To leave good job because I want the summer off

Just ask if you could delay the start of the new contract. Even a month or so off would be nice, surely?

Employees in the UK with at least one year's service can take up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child (until the child turns 18). Do this rather than give up your job in a poor market.

Could you suggest a sabbatical for the summer, or delay the start date?

if you’re going to leave anyway, surely a chat about options wouldn’t hurt.

I would suggest a compromise

Tell your current employer that you would love to extend your contract but that you have a 3 week holiday booked already in July (or August).

Your employer would likely be happy for you to take that chunk of time off and still stay in the job.

Yep, this - otherwise jettisoning employment because you fancy the summer off is foolish

No, I definitely wouldn't do this, in the current job market. You might not find it as easy to find another one.

You'll never get the time back, so instinctively I'd say yes, BUT really think-how likely are you to get another job in this market-a lot depends on your specific role/your area etc. So research and think hard, still, plenty of parents don't work at all, and you know how they say on your deathbed, you'll regret spending time at the office instead of with the kids. Cats in the cradle (though there was less unemployment then!).

Could you ask for a 3 month sabbatical from your employer?

Totally mad, jobs market is shocking, 5k is nothing - unless you have other savings?

Unless you’re in a country that has good weather, I personally wouldn’t do it. You’ll have time off, but by your own admission your quality of life decreases and treats go out of the window. True you can’t put a price on quality time and a slower paced life, but I don’t think you have enough financial security to take the risk. Instead I’d seek to compromise with your employer. You could ask for part time. If you have any accrued annual leave, perhaps take Mondays & Fridays off so you have long weekends etc, or a couple of half days so you can do the school pick.

You say, "Summer", but how long, when would start, June?

If that's what you want and you can afford it, go for it. You'll be spending less if not at work anyway, people always do.

Make sure you are in a good position to pick up another job in September.

But there are not the jobs currently! I recently advertised a post and had 300 applicants most of who were over qualified! They applied as there are so few jobs currently!

Like you I am just coming to the end of a fixed term contract which was meant to finish at the end of march but has been extended for a further month. I am so looking forward to having the summer off after 40 years of working solidly. My kids are all grown up ! I have been musing over what i would say to my manager if they suddenly said there was a job for me or said I could stay on. I honestly think I would have to turn it down or tell them I couldn't start until September !

Unpaid parental leave: Entitlement - GOV.UK https://share.google/wpNBRptSIO6VmoDfn

Parental leave is unpaid. You’re entitled to 18 weeks’ leave for each child and adopted child, up to their 18th birthday.
The limit on how much parental leave each parent can take in a year is 4 weeks for each child (unless the employer agrees otherwise).
You must take parental leave as whole weeks (for example 1 week or 2 weeks) rather than individual days, unless your employer agrees otherwise or if your child is disabled. You do not have to take all the leave at once.

Negotiate a chunk of unpaid parent leave

I don’t think you’re mad. I’d be finding it quite difficult to feel motivated if I’d done an 18 month stint with an employer but they only want to offer another 2 year fixed term contract. For the record I did multiple fixed term jobs between the ages of 21-34. I was strung along by 1 or 2 employers, so am jaded when I hear about situations like that. I think you should try and use the fact they’re only offering a fixed term extension to negotiate. If they want you to commit to the full duration, you want time off over the summer hols.

P.S. @BezMills was spot on. You can’t make more time.

Honestly sure why not, it's your life, and we're a long time dead!

If you end up regretting it a little bit financially, so what? You can always make more money - the only thing you can't make more of is time.

This

If you can afford it take the summer off - the kids are only getting older and summer is difficult for childcare with the holidays. Enjoy the time with them, if that's what you want to do.

Just what I said!

The only thing I would say is suppose they get someone in to cover you over the summer and train them up. They may then decide to offer them the job not you. But that’s a risk you’d have to take.

Depends if they will rehire you or find someone else. Just wanting to go forest show commitment to an employer. Jobs are difficult to get now.

Nobody is promised tomorrow darling! If you can afford it, go for it.
No-ones epitaph reads "I shouda worked more"
As long as your little darlings are not going to suffer hardship as a result, do it. X

This

You only live once.

If you can afford it, then do it!