Less commute with lower pay?

[Defcon5]

I may have the opportunity to move to a different dept much closer to home, but it comes with a sizeable pay cut (5k) and drop in responsibility.

Current role:
26k
40 miles a day commuting (through Leeds City Center/M1
Reporting directly to senior management, who have a very high opinion of me.
Dept currently being restructured, potential for my role to be regarded downwards is reasonably likely

New role
21k
Could walk to work in 10 mins
More interesting work (regional rather than local), but reporting to someone who currently does my job. Less opportunities for promotion as its a smaller more niche dept, but it involves collaborative work with other agencies from which better opportunities may arise in the future.

I currently have 2 cars, one of which is used purely for commuting so that could go, which would further lessen the financial blow. I've done some sums and the net loss in my pocket is less than £50 a month

Any opinions?

Edited by Defcon5 on Monday 30th December 21:00

[caiss4]

If you have aspirations and your comment re. senior management's opinion of you are only 50% correct keep the current job.

At your age ( don't know what it is but I'd guess fairly young) you need to be going at full chat to climb the slippery pole.

Only change job for more seniority/money.

[Defcon5]

That's the thing, if my current job gets regarded downward I'll be worse off by a decent amount. (Sorry you may have replied before I edited the OP)

My primary motivation is to be interested in my work, rather than financial to be honest.

[Mobile Chicane]

Be careful if you'll need a mortgage any time soon. A few k here and there will make a big difference to the amount you can borrow.

[Defcon5]

I did note that, but don't plan to move anytime soon. (Best laid plans and all that though!)

[IanMorewood]

Would the two hours a day be of advantage to you or would you end up spending them up playing with yourself/Xbox/pistonheads?

[spikeyhead]

When faced with a dilemma, choose the third option.

Find a job close to home paying £30k.

[nick s]

Well I've just done the opposite. Taken a job for a 15k pay rise that increases my commute from 7 minutes, to about 35 minutes each way.

I think it's much more important to think of your career and long term prospects than the convenience of getting to work. My opinion was much like yours and I was so happy with my cushty job near home. All changes when you get a mortgage and realise how much the extra money helps!

I'd chat to your boss at your current job and talk about future prospects and a development plan and then make your decision from there!

[curlie467]

nick s said:

I'd chat to your boss at your current job and talk about future prospects and a development plan and then make your decision from there!

I would definitely try this route first, you say they have a high opinion of you. If this is the case then see what other prospects there may be, it is definitely worth a chat with someone.

[jonah35]

Pensions? Holiday pay? Other benefits?
Id keep £26kpa and build on that but depends if £21k is enough for you, if you have kids, debts etc etc.