Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the advice and good questions, I'll answer a few.
I wasn't out looking for a new job, a former colleague went there and asked that I send her my resume when she saw an opening. I hesitated because I have been very happy in my current position for 6 years, but didn't see much harm in sending a resume. I was also persuaded that there are opportunities for growth in the new job, my current boss is unlikely to leave for a decade so I have little opportunity for promotion in my current job.
I've gone in for two interviews and haven't particularly liked the interviewers, I've also learned that they've had 3 occupants for the new job in the past 5 years. Perhaps I would love the new job but I'm not getting a great vibe.
My family currently lives below our means and we don't want a Tesla or any major lifestyle upgrades. We have a good amount of savings now, but this would allow us to build up a much larger financial reserve and put a lot more in the kids' 529s. I haven't done the math after taxes but $70k is a big jump, I agree.
If they've gone through 3 people in 5 years that would be a HUGE red flag for me. - unless you are specifically in an industry where people only stay a year or so. I am in my early 40s and escaped a miserable work situation about a year ago. Love my new job. Would not go back to my old place for 70k. As you get older I think it is harder to put up with bad work environments. And they do impact you, your health, your family, etc. Just my two cents.