Has anyone left a fixed-term role early for a permanent one?

[QuickPlayer]

Has anyone ever left a fixed-term job for a permanent role? Either before starting the fixed-term position because you got a better offer or after starting it? If it was after starting, did you wait until the fixed-term role ended or did you resign early to take the permanent job?

I’m currently in a dilemma, having accepted a fixed-term role until the end of June. It’s my first fixed-term position, but I’ve been applying for permanent roles alongside it. I now have a few offers and upcoming interviews and would love to hear how others navigated similar situations. How did you handle it and what advice would you give?

You make the swap if it's right for you. If they were in financial difficulty they would make you redundant without a second thought. You owe them nothing really, they owe you nothing.

You're less than 6 months from the end of your contract. Standard to look for new jobs. I'd have a meeting and say it's less than 6 months out, is there scope for extension/permanence? And say you'll have to be looking for new roles.

No one in their right minds turns down a permanent offer they want to work a couple extra months to see out end of contract somewhere that doesn't have the ability to keep them.

I've not personally, but I had someone in my team resign from a fixed term role (1year maternity cover). I wished her well and that was it, no drama.

Moving is completely normal. You need a permanent job.

I've left a fixed term position 5 months before it was supposed to end because I received an offer for a permanent job. I didn't feel bad about it. I think most people would do the same. That's the risk you take as an employer: if you're offering fixed term positions then of course people are going to keep applying for other jobs and leave if they get a better offer. I'd just hand in your resignation once you have accepted a job offer and talk to your boss about what work to prioritise/finish before you leave. There's really nothing more to it.

I would leave a temporary job in a heartbeat if I got offered a permanent position, in the same way when I hire anyone in a temp position I fully expect and encourage them to apply for permanent positions

If they want to keep you, then they should be offering a permanent position shouldn't they?! YANBU - I would leave a fixed term for a permanent (provided I liked the job) without a second thought.

Have you started FTC?

Yes... I've left early for one and left another before even starting. That's life. As a manager would not be surpriaed either.

Yes.

I started a one year contract with the local job centre on the Monday and was offered a permanent role on the Tuesday evening, 70% more money, better terms, pension etc.

I resigned on the Wednesday morning and left the same day. My boss at the JC agreed I would have been mad to stay.

Don't hesitate.