*sigh* this may take a while

ohdearhowdidthathappen

EssexHebridean said:

Aargh - I understand your quandary. I think everyone (well, all decent human beings) is feeling a bit miffed with the number of people still feeling that the rules don't apply to them. I completely sympathise with those who are genuinely exempt - technically I am myself although as a general rule I manage to wear one - but IMO you can tell the genuine ones as they are apologetic/keen to keep distance etc. 

Ultimately you have no "moral duty" to work for the NHS - it is just an organisation which you currently work for. If you moved elsewhere for more pay, that too would just be "an organisation you work for, but for more money". I'd try to look at it this way if it were me - if you currently worked for a private entity, and an option came along to jump ship for a lot more money, would you even think twice about it if you were feeling disillusioned where you are now? If you loved the current role, workplace, management etc it would be different.  without question though it's good to know that there are options. 

Glad you have a nice long run of time off at Christmas too, that's going to be a help I suspect! 

Clinical staff with exemptions still have to wear masks, so the double standard irritates.  Agreed, the genuine ones are usually easy to spot and to be honest they regularly do wear a mask at hospital as they're worried about the huge amounts of germs.

I think it gets ingrained in NHS staff that it's almost immoral to work in the private sector or locum, almost like you're a deserter   You're right, if I worked for a private company and another offered me triple the wage, I wouldn't hesitate.

The break is definitely needed, roll on Christmas

savingholmes

I'd definitely go for triple pay - you can always pay into a private pension. 

I'm technically exempt from mask wearing but keener than most to wear one as I am concerned about the risk.

mark55man

you could investigate putting some of your side hustle gains into buying more NHS pension rather than private - unless you fancy the investment challenge or want to run that pot down early in retirement.  Buying extra pension works very well, guaranteeing income in retirement at a good price is usually a real win although some would advise saving and waiting -  not everyone can afford to do so.  you need to make sure you personally have a bedrock of pension. It makes for more resiliency and options are good - the 55 year old you may be grateful!!. 

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Thanks SH and Mark good ideas re pensions, I do need to get more serious with it.  I'm heading towards my mid 40s and would ideally like to retire at 60.  Not sure it'll happen though!

savingholmes

It can't happen without a plan but you still have time

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Belated Merry Christmas!! Hope everyone had a good one.  We've had a lovely albeit busy one... we kind of overbooked half expecting stuff to get cancelled here and there, but it didn't!  Which was good, but also busy  
I'm now feeling the typical mood of knowing I've eaten, drunk and spent too much but am still in denial.  On 1st January, I'll peek at the scales and bank balance and wince  

DancingInTheRain

Pleased you've had a lovely Christmas. I hear you on the eating, drinking, spending front - will also be wincing tomorrow 🤣 

mark55man

ohdearhowdidthathappen said:

Belated Merry Christmas!! Hope everyone had a good one.  We've had a lovely albeit busy one... we kind of overbooked half expecting stuff to get cancelled here and there, but it didn't!  Which was good, but also busy  
I'm now feeling the typical mood of knowing I've eaten, drunk and spent too much but am still in denial.  On 1st January, I'll peek at the scales and bank balance and wince  

I have been scared to look at the scales!!

This week is the week where you indulge yourself knowing that you got it covered by the diet (that you won't stick to) starts on Monday

savingholmes

Glad you had a fab time. Sounds like you did some memory making. 

Happy New Year

crunchy_time

Happy New Year! Glad you had a good Christmas xx