Should a risk this?

[MrsBobDylan]

Right, hypothetical atm as no one has even offered me the job, but I have had an interview for a nine month contract role with a large retailer.

I have a permanent role with an employer who has made my life a misery for the last two years. The first 8 years were brilliant but a change of management means I have been bullied and my confidence is not what it was.

I have applied for lots of roles, got interviews but no job offer. This is an opportunity to work for a large employers, close to home in a great role.

They have said that I would get priority on any other roles which come up during the nine months but it would be bad for us financially if I didn't find a role pretty soon after.

My husband is supportive but thinks the risk is too great. I don't disagree but I spend my working days trying not to walk out and the stress is hard to live with.

What would you do?

I'd go for the 9month contract, but start saving now if you can so you have a cushion at the end of it.

Doing a job that makes you miserable isn't sustainable. You need to change that.

The 9month contract might be extended, or you might find another perm job. But in case you don't, you need some savings to tide you over.

Thank you - I have just spent the weekend with my sister who agrees with you, life really is too short.

I just need to get offered it now! I used to be so good at interviews but my confidence has taken some brutal blows over the last two years and I think it can get in the way of looking like a really good candidate.

If you get the job, you can start working out your next move, whether that's to get it extended / converted to perm, or look elsewhere.
Get all the training and development you can.

If you get offered the job is there any way you can take a years career break from where you are currently? Someone I worked with did this, and it kept an opening for them for a year in case it all went wrong. Luckily everything worked out for them and once their new place became permanent just resigned from where they had been and said they weren't coming back.
It might make you less worried about having nothing in a years time?
Sorry if that's not an option for you, but just an idea. Good luck!

8 know someone whose done it although 12 months contract. It was the best decision she could have made. She loves the job, get along brilliantly with colleagues and the company ethos is fantastic. She was told only 1 month in that they would find a job for her at the end of her contract.

Of course no guarantee and she is probably very lucky but she would be there if she hadn't taken the chance.