Dilemma - do I leave permanent job for 6 month contract

lea

Hi there

I have a dilemma and I'm really not sure what to do and would be grateful for your thoughts.

I am 31 and in a permanent full time job, and have worked there for just under a year. The job can be very stressful, and is generally lower paid compared to the same role in other organisations, and the training I was promised when I was offered the job has not materialised. Holiday and other benefits are very basic. I am not very happy in this role and most days I go home stressed out. I would also say that most of my colleagues who I work with feel the same way. The morale is very low at this organisation and generally there is a constant feeling of disorganisation and lack of interest from management.

I applied and interviewed for a similar job in another organisation and have received a phone call today advising me that it was between me and another candidate and unfortunately I was pipped to the post. However they were impressed with me and would like to offer me a 6 month maternity cover contract doing the same job.
The organisation I interviewed for have a reputation for being good employers, and I have wanted to work for them for many years, but they do not tend to have many vacancies. The pay is higher, benefits better and job is closer to home so less petrol costs.

So, what do I do?! Do I take a risk and accept the 6 month contract, in the hope that once I get my foot in the door either something else internally comes up at the end of this period, or that the person on maternity leave decides not to return But run the risk of having no job at the end of the contract!?
Or...stay where I am, unhappy, but in permanent employment...

Very confused! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading,
Lea

joolsybools

Tough call in this climate. I would be inclined to take the risk but it might depend on your personal circs, e.g. mortgage etc.

Dunroamin

Are you single or do you have anybody to support financially?

What would your financial situation be if you were to become unemployed at the end of this contract?

lea

Hi

Thanks for the replies. I live with my partner of 4 years, in his property. He doesn't have a mortgage (sadly due to a bereavement) and we just share utility bills etc. No children, just a dog.
No savings and some credit card debt (around 5k) which is on 0% balance for 2 years. Partner works and could support me short term if I was out of work, though of course we'd rather that wasnt the case

Thanks,
Lea

phill99

If you are unhappy in your current role, you need to get it of it. Being in a role that stresses you impacts every aspect of you life - your health, social life, relationships etc.

Remember that they are offering you a maternity cover contract and by law they have to allow the post holder to return, but it may well be that the new mother doesn't one back or wishes only a part time role, so you very well may end up being offered a more permanent role.

Also if you prove yourself, the new company ,ay keep you anyway as they may to wish to loose you.

Bottom line, even if you have a good reputable company on your CV, that will benefit you.

Go for it. You will regret it if you don't.

joolsybools

If you think your relationship is solid and going to last then I would go for it. Get rid of that credit card debt as soon as you can too, it's easy to get lulled into a false sense of security that you are on 0%... It should be reasonably easy as you don't have mortgage/rent costs. Make sure the job offer is genuine before giving notice to your current employer though.

whitewing

Go for it. There may well be other vacancies in the future so it may lead on to better.

I especially think move sooner rather than later if you may want children in the future because it will make all the difference when you're juggling responsibilities or paying a fortune in childcare to go to work.

Dunroamin

lea wrote: »

Hi

Thanks for the replies. I live with my partner of 4 years, in his property. He doesn't have a mortgage (sadly due to a bereavement) and we just share utility bills etc. No children, just a dog.
No savings and some credit card debt (around 5k) which is on 0% balance for 2 years. Partner works and could support me short term if I was out of work, though of course we'd rather that wasnt the case

Thanks,
Lea

No savings/cc debt when you live rent/mortgage free doesn't bode well for managing without an income. You say that your partner would support you in the short term but what would happen in the long term if you were without work?

Jox

I would take the 6 month contract, sounds like a great opportunity and you may regret it in the future if you didn't take it.

kissablekate

I would take it, you could find yourself in a position where you take a full time contract with another company in say a few months time but dont pass the probation period?

chrisv24

Take it. If you perform well, they would be mad not too keep you on. Besides, the person on maternity leave could decide to stay at home to be a full-time mum.

There are a lot of ifs in there but if it is your dream place to work its worth a try. I would just say, make sure you save as much money as you can just incase you find yourself out of work at the end.