A choice between two jobs -- WWYD?

[Anonymous]

DH is trying to decide between two job offers.

JOB 1: This would be moving in-house to an organization he works with a lot. It's a respected organization. The work would be fairly fulfilling, and he knows (and likes) many of the people he'd be working with. But the professional growth would be more evolutionary; doing more of what he's doing now, though with broader aspects. For future prospects, it's not immediately apparent where this job could lead, but likely good.

JOB 2: This would be moving to a cutting-edge organization in an important field that is only going to get more important. DH is interested in the subject matter, and considers it an unparalleled opportunity to get into this subject matter. He likes the people he knows there (but knows them less). For future prospects, coming from this organization would be a huge plus.

The salary would be about the same for both.

The key difference: The commute. Job 1's commute is about 30 minutes, and Job 2 would take over an hour (in good weather!). Job 1 would let him be home by 5:30-6:00, and Job 2 would mean that he would be home by about 7:00. We have a 6-yo twins, with no family back-up, and DH is very aware that this missed time is important.

We've been going back and forth over this decision; grateful for any thoughts!

[Anonymous]

Job 1. Commute can make or break quality of life.

[Anonymous]

Agree with pp. Don't underestimate the impact of a long commute. I did and was stuck for a year until I landed a new job with a more manageable commute. job. Weigh carefully.

[Anonymous]

Can you relocate? If not, the answer is #1.

[Anonymous]

Also depend on how ambitious he is. If Job#2 leads to better career opportunities in a few years and he is ambitious, I would go with #2. If he is ok with stagnation for now, then #1.

[Anonymous]

Job 1. No question about it.

I read on another post this week that someone said as they got older, they much more desired the stability, regularity, and just-get-it-done-and-go-home type of job than when they were younger. If it pays well, #1 sounds as if it will set your DH (and you) up for a better life in general.

[Anonymous]

Does Job 2 have flexible hours or an option to telework? I work with a lot of people with 1+ hour commutes, and they all get up at the butt crack of dawn, get to work by 6, and leave at 3:30 on the dot. They dodge the worst of traffic and get home in time to be with family (but also go to bed at 9 pm).

It's worth asking Job 2 for some flexibility, and if they say no, then he can say no thank you and take Job 1.