WIBU not to accept the offer of an extension to my maternity cover contract?

[Why2]

I need help making a decision - I am working in an admin position in a school which is a maternity cover and was due to finish at the end of July.

Now the head has proposed that my contract is extended until the end of December, which would help me in that it would mean definitely being paid over the summer.

However in some ways I am keen to leave at the end of July. WIBU to decide this (I need to let the head know asap) despite the risk that it is difficult to find something for September, and that I will have to use my (sparse) savings over the summer?

In some ways I really want to move on as soon as I can because my aim is to find a better paid version of the same job somewhere else if I can, and also closer to home. There is a job like that online with interviews taking place on May 15th, but there is no guarantee I would get to that stage.

WIBU to jump anyway? I am on my own and have three secondary school aged dc. I am anxious to start earning more in light of the fact that the tax credits I get will start to drop off as each of them leaves school. And I am 50 so don’t feel I have time on my side.

Or would you stay in the current job? I would then aim to find a new job for January.

Any advice appreciated .

What's that saying OP?

'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'

If you are guaranteed a job where you are, where you already know the job, are valued and will also be paid for the summer if you stay in your shoes I'd stay - at least for now. Jumping now, when you have the responsibilities you do is a risk I'd not want to take, personally.

As the Head no longer has to pay expensive agency fees, but is employing you directly, you might also be able to negotiate a slightly higher pay? Perhaps try that? He/She obviously knows your worth which is why you are being asked to extend your contract.

The alternative job may currently look attractive but there's no guarantee you'll get interviewed and/or get the job (sorry), you'll have no holiday pay, no second wage and only have "sparse" savings to maintain yourself, three children and bills.

What is the notice period in your current contract if you do apply for the new job (which I think if you should if you feel strongly about it).

I would not give the school a heads up about the new job possibility as you don't know what will happen with that.

Good luck OP.

But my current Head wants to know this week so she can start looking for someone for September. Which leaves me unable to apply for this great job - which would begin in September. If I do agree to stay until December, I kind of think I should then only start looking for January jobs as to leave earlier than the end of December would be unfair on my current school?

But you are able to apply for the job. You have to think of yourself here. No, the school won’t be thrilled if you leave, but that’s the risk they’re taking by offering you an extension rather than a permanent post. Where will you be in December if they say ‘Thanks for your hard work and good luck’?