Leaving a permanent role for a fixed-term contract

[LelloBlankie]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a job dilemma and I'd really like to get some opinions, if that's OK. I am currently in a permanent role and have been here since the start of the year. I'm finding it difficult settling in and often demoralising, mainly because of a lack of processes in place, but the salary is good and it's permanent, so I have some stability.

A role has come up with an organisation I've wanted to work for for ages. My skills and experience cross over really well, and I know this organisation from some (very) part-time work I've done with them previously. They seem to be great employers, and on LinkedIn all of their employees seem to have been with them for many years, often decades. However, this new role is fixed-term for 18 months.

Salaries are the same, but benefits with the second role are much better - far better pension, better maternity package (DP and I are starting to talk about DC, I'm late 20s) and ten days' more holiday. However, I'm wondering whether it is a good idea to apply for the fixed-term role and potentially leave a permanent one. I'd be hopeful of getting a permanent role at the new organisation in time, because of the size of the organisation and also the apparent longevity of the staff, but I know it's a risk to make the jump. I've asked the recruitment people and they've been clear that, while they do take on many fixed-term employees permanently, they can't guarantee anything at this stage.

So as not to drip-feed, I was actually offered a job with this organisation a year ago but I wasn't able to take it because of my circumstances, which I was completely gutted about. I've wanted to work for them for some years now, in a full-time and ideally permanent capacity, and I don't know whether to wait for a permanent role to come up or to take this opportunity and see what happens.

What would you do?

I've done this before as it was the only way i could get into the area i wanted to. I ended up being very lucky as my post was maternity cover but then the person didn't come back so I was made full time. 18 months is a good time to start looking for other posts if you feel you wouldn't be able to stay, but in the interview you could ask how feasible they feel it is that the job would become permanent after that time or the potential to move to other roles within.

Do it

Ooh thank you both, I was really expecting to get replies saying I'd be daft to give up a permanent role! @Ewan83 I'm really glad it worked out for you! Thank you both

I would take the job. A year's a long way away from now. How long could you afford to be out of work if necessary? Is there a possibility of self-employed contract type work later?

Do it! I've done this several times, even once I've had the kids and loads more commitment. 18 months is a really good run and will put you in a great position to do something better suited even if you don't get your contract extended.

I guess it depends on turnover in your field? I've twice taken 12 month mat leave posts and either been converted to permanent or easily found work after