Would I be mad to consider a 12 month fixed term NHS contract?

[CountryLovingGirl]

Hi,

A job, at my old hospital, has come up (at my grade) but it is only fixed term for 12 months due to collaboration with another hospital department. I changed job a few years ago but always knew I had made a mistake (I had worked there too long) and my new job relocated so I know have a ridiculous commute.
Would you sacrifice a 19 year permanent contract with the NHS for a one that is fixed term? What would I lose? The way I see it, it is the only way back!

[CountryLovingGirl]

I now have

[tribpot]

I think you would have continuity of service. Are you still employed by the NHS? The main risk I can see is that at the end of the contract you would only have three months to find another before you would lose the continuity.

[esiotrot2015]

I'd go for it
Life's to short to be miserable at work

[CountryLovingGirl]

Yes, I am still with the NHS. I am only doing 23 hrs. Other job is 30 hours which suits me fine as my children are getting older now :-)

[WestEast]

I've just done exactly the same thing. I asked at the interview what would the chances of being kept on be, they were a bit vague and obviously couldn't give any guarantees, but seemed positive. So I decided to plump for it, way I saw it was I didn't like the job I was in and wanted out, worse come to worse I wouldn't get a permanent position and would have to find something else.
I'm lucky in that I was offered a permanent contract to commence at the end of my 12 months.
Not going to lie, it did get a bit stressful, and I have kept my eyes open for other jobs.

[missorinoco]

You aren't enjoying the current job. New job is the opportunity you need to get out. You can look for the job after whilst in post.

Ask yourself if you will regret it if you don't go for it.

[CremeBrulee]

Check the effect that this would have on your continuity of service & your pension with the HR team and get their replies in writing.

[QueenofWhatever]

Have you asked your current manager about a secondment?

[TheAuthoress]

YY to queenofwhatever or a career break? At least that was you'd have a job to go back to if the contract wasn't extended.

[HRAdvisor]

A secondment is a good idea.

Nobody here can realistically tell you what your best option is.