To quit my job as a newly qualified nurse for the opportunity of a lifetime abroad?

[WineInTheSun]

I’m a newly qualified nurse (qualified in March) in a busy emergency area in the NHS. I find it very busy and intense but ok- there are days I enjoy it and others I struggle. On a whim I applied for a 3 month contract as a private nurse abroad, I didn’t expect to get it.

But now I have been offered the job! I always dreamed of working abroad, with a particular interest in the country the opportunity has been offered. It is just for 3 months but is the opportunity of a lifetime. I spoke to my manager as I wanted unpaid leave to take this opportunity but she advised me I needed to be in my role for 24 months to qualify for unpaid leave. My heart says to quit my job, take this opportunity and go. I’m early 20s and childfree for background. I don’t have any savings but I could live at home with my mum on returning to the U.K. if things were really bad.

The job is an immediate start- this week or next, so I wouldn’t be working any notice period. However, my contract says leaving in the first 6 months (which I would be doing) doesn’t require a notice period but obviously this wouldn’t put me in a favourable position with my manager. How would it work for references and applying for jobs in the NHS in the future when I return?

My biggest concern is returning to the UK and not getting a job again as a nurse in the NHS due to quitting within my probation period. To add further confusion, I have been offered one of the last opportunities to do the midwifery 18 month paid salary top up course in September- expected to be one of the last cohorts to train nurses as midwives in 18 months. Taking the opportunity abroad would mean saying goodbye to that.

Should I follow my head or my heart? I can’t stop thinking about it but I also know it’s not necessarily sensible. So AIBU?

You won’t have any trouble getting another job in the NHS when you return - they’ll probably be very impressed and intrigued by your experiences abroad at interview. I don’t think it reflects badly on you at all for taking such a one off opportunity

I’ve nrtwt but personally I’d stay and do the top up course in September, get a bit of experience for a couple of years and then apply to work abroad, that way you can take a sabbatical from work rather than resign. I can’t see it being an issue getting another opportunity, but I don’t know the industry that well. In my experience, doing the donkey work in the initial stages of a career tends to pay dividends in the long run.

Go for it
It’s not like the nhs won’t be here when you get back!
Years ago I really wanted to nanny in America and had my heart set on it
It’s a long story but my mother shut the chance down and I didn’t go
Of all the things I’ve not done in life that’s my biggest regret
Your young and will get another job
Plus it looks good on your cv

Plus it looks good on your cv

I actually disagree. Leaving a job you've been in less than 6 months and then starring another job for only 3 months looks flaky to me and like you can't commit. I've no doubt OP would walk into another NHS job but if I'd be wondering how long before she started looking elsewhere.

I think you would be better off getting 2 years experience before doing nursing work abroad. Could be very stressful working in a strange environment with no support. Once you have the 2 years under your belt you will realise it was worthwhile. Travel opportunities will be there for the rest of your life!