PART II - Make a life decision for me

[TLandCruiser]

Pulse said:

This is the important bit for me. I wouldn't want to work longer hours than I do now if I can avoid it, because I have so many other things going on in my personal life (and like I said above, I'm single with no kids, so you must be incredibly busy!).

Worth a thought, definitely.

I have no kids, i work four days a week and even then I still need more time to do everything I need/want to do! If I ever won the euro millions or lottery I could quite happily quit work and not get bored

[Johnniem]

advicedout said:

I don't have a particular ambition for my career, I just want to maximise earnings whilst being home by 6.00pm each day. As long as I can do that, i'll probably be happy.

This looks like you answered your original question and will look happily towards a few years enjoying more of your family. It will pay dividends in the end matey. Believe me, at the ripe old age of 56, with the nice house and two seater in the drive, I'd give most of it away in exchange for the days when my kids were young. Throw divorce into the mix and there you have it....guilt and sadness city!

Be with your family and take camping holidays for a year or five.

[Colonial]

Is money or being involved with your family more important?

[superlightr]

I would also add in the stress element of changing to the new job and what that will entail when working those hours and time as well as the issues for the big firms.

Wife was in similar shoes to you. Moved to a M25 law firm and went ill, never worked as a solicitor since. The dozy dopey and dead previous firm was easy and good money and should have stayed there. Other things have opened up so its not an issue but don't underestimate the risk of the extra stress it puts on you mentally and physically when you work for a big firm. They will want their moneys worth from you.

[PaulG40]

This is my dilemma at the moment, family or money. Working in same the field as I do now (aircraft) abroad tax free (about 42k) in Saudi in 3 month stints then 2weeks off, rinse and repeat. I'd miss my little growing up though. Or change career to renewables that I wanted to for ages, 2wks on, 2wks off, 12hr shifts but a lot less money than in even on now knowing it'll potentially increase over and above eventually. Couple that with the missus wants to move down south nearer her parents but to do that we need to clear debt (Saudi would do that easily!) Cue me being very stressed!

[TheJimi]

3 *months* on and two *weeks* off?!

If you're close to your family, that is gonna get old, really quickly.