Starting a 2 month (!!!) fixed term contract when TTC

[milliemanzi]

So I've been offered a new job within the NHS, it's more money, a better commute, and an exciting role! HOWEVER it is a new role and therefore currently advertised as fixed term until 31.03.15, my manager says it's very likely this will be extended but of course there is no guarantee. I realise this is common within the NHS now but it's still a scary concept especially when i'm trying to concieve (i've weighed up the pros and cons of starting a new role when TTC but have figured I can't put my life on hold when i don't know how long that will take), but i'd be interested to know if anyone else has experienced this situation?

I was on a fixed term contract when I got pregnant. Contract was due to end but was renewed the day before I went on maternity leave (!) and then renewed again shortly after I went back to work. There have been various other renewals over the last three years. I've finally just been made permanent following a restructure and competitive internal recruitment process.

I have to say, it's worked out well for me but the stress of continually being given notice and not knowing whether my contract will be renewed has been horrible. It's always been very last minute and in particular the renewal before I went on mat leave gave me many sleepless nights (renewal meant enhanced maternity pay, whereas if it hadn't been renewed I'd only have got smp). I wouldn't want to go through it again.

But having said that, it's worked out really well for me in the long run. I have a job in love, and have been able to take a maternity leave on enhanced pay too. But none of this was ever guaranteed, so I think your decision has to come down to how comfortable you are with risk.

Thanks so much for replying, it's comforting know someone else has been in this situation and it has worked out! I'm hoping that at least of the fixed term contract ends that they'll try and re-deploy me, the nhs seem pretty good at that sort of thing.