Doubting my career choice but don't like the alternative

Hi all, I am new to the forum, but I would really appreciate an outlet to discuss my inner turmoil. I have accepted a job with an employer with whom I have a big history (I used to volunteer for them) and personal connections. I applied for the job back in March but the job I was eventually offered was not what I had in mind and something completely different than anything I have done before. I am used to front line roles, dealing with problems for people and negotiating solutions. This job is more about overseeing the of the training programme for volunteers doing that. It's a huge change and honestly I have no natural passion for it. But the job offers a chance for security, sideways and upwards progression and more money. However, the other side of this is my current job. It's in the political sphere and I have absolutely loved it for the last 4 years. The team I work with are great and it's given such a buzz. However, over the last 6-12 months it started to feel a bit samey and with the recent change in the political landscape in the UK, the job has changed from one of fighting for change to essentially being part of the establishment. My own role has also changed so it's a lot more focussed on one area of work due to some restructuring that was carried out. Because it's a very small team, there is no chance to move sideways or upwards unless someone leaves and by it's nature the job is not secure in the long term. The logical part of me is telling me to follow through with the move, but I just cannot shift an anxiety that I am not suited to the role and it will impact me. It's a horrible, horrible feeling and nothing feels right. I feel like if I don't take the opportunity, I will then fall into a pit of regret but if I do I fear it could turn out bad.I have a wife and 2 kids, no savings and I am the main wage earner, I am absolutely terrified of doing anything to impact their lives negatively. I have consulted every conceivable person about this, friends, family, therapists, a decision coach (🤯) even tarot readers and mediums 😭. The consistent answer seems to be to go for it but I cannot shake the feeling. Can anyone offer me any insight on this and any personal experiences you might have went through which are similar?

They've always said that if you're not happy at work, everyone knows about it before you do. Rule of the thumb is if you're not feeling secure where you work, whether it's your chosen career or whatever, then it's time to move on to something else. Your productivity will eventually fall to the wayside & the consequences could be dire. You need to listen to your intuition & understand that everyone gets these gut feelings throughout our lives but it's the cluey ones amongst us who listen to it. Fine, you've consulted every man & his dog but you need to sit back, look for a suitable position elsewhere which will allow you to support your family & most importantly allow you to be happy. Yes I know, that's easier said than done. I speak from personal experience after working for global Snackfood company (& yeah, they sell their well known brand in the UK, Europe & the US) for nearly 15 years. I was a Field Sales Manager managing & training staff, who was asked more than once to consider a step up into an office role managing corporate accounts etc. I knew it wasn't for me because I'm not a office person full stop & had they pushed me into it, I wouldn't have lasted. It wasn't about the extra money & it was excellent money, or the extra power & promotional expediency that came with it, it was about my personal happiness etc because if I was happy, then my employer got the best out of me. I spent a further 5 years doing a job I loved until the company changed hands & I was offered a redundancy package. One door closed & another one opened...it's that simple.

It's sounds like you know what you should do already, you just need the encouragement to take the step. What is most important to you long term? What steps align with this goal? Unfortunately, often the way life works is that no option seems "perfect" or better than the other, in that they both have their pros and cons. It's ok to be scared of the future, as long as you don't give up working towards a better future for yourself and the people you love. I've had several opportunities similar to this, albeit lower stakes, where I've had the choice to stay with jobs that while didn't have much room for career growth, gave decent money and experience, or the choice to continue with a different job that doesn't pay as much but that I enjoy more and has room for growth. It's hard to say goodbye to something you've known for so long and that has been a crucial part of your life, but you need to ask yourself some hard questions and determine what you truly want. Staying paralyzed in indecision is a type of decision, so no matter what job you pursue, it'll be the one you choose, so you must ask yourself what you want yourself to be doing down the road.

Your current job doesn't offer progress or security. This 'desk job' does. However, you might find you don't like it. On the other hand - as you've never tried it - you might find you love it! I did. And I was in your exact boat - albeit, I was single (did have certain members of the fam as dependents at that point though). It was fine, albeit - like you're saying - just not quite Me enough. But it was a fan-tastic stepping stone....would be where I am today had it not happened. And you sound too intelligent and dynamic to worry about ending up unemployed (ex hirer and firer, innit). Political. Uh-huh-huh-huh-huh-huuuuuuuuuuuh. You have my deepest sympathies. But, actually, Manalone has the ace card suggestion: "Fine, you've consulted every man & his dog but you need to sit back, look for a suitable position elsewhere which will allow you to support your family & most importantly allow you to be happy. Yes I know, that's easier said than done." Indeed - look for a third option/escape hatch. This horrible-horrible feeling COULD just be nerves, though. I'd been where I'd been over 4 years as well, before I made the move. It's the Great Unknown aspect, isn't it. Tell you something I did used to do, even when I was freelance but offered a long-term contract: Offer my services for a day or two, free of charge (taking holiday days off), so that I could sample the place. Plan? You're a beautiful writer, though, aren't you. Sorry - you write beautifully, haha (relax, I can't actualy SEE-see you).

Mannie: "I speak from personal experience after working for global Snackfood company (& yeah, they sell their well known brand in the UK, Europe & the US)" Walkeeeeeerrrs! Quite nice...definitely the best on the marche, but, really, I miss Golden Wonder. :( And Wendy's hamburgers.

I say go for it! Just get all your ducks in a row before you do. That's all. The problem with people doing something like this and failing is because they didn't plan well or properly prepare. But if do this, you and your family will be fine. No sense of being where you're not happy or not thriving the way that you want. As long as you put a plan together and follow through with everything, it should give you the security that you need to make the move. So I encourage you to whatever is necessary to move forward with this. Even though you feel it's risky, taking risks is a part of life, you just have to minimize as many risk factors as you can to eliminate any potential future problems. With your history, experience, and drive, I know you'll be ok. You're just having anxiety.