, with all sorts of nice perks, but being in the office is a big part of their culture.  They know I've got this health issue because I declared it, but they've not brought it up in any capacity.

My boyfriend thinks I'm mad to even think about it, because it will be a big step up in terms of the energy and effort it takes, and if things go wrong it'll be a lot easier for them to get rid of me than my current employer.  I kind of want to go for it though, partly because of the money and partly because I'm a bit frustrated about doing this senior role without the pay etc.  Am I being silly?

Yes, if you think that a straw poll based on responses from total strangers who know nothing about you is likely to produce a better outcome than thinking it through for yourself.

No, you're human - but in your shoes, given the health issue, I'd be talking to your current employer before doing anything else.

nyermen

Silverking said:

You said you're mainly working from home currently, does the 30% also include the extra you'll be paying to get into London 4 out of the 5 days?

Seconding this - in reality, you're looking at a weekly or monthly season ticket as dailies are more expensive (unless you're travelling off peak with railcard perhaps).  That is versus the one day a week now (which can be even cheaper because a peak single plus off peak evening single with railcard is often cheaper than a day return, for me it is at least (south western rail).

One more thing - 30% more pay, may not mean 30% more take home, as it can depend on your current salary.  Do consider the impact of student loan payments (if applicable), plus any higher rate you may hit and so on (plus any potential loss of means tested elements).  You may find that with travel costs (and eating lunch costs, unless you're planning to make food and bring it along every day) will quickly eat into that extra amount of pay.