Do I take the job

Ask for the 32! Don’t be afraid. And if they don’t give it to you, that’s your sign.

I wouldn't take the new job. Keep looking for other opportunities.

Regarding childcare, do you not get any free hours or other childcare benefits ?

If they can’t come up 2K, I don’t think I could accept the job. I’d keep looking and keep interviewing because by taking the new job your expenses would increase but pay decreases. And I get it the mood isn’t good at the current job but I wouldn’t take a pay cut at this time.

I agree, if they can’t come up I wouldn’t take it. Keep looking, the right thing will come along!

You’ve managed to get a job offer in this current market, that is not a small feat! 👏🏽

The new job doesn’t sound like it would work anyway due to the 4 buses a day situation. Public transport is so unreliable the last thing you’d want is to end up being late and getting fired over it.

Stick with the current job and keep applying!

as a recruiter myself - I echo the other comments - hold out for a new job. it sounds like leaving is the right thing to do but really you deserve more cash and this new job doesn't necessarily give you the things you say you want anyway (ie more flexibility). if they won't even match your salary with a 2k difference I'd be slightly concerned, whatever reason they give. you will get another one!

I’d keep looking due to the commute but also if the whole team has the same wage it tells me there’s no room to really grow there in a career that offers pay raises or bonuses .

Yea ask for a raise or keep looking for something with better pay that fits your needs!

The four buses would really worry me more than anything as that feels very difficult to manage when you have to make pick up

I assume you’re in the uk due to the £££? Have you reached out to pregnant then screwed for advice?

Why on earth is your childcare so expensive - do you get all the funded hours and government 20% ? X

Unless you absolutely can’t stand where you work I would advise against. Stay put and keep looking for another opportunity. Just because you got an offer doesn’t mean you have to take the first one that you get. If you’re going to have to commute so long, spend money and time, I wouldn’t take a job under 40k in your circumstances.

4 buses is a big no (guessing 2 there 2 back), when there's traffic, an accident, road works, etc missing one bus can ruin the whole day and have domino effect on the rest of your day - getting home to kids/picking them up etc
Your childcare costs are so expensive 🥲 I feel for you! hope the flexible working request does go through

Im sorry you cant be more excited about the job offer as well!! But to be offered it is a big compliment to yourself. So many things we have to consider when we've got our kids to support x

Four buses would be the killer for me, tbh!

I left a job of 10 years because of the stress and them not being flexible to take time off or even flex hours for doctors appointments. I took a significant pay cut which was scary but same benefits. I got a 3.5% raise after 3 months because they were so happy with my work and im a lot happier.
Its scary to take a leap but it may be for the best. If you think you'll be happier or its a better it i say do it

I would look into your childcare arrangements - £1600 is really high. I’d also say stay put and find something with a better commute - 4 buses is too much. If one is late or you miss one, your whole commute will be awful.

Ive got to ask, have you outright asked for more money?

Recruitment processes alone cost companies a small fortune. It may be a no but i would say to them something like:

I really do appreciate this opportunity, i really like the fact that your company does XYZ (say something they shout about on their website or something) this is something i'd love to be a part of and i know i will be able an asset because of my experience in X and my strong X skills.

I would like to accept the role however, in order for me to do so, i will need a starting salary of 35k per year. If this is something you can cater to, i would gladly accept the position.

Unfortunately, if this isn't something you can offer me, i will have to decline the position at this time.

Thank you so much for the opportunity and i look forward to hopefully working with you in the near future.


I know it feels entitled, but, dont ask dont get and trust me, men do it all the time... sometimes as women we are too polite. Ive done this twice.