Which job should I take

[Lamona]

A work dilemma confused by family plans
I've seen a job on a 12 month contract that looks ideal. But I don't know if to apply or not.

Option 1. Stay in current job. Pros: Permanent contract. Pays ok (enough to live on). Fairly interesting work. Cons Long commute. No promotion potential. Been there a while now.

Option 2. Apply for new job. Pros: dream company. Shorter commute. Probably more interesting work. Promotion and more responsibility. Much better pay.
Cons: 12month contract.
I dont want to burn bridges by applying and not taking if offered so want to really think about it now.
To complicate matters I'm going to try and get pregnant in the next 6 months. I've had 2 miscarriages, but already have DD. So nothing is guaranteed (is it ever?)

What happens when the contract ends? Can you survive without an income if you’re not able to walk into another job?

In an ideal world I'd use the foot in the door to get a perm contract
We would be ok for a while. At a pinch we'd be able to pay mortgage and essential bills on DH salary so we wouldn't be destitute.
I'd have to start looking for a job before the contract came to an end.

I would only take it if you’re happy to leave once the 12 month contract is up and have a child (if you do manage to get pregnant).

I wouldn’t take it and assume you’ll stay if you get pregnant. It’s a big risk leaving a permanent contract for temp. Do you know why it’s temp? Mat cover usually means it really will be 12 months only as the person is returning afterwards.

Or would you be taking it hoping it turns permanent?

There’ll be other jobs out there if you do this for twelve months and then leave, though you might have to delay trying to conceive as it’s pretty bad form to take a new job and then get pregnant right away.

I saw a really good job that I didn't apply for because I was pregnant. Then I had a miscarriage (and another since). I really regret not applying. But that was a permanent contract.
So I'm not sure how much to factor in pregnancy planning in this..

And i dont want to delay trying to conceive because again, who knows what might happen.

I used to hire people on fixed-term contracts quite regularly a few years ago (due to the way the roles were funded). We did get permanent roles come up too, so people did get a chance to impress, but I can only think of one person we actually ‘created’ a role for.

If you think the company offers real hope of progression, go for it. However, ask yourself first whether it’s really the right time when you’re trying for a baby. What happens if you get pregnant seven months into the contract? It might not be fair, but I think you’d be making it harder for yourself to get made permanent.