feel uncertain about future but need to do something!

[CleverCatty]

I'm currently working as a PA within central government but a niche area/dept on a yearly contract due to finish February 2021. Have been temping/contracting for past 3 years but worked in permanent jobs before and now would like a permanent role.

I've been told my role will become permanent with another similar PA role created too and have been told to apply by several people.

I've had the odd blip partly because the department isn't that well organised but am generally a good candidate. We have had a spate of bullying in the department - unconnected to me - but widely and loudly voiced and commented on, this makes me nervous.

I am now also shit scared about applying for the role but also the lack of work out there otherwise, I know that competition will be fierce/nigh on impossible for my type of role so central gov makes sense for now. I would possibly look into retraining but I do need a salary for that inbetween time, need to pay mortgage etc.

I did have 3 very good life/career coaching sessions with a family friend in early summer which was a great confidence boost.

Someone come and give me a kick up the bum re applying.

You haven't written down a single reason why you should be worried about your application for this job.

Just do it. You are overthinking it. Applying for the job does not (a) mean you are committing to taking it if offered (b) mean you have to stay in the job for life (c) stop you looking for other opportunities. I'd see applying for the permanent role as just a way of keeping your options open and hopefully gaining some job security while you think about your next move.

If you are happy to stay in central government/civil service but aren't sure about your current department, once you are confirmed in role through fair and open competition (if you aren't already), get yourself onto CS Jobs signed up as an internal candidate, there are loads of new roles coming on every day at EO/HEO level - yes there tends to be competition particularly in some parts of the country/popular departments but sounds like you'd be an excellent candidate, you have 3 years + experience and clearly your current department are keen to keep you, so if at any point you want a change I wouldn't have thought it should be that difficult to find another similar job...

@maxelly

Just do it. You are overthinking it. Applying for the job does not (a) mean you are committing to taking it if offered (b) mean you have to stay in the job for life (c) stop you looking for other opportunities. I'd see applying for the permanent role as just a way of keeping your options open and hopefully gaining some job security while you think about your next move.

If you are happy to stay in central government/civil service but aren't sure about your current department, once you are confirmed in role through fair and open competition (if you aren't already), get yourself onto CS Jobs signed up as an internal candidate, there are loads of new roles coming on every day at EO/HEO level - yes there tends to be competition particularly in some parts of the country/popular departments but sounds like you'd be an excellent candidate, you have 3 years + experience and clearly your current department are keen to keep you, so if at any point you want a change I wouldn't have thought it should be that difficult to find another similar job...

Thank you. I need that reality check.

I know I'm not (a), (b) and (c) reasons - I know I can leave down the line etc.

Definitely the permanent role is keeping options open and gaining job security.

I forgot to mention - I spoke to someone the other day who mentioned down the line if I wanted to do this Business Management roles within this department would be a good onwards step but I will get myself onto CS jobs pronto and get applying.

@yeOldeTrout

You haven't written down a single reason why you should be worried about your application for this job.

Yep I know, I'm just overthinking! Thanks!