Job Decision: Flexible Schedule or Career Advancement?

[Anonymous]

I currently work at a job that I don't really like, but allows an extremely flexible schedule. I work 4 days a week: 3 WFH and 1 day in the office. There's also no real career advancement opportunities. I've just been offered a new job that would be more money and career advancement prospects, but I would have to work on site 5 days a week. As it's a contract position, I am unable to negotiate the schedule at this time.

My dilemma is that I am a new mom with a 7 month old daughter. I love being able to see her throughout the day with my current WFH gig. I'm really torn with having to be away from her more--however--I will probably enjoy the new job more.

WWYD -- stay put or take the new job?

[Anonymous]

7 months old - stay put

Take more hours once they are older. Some will argue the opposite, but this is what has worked for me. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

For me there would be no decision. I wouldn't give up spending time with my children for any amount of money unless I needed extra income for necessities.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would stay put. But its a personal decision. I decided to go part time at my current job, which has limited my advancement, but I wouldn't go back to full time for anything.

[Anonymous]

At some point WFH will not be a bonus for seeing your DD. As my child got older I had to start hiding because when she knew I was home she would cry for me and refuse to be with the nanny. Now she's in preschool so I work from home if she's sick or if I need to be home for another reason. It's still nice to have flexibility but it's also nice to have extra cash. I would consider the following in making a decision:

1. Am I willing to put in the extra time and effort to show what I can do at a new company?
2. Am I ready for the extra responsibility and potential time commitment an advancement may require?
3. Is there a potential that I could work my way to a flexible schedule at the new company (are others currently doing flex time or WFH)?
4. Is the financial benefit of taking a new job greater than the potential loss of a flexible schedule? Is my window closing or could I move to a new company at a later date?
5. Is there more long term job security staying put for now or moving to the new company? Which company has a better track record of being fiscally fit (given the economy)?

[Anonymous]

What are the hours like for the new job? What is the commute like? The pp are right -- the time when you can see your daughter in the middle of the day is short-lived, but having flexibility to go to school parties, be home for dinner, etc. are invaluable and will be for quite some time.

[Anonymous]

Would you want to advance in the other job? In other words, would advancement mean longer hours, more stress, etc.?

I am in a job with no advancement right now, but I'm OK with that. My hours are so flexible, and with one kid in school and one in daycare, I am extremely grateful for my schedule. I'm able to help out at school, attend meetings, hang out with kids on the MANY days the schools are closed, etc. I get to have breakfast and dinner with them everyday. Laundry and cleaning get done while I'm home and everyone else is out of the house. I don't stress about work after 5:00.

Yes, I'm not advancing or making more money, but for me it is totally worth it.

[Anonymous]

Flexible schedule all the way.

[Anonymous]

I love my flexible schedule and am loathe to give it up.

That said, I don't love my job. But I don't think I'd love any job. And making more money isn't that important to me.

How important is it to you?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Great food for thought. Money is not that important to me. I just worry that at 35 my opportunities are limited. I can definitely suck it up and stick it out. In the end, I guess you can't have everything, but time with my daughter I can't get back.

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on a few things: how important is your career; whether you want more children; future opportunities for advancement.

I'm in a similar situation. I'm currently a postdoc in a great lab, which includes a wonderfully flexible boss. I could apply for tenure-track positions now, but have decided to wait at least a few years so we can (hopefully) have another child while I have this flexibility. My rationale is that I can still do good work, and it's worth it to me to be there during my daughter's very early years. Between my husband and I, one of us was with our daughter full-time her first year, and neither of us would trade that for the world. I think that time is so crucial for later development.

All that said, I think women should do what's best for them and their families. If I didn't want more kids, I may act differently.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[Anonymous]

Flexibility all the way!

I worked 3 days a week when my oldest was little (6 months-3.5 years old). Those were some of the happiest days of my life. The slow pace of being with my little son. Walking to the park. The bond we were making together.

Now I work 4 days a week and have 3 older kids and everything feels more squeezed!

[Anonymous]

when you are lying on your death bed, I doubt you'll ever look back and say, "gee, I should have worked more and spent less tim with my kids."

[Anonymous]

Foolish women.

[Anonymous]

This is such a personal situation. I have take the flexible route. Friends of mine haven't but are equally happy.

Another thing: your decision now doesn't have to be the same as your decision 2 years from now, 3 years, eyx