Which job to go for?

[Tranquilitybaby]

Like buses, nothing for a while then two offers come along at once!

I’m struggling to decide which to go for - both part jobs - would appreciate any advice as I can’t seem to make a decision, as I’m torn, pros and cons for each.

JOB 1 - 16 hours a week - NHS ward clerk (part of the hours is a long night shift, the other a 5 hour morning shift) local hospital on the post natal ward which is an area I’ve always wanted to work in, Would need to travel by car/bus and it’s 30-45 mins.

JOB 2 - 16 hours - receptionist in a private veterinary clinic. Each shift is 8 hours long, two days a week. Local and walkable.

My heart says the hospital role, it’s the ward I’ve always wanted to be involved with, my head the vets as it’s easier being local, although actually the hours are more of a pain tbh with juggling school runs than the hospital job. But no travel issues etc. I’d be home very quickly after finishing.

Both same pay (min wage I believe, waiting for confirmation)

I’ve read some threads tonight saying avoid working for the NHS right now - is it really that bad?

My heads spinning, thanks reading my waffle.

It's hard when this happens, isn't it?
I can't comment on working for the NHS or vet clinic but can see the shift patterns are ver different? Which will fit better with your life/ future life? Also are you interested in progression?

I would avoid the NHS. Even the pandemic the culture was very bad. I have heard some real horror stories of how badly staff can be treated (managers screaming and shouting at them for example) - this was through working closely with NHS staff through my job. Sure it's not like that everywhere but you won't know until you start. I would never take an NHS job having heard the stories. I imagine it can only be worse given the additional stress and pressure they are all under.

Yes very different hours - I like that the bulk of the nhs one is a night shift as I’m covered with the children as DH will be here.

The bet one covers the school runs which we currently share, so not quite as flexible but very local, walkable in fact.

I’m not really thinking progression right now I admit, just need something to bring some extra hours in. But the post natal ward is somewhere I’d love to work and I’d like to think maybe less stressful than somewhere like A&E for example.

I’m totally torn right now, as alway pros and cons for both. I have a trial day next week for job 2 so at least I can see if I like it. I may feel differently after that.

*vet

I'd go for the NHS one. If your heart is in that line of work I would follow it. Either you like it and it helps you shape your career where you want to go, or you realise it is not the right environment and then at least you know.

Also I don't think the experience can be universally bad... i know a couple where one half has worked for the NHS for years and the other has just started training to be a nurse.

NHS. I work for NHS and I have a friend who works as a receptionist for a private vets. Can't even compare the benefits.

The NHS might not be ideal organisation to work for but in a part time ward clerk capacity I say it would be very reasonable. You are talking about a secure job, good pension, excellent annual leave and sick leave. Job for life if you want it.

Cant you do both?

2, but I much prefer animals to people

NHS sounds more challenging and interesting and more scope for personal development

Is the money better?

Vet job sounds more
Practical if you have little kids but it sounds kinda dull and also i bet the
Money is crap.

You cant really progress from there

As long as the hours work for you and the commute isn’t going to be a massive hassle, then the NHS one sounds like it will give you more options and is in an area you are passionate about so the time will fly by. I can imagine the vet one being pretty dull if it’s not something you’re interested in, and won’t have much progression opportunity. Follow your passion!

I would go for the second job because I don't get on well with nightshift and just one a week would cost me 2 days realistically. The day before the night I would be trying to minimise what I did so I could have a nap in the afternoon and the day after I would be trying to sleep but not really managing well. In fact it could spill over into a 3rd day because if I did sleep the day after nightshift I would struggle to sleep that night so be feeling a bit crap the next day too.

Have you compared T & Cs, in particular pension?

Personally I would go with the NHS as likely to be better benefits, the hours fit in better and most importantly you love this job.

You'll get enhanced pay for nhs night shift

Ultimately, if its adnin roles, you'll be doing the same things but in a different location but not really be anymore involved with maternity than you would veterinary practices iykwim.
So personally I'd take the venues out of the equation.

NHS has benefits re pension, but really this only applies if intending accruing a significant pension and being there for years.

So, to me, it comes down to shifts.
Yes night work means oh would be around, but also means you'd then come home and sleep which will cause havoc with your sleep cycle doing this once a week, for no financial gain (taking on board that night shifts are actually directly linked to health implications). And you'd still have to have oh do that morning's school runs if on weekday, plus I imagine the day of the shifts won't be set. So lacking consistency for the family and family time.

To me, the other job involves 2 consistent local shifts that won't impact family life, not impacted by rising petrol costs, local to the school if an issue, walkable etc. So given both are minimum wage, I'd be going for the job where you get the most money in your pocket which is the vets.

Plus, I know of more vets that have then trained staff if they've wished to move to nursing etc. Whereas the nhs really are not renowned for being great manager and employers concerned with their employees wellbeing and future.

Can you take both then see which one fits best?

Both jobs are minimum wage, vets def is, NHS has only stayed full time annual salary which I’m 99% sure works out to min wage.

I don’t believe the wage is higher for the night shift, nothing was mentioned for that.