To be a little bit disappointed that I got a fixed term contract

[user1495366815]

I'm a social worker. I applied for several positions in my local council . Some permanent and some fixed term.

I got the fixed term one and I'm gutted.

My friends have said this is nothing to worry about as once I start I can apply for permanent jobs and as I will have post qualifying experience I have a good chance. Particularly if I apply internally.

I can also go on agency.

I'm just so worried this year will end and I will be left with nothing.

Am I being ridiculous?

It's for a council in a large city so not a shortage of jobs. But also very popular so there's quite a bit of competition.

I hadn't even heard of a fixed term before. Can it become permanent?

Have you already accepted it or do you have any other irons in the fire in your job search? If this type of arrangement doesn't suit you then keep on hunting.

Personally I am with your friend. You won't end up with nothing in a year. You'll be adding to your reputation, have a strong reference, and lots of great examples for interviews. Just work hard and keep adding to your skills. If this is your first post qualifying role, it will make you less of an unknown risk to future hiring managers because you will have 12 months work experience to evidence your skills and professionals who can speak to your work that you can use for references.

I had a year fix term that resulted in perm and was there for five years in the end. The job market was very different back then, but it does happen.

Congratulations on your job offer/new role!

As a recruiting manager I get people in on fixed term because I haven't yet been approved to make them permanent. Once they've done a fantastic job in post I can demonstrate a need to make the post permanent or find them another role. This policy hasn't failed me yet.

It's just sometimes the way it is in the public sector. When I started with my employer, there was a recruitment ban on permanent staff, but there were no restrictions, within reason, on temporary posts, because the cost of those came out of a different pot and obviously if they didn't like people, they could just not renew their contract.

I was made permanent at the end of my 1 year contract and I'm still here nearly 25 years later. Half the people in the building who started in the few years after me are the same.

A temporary post is a foot in the door and could lead to a permanent contract in the future, or if not, you could go on agency next year? You'll still be earning and gaining experience and references in the meantime.

My friend's fixed term is coming to an end in August and her manager has said I've sent an email asking if you want to stay on - you will want to won't you? Yes. Fantastic.

Sometimes there is initial funding for the initial period but then they realise they cannot carry on without that role and it becomes permanent. In fact I don't know anyone who was on a fixed and it ended without a permanent job. Throw yourself into the job and make yourself indispensible!

A huge percentage of jobs these days are fixed term. If you prove yourself they will keep you.

My job was offered to me on a 6 month contract, it became permanent and I've been there several years now. I had an email sent to me a few months on saying they would like to make it permanent.
Although I was disappointed about the six month contract, I saw it as a foot in the door and worst case scenario would have been six months pay and experience.

Sadly, this is how the public sector is operating at the moment, and yes it's crap. Hang in there.

It's a different scenario but I applied for a fixed term job in the NHS and was assured at interview that at the end of the year you wouldn't just be dropped.

You'd have a years worth of experience which is worth it if you are just starting out. In the NHS the job opportunities are announced within the department so you know when there's something coming up that you could apply for. Also, some vacancies are internal only applications.

If it's not right for you then you don't have to take it but I wouldn't say fixed term is something to be scared of.

I work in SS and have yet to meet a person whose fixed term contract actually ended!

The last time I worked on a fixed term contract it was extended twice and then made permanent. Plus on a fixed term contract you can apply for internal posts that aren't advertised externally.

I'm in social work and have been on a rolling fixed term for years. Almost everyone is ,
It's do with cuts and not knowing what funding is available next year etc
You would get warning though if it was ending. Mine has a built in review date 6 weeks before it ends every year. Every year we've had a quick chat and they've renewed for another year but if they didn't I would have a 6 week head start

Ah brilliant. I've spoken to my friend and she was in the position on a permanent basis so it's likely the position will be made permanent again.

I'm feeling happy again.

Par for the course these days...however it also means if you dont like it you wont feel guilty moving on

My friend has been in the same job for 5 years on various 3,6,9 month contracts. The insecurity sucks but her team know she's great and want to keep her, so they keep finding some budget or other to pay for her with.