Missing out on external job interviews due to NHS leave issues – anyone been through similar?

[Sloneranger97]

Hi everyone,
I'm currently working as an administrator in the NHS but trying to move into jobs within local councils and universities, which better align with my long-term career goals. The problem is that many of these organisations have very strict interview times and dates, which are often non-negotiable.
Unfortunately, I’ve missed several interviews because I’m consistently refused annual leave or time off due to severe short staffing – which is one of the many reasons I’m trying to leave. It’s really disheartening, especially when these missed opportunities are for roles I’m genuinely interested in and that would offer me better stability and development.
Calling in sick isn’t a great option either, as that often comes with horrible consequences at work, so that’s not something I feel I can rely on.
I feel stuck in a nasty cycle and it’s really getting me down. I’m feeling quite isolated and unsure what to do next.
I’m getting to the point where I’m seriously considering quitting and living off my savings for a while to focus on job hunting. I live at home currently, so my expenses are quite low, but I know it’s not an ideal situation.
Alternatively, I’m thinking about temping in admin roles until I secure a permanent position. Does anyone know of any good admin temp agencies they’ve used for NHS work? Any recommendations would be really helpful.
Has anyone else been through something similar? How did you manage it, especially working in a rigid and understaffed environment? Any advice or support would mean a lot.
Thank you.

I'd just call in sick. It's not an advisable thing to do in normal everyday life, but see it as an act of necessity in extreme circumstances - it sounds to me like you really need to get away from this job.

If you're considering quitting anyway, just stay there but quit "in your head". Stop worrying if things don't get done... don't go the extra mile.. don't feel guilty... and call in sick and ace those interviews! What's to lose, if you're considering leaving anyway?

Every day, say to yourself "in a few weeks I'll be away from here forever and working somewhere I enjoy". And just get through that day.

Thanks for replying — I really appreciate it.

At first, I thought maybe I was being difficult, but I’m now seeing a clear pattern of being used. I feel like they’ve hired me just so everyone else can finally get their leave approved — exactly what happened in my last department.
To be honest, I feel completely fucked over. When I interviewed, I was promised flexibility after my induction, including splitting my hours. I avoided applying for 9-to-5 Monday to Friday roles because that kind of schedule doesn’t suit me — I prefer shift or flexible working.

Now they’re insisting on strict 9-to-5, Monday to Friday, and denying my leave requests, even when I’m only asking for a few hours here and there.
This is really exhausting and it’s taking a serious toll on me physically and mentally.

Sorry for the awful rant - The only thing I’m really worried about now is how sick days might affect my reference. I know they're not supposed to go into detail, but it still worries me especially because this actually happened in my last role.

I ended up taking over two weeks off sick(signed off) because the stress from the workplace had such a big impact on my health. I’d never had to do that before, but it genuinely became too much.

I’ve always worked hard and taken pride in being reliable, but the environment just made it impossible to cope. Now I feel stuck again. If I don’t take time off, I miss out on interviews and stay trapped in a role that’s affecting me mentally and physically. But if I do take sick leave, im worried it’ll hurt my chances of moving on , even though that’s exactly what I need for my wellbeing!

I read your posts

Honestly, don't overthink it, just call in sick and go to the interview

You're so worn down by them that you're afraid to put yourself first and take a risk - exactly the kind of employee they want!

best of luck 🥰