Which job would you go for?

[Johncollins]

I'm currently working through a recruitment agency, it was an initial 6-month contract and we have 6 weeks left. We're told it will 'likely' be extended but no guarantee of anything. I like the job but pay is low so I need to do constant overtime- £26.7k.

I've been incredibly lucky to land 3 interviews.
Interview 1 is the same organisation but permanent and has flexi hours, same pay more or less, 26.8k.

Interview 2 is a 12-month contract in a different orgnisation- 31.7k

Interview 3 is only a maternity cover but pays 45k.

I really would like to earn more money so this is a key factor. All jobs sound interesting but only Interview 1 is permanent. Or maybe I'll just end up staying where I am now?
All office jobs btw.

All 9-5 type hours and all 3 will have elements of flexibility, it's only my current one which doesn't. All relatively local.

I would go for the job I was actually offered!! These are just interviews, yes? Or do you mean you have been successful at all three?

Yes all interviews, I may end up with none of them, but I have no idea which I'd go for if I were offered them.

Interview 1 and current job will likely move up to about 27.8k by end of the year.

I’ll go for the maternity cover. During that time you can look for something else but also who knows what will happen at the end of the mat cover? Some people do end up staying.
i also wonder if the mat cover includes more responsibilities (higher wages)? If so that would look good on your cv too

Given you’re not on a permanent contract now I’d go for the maternity cover. It’s much better money now (might allow you to save a bit) and when you’re looking for a new job you’re starting at a higher salary threshold. Much easier to jump from £45k to £50k in a new role than work your way up from £26k.

If offered, I would go for the maternity cover, take the higher pay and about 2 months prior to the term ending, interview again.

Are there many jobs in your sector or are they difficult to come by?

Thank you, hopefully I'll get offered the maternity cover then.
True I think it'll be better money otherwise I'll just keep going up by 1k a year until 40k is classed as min wage.

And there are frequently jobs luckily.

I would like to if I'm lucky enough TTC in the next year or two though so I'm worried about the impact of not having a permanent role

Go for all three. It is unlikely you will get three offers. But I would take the mat cover. You'll know when it's ending so can start your new job search in plenty of time; many people extend mat leave so the job could run longer; you also aren't obligated to stay the whole course so if you find something else 6 months in then just move; many employers ask your previous salary, this would give you a huge boost when looking for your next role. (Dont just look at how much more you'll earn this month or next- but what this could mean over 5 years)

I would have said go for the higher pay maternity- until you mentioned want to TTC, that changes everything really.

Unless you as a household could afford for you to get no maternity pay, you need to find a permanent role.

Which one has good maternity package?