Dilemma-Love my job but have been offered another one

[littlelamb]

I am currently working at an estate agents covering maternity leave, and I am really enjoying it. Great team and I really enjoy the work. They seem really pleased with me too but I know that at the end of maternity cover there is no guarantee they will keep me. Also, as I can't drive I know a promotion is unlikely. I have now been offered a position as an administrative officer with the DWP and would be working at the jobcentre plus, which is only about 2 minutes from where I already work. They are offering £2000 more and the security of a permanent position. But I am worried that I would be leaving a job I love only to not enjoy this new one. The sensible side of me knows that the DWP could offer me a very real career path, but I would feel awful giving in my notice at my job after being there for such a short time. Someone please talk some sense into me!

[Donbean]

I think that the reasons for the new job FAR outway the reasons to stay at current job.
Sounds like you get on well with people so you are highly likely to make friends again within another great team, you need to let your head and practicalities lead you in this decision and not your heart.
Good luck x

[MamaGlamourPuss]

How approachable are your current employers? Could you sit down with them and say look, I've been offered this job and need the security of permanent work - is theere any chance I'll be kept on? If they say no, you've already got the ohter job lined up so woudln't need to worry about it.

[littlelamb]

I think my employer would be good to talk to but I just feel I'm leaving them at a loose end by leaving. I havent signed a contract though as we have been too busy to set aside the time to do it so theoretically I could leave at any time

[Skribble]

What about taking the new job and starting driving lessons, then if you hate the new job you could try for look for another job in estate agents as you will have the experience and shown that you have improved your skill by getting a driving licence.

I suppose it depends how much you neeed the job security and the extra money. But I would have a chat with you current employer and explain your options, they might be able to offer you something to make you stay.

[RanToTheHills]

ooh, take the risk, sounds like you'd regret it if not! I'm sure they appreciate you - but we're all dispensable even tho employers (when it suits) can be v good at making us feel that we're not, no offence, but you know what I mean! Mat cover is a vulnerable position to be in, depend on nothing!

[edam]

You'd be mad to turn down the offer of a permanent job with a career path to stay in a temp job with no prospects. But talk to the estate agents - tell them you've been approached about a permanent post and see what they can come up with.

I know you feel guilty about leaving after only being there a short time, but people do - as an employer, you just have to deal with the fact that people are free to leave (equally you are free to make people redundant so cuts both ways).