(I'm a bit cautious about posting something OT after being chastised last time, however...)

I've been offered a new job on the outskirts of London (i.e 60 miles, or a 1.75 hour commute from where I live). Basically, it's doing exactly the same thing I do now (which is 1.5 miles from my house, so walking distance) for 40% more money and a LOT less holiday.

Due to a few quirks with my current contract, I do 9-day fortnights (longer hours on the days I'm in), giving my an extra 26 days off a year (albeit one per fortnight with a little, but not much flexibility). I also get a basic 30 days holiday, plus the option to buy 5 days per year (which I do) - even adjusted for my working pattern, this equates to 30.5 days.

The new job has a standard 23 day holiday year, rising to 27 with service (not sure how long mind), and a much longer commute (but we'd probably move up-county).

If I stay put, it would take me at least 10 years to work my way to the salary on offer (I'm 30 at the moment, and actually doing quite well in terms of seniority for the company I work for, i.e. I'm young for my level). Moving to London (or nearby) will also open a lot of future opportunities.

So, at the moment I have loads of time to do as I want (which is travel, pretty much), but moving would give me the money do it less but perhaps more comfortably, as well as obviously moving me up the pay-scales.

Now, I'm not really a "Captain of Industry" (more of a deckhand, really), but I'm well aware chances like this don't come around very often. On one hand, I'm very lucky to have such a good work/life balance where I am, but future opportunities are limited. On the other, I'd need to make a lot of sacrifices but would be taking home a lot more. Should I just say "I've had it good all this time, but now I need to grow up and take my career seriously", or should I continue to take it relatively easy and see the world whilst never threatening to do anything grown up like buy a house?

One big plus of moving (probably to Merstham/Redhill/Reigate) is not only the convenience of being on LGW's doorstep, but more crucially, handy for LHR when the whole shebang ups and moves to T5.

As ever, I'd be really grateful for any advice from those more experienced and learned than myself. Cheers.