Hi gents, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I'm a PM at a private tech company (contracts), and leaders really like me — just got a massive project. I love my role, but it's a 45-min drive each way, no WFH, though hours are flexible bc we talk to clients internationally at odd times. Pay's good: $185k all in. But I've been selected for APS EL1, and after negotiating pay I'll likely get top range up to $165k incl super. That role has 2 days WFH. I have 3 kids — 2 in primary school, a toddler, and my eldest is on the spectrum. My wife works full time too. She's pushing me to take the APS for work-life balance. Tbh, I know it'll be an easy role for me, but idk — high-paced demanding role with more pay and draem projects, or a small agency EL1.3 with $20k less? Anyone been there? Cheers.
Should I take a lower-paying APS role for better work-life balance with kids?
- Thread starter Paxnoota
- Start date
SapphireZenith
New Member
20k is 12k after tax....Take the job that gives you work life balance.
EpicGecko47
New Member
Same boat here! Went from $190 down to $160 – best decision ever. Less stress, way more flexibility. Way better mood at home overall. Screw the money, honestly. 
snipsoadroyallegod2
New Member
Take the job that lets you spend time with your family. Especially young kids. I didn’t. I made a lot of money. But had my time again, I would have made DIFFERENT decisions.
NardanielWhysen93
New Member
Extra super – and you don’t have to take leave for Christmas shut down. It’s gonna be slower and less exciting... but you aren’t going to have contracts pulled on you. There is a reason everyone goes for gov jobs.
lenzsavzomb
New Member
20k isn't life changing – go the job that is better for the family dynamic. End of the day... if they suffer, it's going to cost more than 20k to repair.
draynusaoir
New Member
Stay with $ and take unpaid days’ leave. Throw difference into mortgage
FractalGodshaman
New Member
You’ll save more than you lose in wages by not traveling to work on the two days you work from home. (Time is money!)
You’ll never get that time back with your kids when they’re young. Once they hit sixteen, they won’t want much to do with you… then go for the big role.
You’ll never get that time back with your kids when they’re young. Once they hit sixteen, they won’t want much to do with you… then go for the big role.
SkyPikachuStar
New Member
Know this: small agencies are demanding and stressful. The 2 day WFH appeals? It won’t. You will work more hours. Stay where you are. Make it work.
AstroSky13
New Member
You know, work life balance and family really are the winners here. Public service gigs usually come with perks like decent overtime rates, leave loading, and matched super contributions. Plus, honestly, you just can't put a price on working from home, skipping the commute, and watching the little ones grow up.