Hi all
I have just reached 20 years in adult social care. In that time I have mainly worked for one council - but I have worked in different teams - hospital discharge, community rehab, adults who have a learning disability and older persons care. I’ve slowly worked my way up to Team Manager and now Service Manager which I have done for 3 years.
I manage a service of approx 50 staff. It’s very stressful at times. But it is flexible allowing for home working and school drop off/collection. It’s really local and convenient so travel is only 30 mins.
I am generally just really tired of local government politics and issues such as constant budget cuts. Plus lots of changes in structures/reorganisation it is constant.
I have seen cycles of senior management teams come and go - either forced out or voluntary redundancy. I think my manager - the only one who is remaining after the last round of restructure who has knowledge of the last 6 years is due to go because it does not appear there is a role for her now.
I am heading to that level where I will be next probably within 3 years - I’ll be the next level.
I’ve seen some managers treated really badly and fear that I am heading in that direction.
I was hoping to reach 30 years so that I could have built up a decent pension pot. But I don’t think I’ll last. I’ve been working hard at overpaying on the mortgage to have it paid off in 10 Yrs so that I could choose to take time out if I get really hacked off. But I really don’t think I’ll last another 10 yrs.
I feel I get paid a decent salary for what I do although I work about 50 ish hours a week but only contracted for 37 hrs. But with the employers pension contributions it’s adds on about £10,000 a year.
If I move to another council it will be the same budget/funding issues and same reorganisation issues. Also the commute will be further/longer.
I could leave and be an agency worker as I would get paid a higher rate for the basic job. But no pension contribution and its unpredictable and no security. But would be good to try out other councils.
Has anyone been in a similar position within Local Government? Did you take a risk a branch out to something different? Is it worth sticking with it to feed the pension pot?