need advice on job situation

I applied for a much higher level job within my current organization and, to my surprise, landed a first and second interview (2nd one is next week).  Job would be higher level of what I currently do...more responsibility with more money.  I would love the title, salary and love having some more responsibility, but it always hard to know how stressful it will be and that's a big deal with our disease.  Problem is that I love my current boss and she is great about my health problems and making sure that I don't get stressed, etc.  I told her about the interview and she went to her boss....they will give me a better title and a raise to stay, but they can't give me as much as the other job would.  Don't know the difference between the two jobs...could be $1,500, could be $12,000...don't know what the other job would give me.  Staying where I am won't be more job duties, which worries me that I may still be bored.  But, I have a great relationship with my boss, and that is SO important to me. 

To complicate matters, I'm being sent to Cleveland this month because my rheumy is out of options and my current path will lead me to disability.  I really wish I'd already been to Cleveland and someone could tell me either I'll be disabled in x number of years or they can fix me and I'll have no limitations in life.  This would really impact my decision.  It's bad timing since I've been flaring...the stress of a new job and the stress of having to tell them about my problems could kill me...literally.  But, jobs like this one are rarely posted at my work, which is why I felt like I had to apply for it and take the chance.  I really feel like I need to be focusing on my health...I wouldn't be surprised if Cleveland reduces my work schedule or puts me in physical therapy, all of which will not go over well if I start a new job (although I'd still be covered under FMLA since it's the same employer).  But, we all know that wouldn't make a good impression on a new office.  I should just stay where I am, focus on my health and I can always move on in a few years if I am physically up for it...it's just SO hard to pass on what could be a really nice salary.

I know what I really should do, but I just need to get advice from people who understand our problems and the extra considerations we have about these matters.  Thanks so much for your advice! 

That is a tough one. I too find a good boss a hard thing to give up. I have been on both sides and having a boss that is not flexible or understanding of our disease just adds to the stress!

Since this is within the same organization do you know anyone who works with the new boss, maybe ask questions like how anal or laid back they are, if people enjoy working with them?

I too, would probably stay in my current job if my boss was great about my illness. Kind of the same as fun guy, before I probably would have gone for the more challenging job and more money. Now being on both sides, I would take the good boss.

A great opportunity is hard to pass up and if it makes you happy it could be a good move for your health, on the flip side if the boss is a pain about missed work and demanding, no amount of more money will be worth it. I had a boss that despised FMLA and even though my job was protected my first few days back after being gone for a day or two was hell. She made you pay, it was awful and just made things worse. She got so mean about calling in, I would make myself sick just thinking about calling in and went to work a few times when I knew I shouldn't.

Good luck on the 2nd interview! Let us know what you decide!

it depends on where you in are your life, finanacially. If you need more money, than there is no other choice. If it isn't about money than it is in your pocket. Also depends on your age, there is many things to think about. JMHO, I'm 60

AG

do you mind if I give example of what this DD will do regarding jobs. If you guys know me from posts. I have been self employed artist since 1992. I started flaring in 2003, off and on, so I needed a second job that would give my family and I ins. find. I got job as blackjack dealer in indian casino in san diego. I lasted 5 years, with so many problems with my cd, I had to get FMLA in order to work, my managers hated me because of that. 5 years later and on ssdi. my cd got so bad, I thought dealing with wack jobs, like gamblers, and managers who hate you, not for your work, but for attendence. I couldn't help it. there were times I couldn't evan finish shift. That job exasperated my cd, and cut my career short of making money

AG

For what it's worth, I would approach it with complete honesty.

With he person at the new spot, tell them you are very interested and think yaddayaddayadda, but give a high-level quick rundown of what it can do to your hours/schedule. After that, tell them if that would leave you unable to properly fulfill the position, you don't want to be considered.

Even if they're put off by it, as someone who has conducted thousands of interviews I can tell you that frank honestly is always well received.

Sorry for not responding sooner, but I've had some stuff going on and forgot all about replying.  Thanks so much for the suggestions.  I decided to stay where I am and accept the promotion they are offering.  I knew that was the best thing, but just need to have some others tell me that.  =)  I withdrew myself from the other job without going to the second interview...even though I would have liked to have talked with them, it would keep my boss happier if I didn't do it.  So, just waiting now for the promotion to come through and going to Cleveland on Monday to see what they have to say.  Thanks so much, everyone!