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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To turn down a permanent job?

19 replies

CoughLaughFart · 08/09/2017 15:07

I'll try to keep this short as I could go on for hours on this (I already have in my head!)

I'm job hunting and seem to have hit a purple patch - in process for four roles and just had confirmation of an interview for a fifth. Two are contract roles, which can be very lucrative in my sector, but obviously come without the security of a permanent job (also no benefits or holidays etc.)

Normally I'd always choose perm over contract, but one of the contract jobs sounds really amazing. Huge worldwide brand, my ideal kind of work, great money, team seems great - but only guaranteed for six months. However, they said if the project goes well they'll need someone permanent and 'We're not going to push the person who made it a success out of the door'.

Of the three perm roles, one company is moving at a snail's pace and I don't have a lot of faith in them. It's taking so long that it might well be dead in the water anyway. The other two seem far more enthusiastic, but are for smallish (but growing) companies and the salaries are decent, but not amazing.

Assuming I'm offered it AND a perm role, would it be too risky a move to take the contract? If it was six months and then 'thanks and bye forever' I would be nervous, but there's a real chance here to impress at a huge company. Even if they didn't make that role permanent, it would be a chance to get noticed and apply for other internal roles.

I'd earn nearly as much from the six-month contract as I would in a year at the other jobs. Worst case scenario, I'm job hunting again in spring, but with more savings and a top brand on my CV.

What would you do? Disclaimer: I might not be offered any of them, so this all could be heartbreakingly moot

OP posts:

SheldonsSpot · 08/09/2017 15:10

What are your current circumstances? Married? Homeowner? Children to support?

Original poster

CoughLaughFart · 08/09/2017 15:25

Unmarried childless homeowner. Got a good redundancy package from my last job so not claiming benefits and no immediate financial worries.

OP posts:

Cath2907 · 08/09/2017 15:26

Based on your update - take the contract!

SheldonsSpot · 08/09/2017 15:31

Take the contract.

jay55 · 08/09/2017 15:36

I'm a contractor and i love not having office politics, dealing with competition for promotion etc. It works for me.
Contracts usually have notice periods and if a project is canned so are you, but renewal up to the two year mark isn't unusual when things are going well.

snowgirl1 · 08/09/2017 15:40

If it's 50% more, then take the contract.

When looking at a contract, I'd always suggest calculating the cost of things like employer pension contributions which you're missing out on - and other 'benefits' that a perm role may offer and you may have to pay for yourself - holidays (as you've already mentioned); bank hols; medical insurance; long-term sickness/disability insurance; life assurance. So that you when you're comparing how much a contract role pays compared to a perm offer you're comparing like with like.

Nuttynoo · 08/09/2017 15:41

Take the contract. You can always move to perm later

PotteringAlong · 08/09/2017 15:43

Contract. You're in the ideal position.

MagicMoneyTree · 08/09/2017 15:43

I'd go with the contract. Good luck!

WhatdoImean · 08/09/2017 15:44

I am also a contractor.....

I should point out that even with a 6-month contract, you normally are subject to a 1-month notice period. As such it could be seen as "6 months... but we can terminate any month we like"

That said..... even with a perm role, until you have done a year, you will probably have the same notice period, and no real workplace protections or security. There are definite benefits if you plan to stay longer though - career development, training, etc.

I was a permie for about 30 years, and have been contracting now for 2 years. My personal view is that I wish I had done it earlier, as I see now that there was not THAT much more security in a perm role Vs a contract role.

I would also second the point that it comes down to personal choice and situation. Do you have a mortgage? Do you have a family to support? Is there a partner who could cover your needs IF the worst happens. etc.

Good luck - good position to be in though!!

albus55 · 08/09/2017 15:48

Take the contract.

My husband took the risk about four years ago and has never looked back. Yes the security of a perm job would be nice, but there is big money to be had in contracting and once you're in that circle, if/when a contract does end you have contacts for life that will get you placed on new contracts. In 4/5 years my husband has only been out of work for six weeks which was over Christmas so worked out quite well! 100% worth the risk.

StormTreader · 08/09/2017 15:59

Take the contract - even if they said "it definitely wont be longer than the six months", I would still be saying to go for it!

Toomanycats99 · 08/09/2017 16:17

My office has lots of contractors - most have been there ages and even if they do leave they usually pop up 6 or 12 months later on another project!

Doobigetta · 08/09/2017 17:42

Take the contract. There's not really any such thing as a permanent job any more, and on a good day rate you can pay yourself the same as you'd take home in a perm role and save the rest- you'll build up a good cushion far faster than you'd accrue the same amount in redundancy pay. I was in my last permanent job for 7 years, and at the end of it I walked away with about £25k payout, on decent terms. After 3 years contracting I saved a pot three times that. And your chances of being made redundant before you've even qualified for any payment are pretty good.

JellyBean89 · 08/09/2017 21:24

Take the contract and good luck x

Merida83 · 08/09/2017 23:53

with all the info you've given i'd definitely take the contract!

Good Luck, hope you get it!

Feellikehell · 08/09/2017 23:58

Take the contract.

And get an accountant to save you headaches at the end of the tax year!

RedastheRose · 09/09/2017 00:41

If you're offered it take the contract. By the sound of it a good reference after 6 months, and the higher profile, will make you more employable, and look much better on your cv thus making it possible to be offered a better salary going forward. If they don't offer you a permanent position you will be more in demand with other employers, and if they do you may get a permanent job which you sound really enthusiastic about. It's basically a win win scenario.

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 09/09/2017 00:44

Take the contract. Always, always go for the role that will do your cv most good, even in the short-term. That's life these days - job security is worth so much less than personal development/stretch/challenge.

Even if the money wasn't as compelling, I'd offer the same advice.

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