Choosing between 2 jobs that are similar

[Greenbot35]

Im in fortunate/unfortunate position of being offered 2 positions. Both have their pluses and minuses. I'm finding it impossible to choose between them I've tried lists going with gut instinct but every decision feels wrong. As an added complication my confidence is at rock bottom due to a false start at what I thought was my dream job.

[p4cks]

Have a look on Glassdoor and read the ex-employee reviews. It's important to remember though that the reviews will either be by the HR/marketing teams if positive, and scorned ex-employees if negative.

[ClaphamGT3]

It's easy, if all other things are there or thereabouts (including future progression) pick the one with the culture and values that most closely aligns to you.

[sam.rog]

If they are genuinely the same and you can’t pick. I’d pick the one closest to home. Less travel means more family life.

[Greenbot35]

sam.rog said:

If they are genuinely the same and you can’t pick. I’d pick the one closest to home. Less travel means more family life.

Thats the way I'm thinking of going, one is easy work (probably too easy tbh) but more holidays and better pay. The other is interesting work but a stretch but less pay less holidays and some weekend work and an element of financial risk.

[Doofus]

Greenbot35 said:

sam.rog said:

If they are genuinely the same and you can’t pick. I’d pick the one closest to home. Less travel means more family life.

Thats the way I'm thinking of going, one is easy work (probably too easy tbh) but more holidays and better pay. The other is interesting work but a stretch but less pay less holidays and some weekend work and an element of financial risk.

It sounds to me like the commute irrelevant tbh

[sam.rog]

If you don’t mind my asking. How old are you?
Older easy job, younger I’d probably go difficult.

[bucksmanuk]

Some excellent points above, commute, holidays, pay, length of service remaining etc.…

Another thing to consider is
“Where do you go after this, if it all turns to poo?”

It can happen all too easily through no fault of yours – such as…
Change in government legislation
Defence cut backs
Management take over
New wker specification management dropped in who didn’t know what they were doing
The list is endless

Which role will provide the best stepping stone to somewhere else?

If you read “what colour is your parachute?” it goes into it in some detail

[Flooble]

The easy job that doesn't require excessive hours will give you capacity to learn other things. Especially with extra holidays - discipline yourself to only the same number of days off that you would get from the "harder" role and voila, you have time off for a training course!

The hard job will be a grindstone where you might, in theory, learn more but in practice you may just be "cranking the handle" on the same stuff. Or firefighting and not absorbing anything as you lurch from one crisis to another.

I think you can infer what I would suggest.