New job: perm or contracting

[MirrorMirrorApplePie]

Ok, need random people of the internet to give me their thoughts (please and thank you!)…

Following a long notice period, I’m soon due to start a perm role at a globally renown company which is a new field for me. It’s a side step to my current (senior) position. Good package but awful reviews on glassdoor and only WFH 1 day a week. Line manager seems nice.

I knew all this when I accepted and I t’s the sensible option on paper.

Then today I saw a contract role at my old (before current job) company. Again it’s a global company so I don’t know the specific department but I do know the culture, ways of working etc. It’s remote, more money, 6 month contract but likely to extend. Role is again mostly a side step from current position.

Totally appreciate nice problem to have but eurgh - what would you do?? My head says stick to perm one but my heart is 100% on the contract one.

Sorry this is rambling but in case it helps paint the picture we may be TTC in a year or so.

A permanent job would be the most sensible decision given the possibility of needing Mat leave in a couple of years. However only you can decide on the importance of all the other aspects

Thanks @anniegun. The difference in take home would mean I could save enough to cover the mat leave which is a big driver for me (and why I accepted the perm role).

It’s a typical head v heart scenario that I’m (typically for me!) overthinking.

How well do you know the contracting company? At my work they have a lot of positions that come up as temp but keep being extended until eventually it's permanent. For other positions if it doesn't last beyond the temp period, you're already a step ahead of applicants for one of the many positions in other departments. Just having a foot in the door is enough to land a permanent job.

I'd go for the contract personally, providing the increase in salary is worth it. No real security for the first two years with a permanent job anyway

Why did you leave the company which is offering the contract role? Assuming it wasn't because you didn't like something about it, I'd be tempted to take the role you think you'll like esp if it's laying more albeit possibly shorter term. As someone else has said, nothing's that secure for the first two years anyway and you don't seem (understandably) that excited about the first role.

@GerbilCurse and @MilduraS - yes this is what I’m really thinking! I worked at the contract company both as a perm and contractor, but it’s massive (100k employees in uk, lots more globally) so don’t know the specific team.

I agree, perm isn’t the security it once was (have been through so many restructures lately!)… I think I’ll try and negotiate a longer contract to begin with (12 months off poss) then go from there. It’s a risk but sometimes you have to go with your gut!

… look out for my future post about PAYE or umbrella company

@GU24Mum thanks to you too!