Local Gov - Move job/authority for 4.2% pay rise?

seans_elysees

I work in local gov and have been in my current job for just over 5 years. I’m at the top or my grade and have limited opportunity for progression. I do maybe have the opportunity of on-job training or maybe even could consider another degree (supported by the organisation) but this would not be short-term and unclear where it would take me. 

I’m currently looking at a job at another authority which has a scale that goes below and above the job I’m in at the moment. At the higher end, it’s 4.2% higher which equates to around £2.5k. 

What I’m wrestling with is whether it’s worth upheaval or a job move for a relatively small difference. 

On the flip side, my current job has been a real slog. I joined just before covid and it’s just been a tough 5 years in an organisation which isn’t the most functional at times. I feel like I have to do like 5 jobs in 1 role, whereas the new opportunity is a much narrower focus (Contract/Supplier Management). I see that as a big benefit potentially but I know the grass isn’t always greener. 

I don’t know if anyone has any thoughts other than to write a pros/cons list and try and work out from there. 

oldernonethewiser

Will your transport costs and time increase?

Does it affect your pension contributions?

seans_elysees

oldernonethewiser said:

Will your transport costs and time increase?

Does it affect your pension contributions?

Transport: 
- My current commute is 1hr. driving. £20 fuel a day.
- I tend only to go in 1 day a week and it’s pretty flexible, I’m not under much pressure to be in.  I could prob do with being in 2 days a week which will likely become a norm. 
- Job opp is expected to be in 2 days a week. Similar distance commute so more or less like-for-like.  Only key difference is the new job opp is city centre so I’d maybe need to do public transport commute rather than drive.  

Pension contributions:
- Local Gov pension would increase by the 1/49th share of salary. Same rate as current job but more in monetary terms due the £2.5k increase in salary. I would also intend to put that extra £2.5k into AVC’s so over 10 years would be £25k.   

Marcon

seans_elysees said:

I work in local gov and have been in my current job for just over 5 years. I’m at the top or my grade and have limited opportunity for progression. I do maybe have the opportunity of on-job training or maybe even could consider another degree (supported by the organisation) but this would not be short-term and unclear where it would take me. 

I’m currently looking at a job at another authority which has a scale that goes below and above the job I’m in at the moment. At the higher end, it’s 4.2% higher which equates to around £2.5k. 

What I’m wrestling with is whether it’s worth upheaval or a job move for a relatively small difference. 

On the flip side, my current job has been a real slog. I joined just before covid and it’s just been a tough 5 years in an organisation which isn’t the most functional at times. I feel like I have to do like 5 jobs in 1 role, whereas the new opportunity is a much narrower focus (Contract/Supplier Management). I see that as a big benefit potentially but I know the grass isn’t always greener. 

I don’t know if anyone has any thoughts other than to write a pros/cons list and try and work out from there. 

I think your final sentence hits the nail on the head. Only you know what really matters to you in terms of job content, time, location etc, and money isn't always the major determinant.

gwynlas

It sounds as though you want to move otherwise why apply for this job.

The truism states that a change is as good as a rest so try and negociate a move up the band based on current experience. All service will ultimately lead to a good pnsion.

Savvy_Sue

seans_elysees said:

Only key difference is the new job opp is city centre so I’d maybe need to do public transport commute rather than drive.  

Then obviously you need to check costs / frequency / reliability of public transport, and costs of parking at new job if not provided. Also consider Park&Ride buses if available: in my area they are the most reliable services (not difficult because generally the buses are dire!) and the parking is free. 

Silvertabby

How old are you and how close to retirement are you?

seans_elysees

Silvertabby said:

How old are you and how close to retirement are you?

42.  Would love to retire at 55, certainly no later than 60. 

seans_elysees

gwynlas said:

It sounds as though you want to move otherwise why apply for this job.

The truism states that a change is as good as a rest so try and negociate a move up the band based on current experience. All service will ultimately lead to a good pnsion.

Yes, I am minded to move as I feel some need for change but just a little bit wary but changed as good as a rest is a good thought. I expect I would immediately be placed at top of band so hopefully would get immediate benefit, albeit not huge sums. 

Silvertabby

seans_elysees said:

Silvertabby said:

How old are you and how close to retirement are you?

42.  Would love to retire at 55, certainly no later than 60. 

As you don't have any pre 2014 service (that would have benefitted from the final salary link) then your decision is more salary/job satisfaction based, rather than pension.

Try making two lists - one showing the good and bad points of your current job, and another showing the good and bad of the new post.  Then weigh them up.