Temporary posts

[sm2012]

I've seen a position I'm really interested in but it's a fixed term maternity cover role for one year. Alongside this I've just accepted a new job and handed in my notice at my current job!
Really tempted to apply for the temporary role and see what happens as it's something I'd really like to move into so would give me the experience and skills to apply for similar roles. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, about applying for/accepting a temporary post and leaving a permanent one?

An upside of temp v perm is that you can move into a role to try it out for a period of time and get the experience on your CV.

Permanent roles come with greater benefits and potentially more stability but there are no guarantees in life.

If you've only just accepted a permanent role, but you're not 100% sure it's right, then there's no harm throwing your hat in the ring for the mat leave contract. If leaving your current role means you will walk away from 2+ years employment history then you need to think carefully whether you're willing to sacrifice that for a temp contract.

Thanks for your reply @daisychain01.

I know, it's all a bit of a mess at the moment. I do want a change but the position I'm moving to isn't a promotion more a sideways move which I hope will add bits to my CV for a move upwards in 2-5 years.

It's frustrating that the temp job is a temp job (!) as it's what I would want to do longer term

I have done a number of maternity contracts and on each occasion I've ended up with a permanent role. Either because the person has decided not to return or another role has been offered to me. Obviously there's no guarantees though.

Something to consider - a temp maternity cover isn't always temp. When I was on my first mat leave - I was offered the chance to move into a new position and my mat cover stayed on.

He impressed and they wanted to keep him on and I was really happy to get a new role. Win win.

So if financially you can risk looking for another job in 12 months - go for the temp position to get the experience.

Wish I had a crystal ball! I'm tempted to apply for the temporary position and see what happens. If I don't get any further then I can carry on with the permanent post I'm due to start in May but if I do I can make decisions at that point. It would be a great way to get some relevant experience, but I'm apprehensive about potentially not having a job next year especially the way things are at the moment.