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I say stay, ONLY for the flexibility. Since you have a baby, that will come in really handy!

ETA: Actually, I change my mind...the distance alone to work would off set the lower income a lot!

I would stay where I was - it sounds like your current job offers quite a bit of flexibility and it's family-friendly. I would keep that rather than risk it for the unknown!

I say apply. You don't know whether this new opportunity might be a better fit for you until you actually interview. An interview doesn't mean that you have to take the job but you are already taking yourself out of the running by not trying for it.

There are techniques you can use to force self motivation... many self-employed people wrestle with the same issue!

@Cherrybee: You might be surprised at how much a change of position in the same organization can change your *view* . . .

I would apply for the other job for sure! Maybe salary or other flexibility is negotiable? I think a shorter commute might make up for less flexibility.

fair point above that it never hurts to look. if you get the job you can see how you feel once you meet your potential colleagues, etc.

I'm in the same position where I'm so over my job but it's so flexible. and I've also done it long enough that I can do it really efficiently. I've had a lot of moments on and off where I wonder about my career - I could absolutely be making more, and I'm not progressing at all. but I always decide to stay because to make more and progress, I'd have to start working way more hours and give up my flexibility. I get paid very well for the schedule I have, and I'm still in the mode of wanting to prioritize my family.

that said I am not the primary breadwinner anymore (though DH doesn't make much more than me) - we traded that off for flexibility and some part-time after baby. I may even stay home for a while after #2 but would hope to come back to something when they are in school.

I think another hard transition in changing and having less flexibility may be responsibilities at home. obviously I don't know how you do it, but at our house I basically do 95% of the housework and childcare because of my flexible schedule, even though I technically work full-time too. if I lost that flexibility I would need more help from DH and possibly more outside help (cleaning service, etc), as DH works a ton and travels. it would also feel way more stressful trying to pack everything in. I think I would really resent having been asked to give up the flexibility. but if DH picks up all that slack on your end, it may not matter to you.

@Cherrybee: does your industry allow for full-time work from home? I'm in a niche field, and after 5+ years experience work from home jobs exist, and I was able to land one this year. It's made all the diff in my happiness

Well, i'm big on the soft/non-tangible benefits. Flexibility is so big to me....it really would be a make it or break it aspect for my job.

4K isn't a whole lot over the course of 12 months...wouldn't the subsidized daycare make up for that? Plus the extra time that you would save not having a 100 mile commute?

I could give up working from home (which i don't do that often, but is a nice perk) but I couldn't give up the flexible schedule. now that I've had it, I just can't.

But, it never hurts to look, it never hurts to ask, and it never hurts to pursue your options.

This is a really tough one! I voted to change, because when it comes down to it, you spend so many hours of your life working, and if you're totally bored doing it, that's a crappy way to spend such a large percentage of your time! But I definitely see the appeal of staying.

I would stay at my current job, but maybe look for something else. I wouldn't take a new job that paid less and was less flexible!

I say apply. If you don't get it, then there's nothing to decide. If you do, you can think about it more and decide then. Honestly, you spend so much of your time working that I think it's worth it to look for something that actually interests you. I also go by the philosophy that if you're happier, you are a better mother and wife.

@Cherrybee: my real name or surname, illumina, or is the shop just called "your name"? I have to ask...I'm curious now!

@Cherrybee: Oh, I see! I thought you might have some interesting shops up your way that we don't have in these parts

I would stay. As a parent, flexibility is more important to me than whether or not I'm bored. To me that is even more important than a bit more pay. If it was a lot more, than I'd have to think about it. If it was less, I wouldn't even entertain the idea.

Totally agree with @runnerd. I would stay for now and then see what you can find. You could apply and see! But you don't want to make a dumb move just for a change.

Honestly a lot of crap happened for me workwise when my babies were being born and were little babies, and I just hung in there. It was actually nice when things were so hectic at home to just show up, do my job and that was it.

Now that my youngest turned one, I have done a ton of thinking and prep work and I'm actually changing careers completely, even taking a salary cut to do so! BUT my husband and I are convinced it's the right move because of other factors and benefits. I have had a lot of moments over the past 2-3 years where I just wanted to be like "SO LONG, SUCKERS!" and in the end it's all working out for the best!