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Original poster

Leave NHS job?

30 replies

MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 12:33

I'm a RMN and work in a ward environment. Feeling burnt out and have thought for a while about leaving the NHS.

I used to work for a mental health charity and see they are advertising. I was so much happier there and have thought about applying again and doing bank work at my trust. But it would mean leaving the NHS and possible opportunities there, but surely I can reapply in the future?

I sometimes feel it would be a step backwards in my career if I were to leave my trust full time and I should just perservere but I feel going back to my charity job would make me happier, less stressed and safer. But I would also feel I would missing out by leaving as I left my charity job for better opportunities. Not sure if it would be better in the long run - decisions decisions!!

Any advice / similar experiences appreciated!

OP posts:
Aweebitpainful · 18/03/2023 12:40

Leaving the NHS was the best thing I did for my mental health. I am now self employed.

Write a list of pros and cons and make an informed decision for you.

HappyHamsters · 18/03/2023 12:49

Personally I would take the charity job, there will be career opportunities there too. Do they have up to date training and personal development plans. Then I would do just specials or escort bank shifts in your NHS Trust to keep up with the NHS pension. Of course you can reapply to the NHS in the future if you want.

CoffeeWithCheese · 18/03/2023 13:10

Personally I'd hang fire until I saw what was happening with these pay lump sums as I'd be annoyed if I moved post and lost out on those... then I'd move if it was going to make me happier. I probably personally wouldn't because I like my Trust, colleagues and the service user group I work with I would struggle to get to work with in another role - but that's different people with different circumstances.

Sunshineandrainbow · 18/03/2023 13:38

CoffeeWithCheese · 18/03/2023 13:10

Personally I'd hang fire until I saw what was happening with these pay lump sums as I'd be annoyed if I moved post and lost out on those... then I'd move if it was going to make me happier. I probably personally wouldn't because I like my Trust, colleagues and the service user group I work with I would struggle to get to work with in another role - but that's different people with different circumstances.

Do you know that people who leave now would not get the lump sum? Even if they have worked for the year it reflects 22/23?
I say this as someone who has applied to leave the NHS after 20 plus years there!

Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 14:57

Aweebitpainful · 18/03/2023 12:40

Leaving the NHS was the best thing I did for my mental health. I am now self employed.

Write a list of pros and cons and make an informed decision for you.

Thank you. Yes, I will definitely write a pros and cons list. Thank you xx

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:01

HappyHamsters · 18/03/2023 12:49

Personally I would take the charity job, there will be career opportunities there too. Do they have up to date training and personal development plans. Then I would do just specials or escort bank shifts in your NHS Trust to keep up with the NHS pension. Of course you can reapply to the NHS in the future if you want.

Yes so much training and development within the charity organisation. I was sitting here wondering how I would work out the pension and keep it going as I currently only pay contributions on my permanent post so I could change that to my bank one. Thanks 😀

I was looking to have two pensions so will restart my one at the charity post if I were to go for it and get it.

OP posts:
BungleandGeorge · 18/03/2023 15:04

Hospitals are a very small part of the nhs, could you work for another nhs employer, related organisation? It’s difficult to suggest without knowing what you do. Ultimately go where you’re happiest!

Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:04

CoffeeWithCheese · 18/03/2023 13:10

Personally I'd hang fire until I saw what was happening with these pay lump sums as I'd be annoyed if I moved post and lost out on those... then I'd move if it was going to make me happier. I probably personally wouldn't because I like my Trust, colleagues and the service user group I work with I would struggle to get to work with in another role - but that's different people with different circumstances.

I see what you are saying but at the same time I am in different circumstances. I'm miserable to be honest and am so exhausted that I struggle coming home to my family and want to be in bed at 7pm! The way i feel right now, they can keep their lump sum as I am unhappy.

OP posts:
Aweebitpainful · 18/03/2023 15:08

If you see that miserable and it's work causing it then you need to go in my opinion. Life's far too short

Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:08

Sunshineandrainbow · 18/03/2023 13:38

Do you know that people who leave now would not get the lump sum? Even if they have worked for the year it reflects 22/23?
I say this as someone who has applied to leave the NHS after 20 plus years there!

Show quote history

Do you mind if I ask if you are leaving for the same reasons?
I dunno how it would work as the way i see it, it is your entitlement as you worked for it. Can they legally wiyhold it just because you left after that period? I'd say it's a question to go to your union with.

OP posts:
Aweebitpainful · 18/03/2023 15:08

Sorry that should have said "if you are that miserable"

Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:09

BungleandGeorge · 18/03/2023 15:04

Hospitals are a very small part of the nhs, could you work for another nhs employer, related organisation? It’s difficult to suggest without knowing what you do. Ultimately go where you’re happiest!

Thank you ❤️

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:09

Aweebitpainful · 18/03/2023 15:08

If you see that miserable and it's work causing it then you need to go in my opinion. Life's far too short

Thank you.

OP posts:
Techno56 · 18/03/2023 15:12

I left the NHS months ago and haven't looked back. It was 10 years of under staffing and pressure and I had had enough even though I absolutely adored the field I worked in and the people.

Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:16

Techno56 · 18/03/2023 15:12

I left the NHS months ago and haven't looked back. It was 10 years of under staffing and pressure and I had had enough even though I absolutely adored the field I worked in and the people.

Yeah there is some aspects that I would miss and some people. Did you carry on with the pension? Xxx

OP posts:
Techno56 · 18/03/2023 15:45

MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:16

Yeah there is some aspects that I would miss and some people. Did you carry on with the pension? Xxx

Show quote history

I moved to the local authority where the pension is as good/better. So I've joined that one and left my NHS one as it is without any further contribution. No one was willing to advise me whether moving thr NHS one to the LA one was a good idea so I've just left it where it is.

Sunriseinwonderland · 18/03/2023 15:48

I've worked in the NHS for 41 years. When I was younger I was stressed out of my box but as I've got older I'm never stressed, I have more experience now and don't sweat the small stuff.
I wouldn't leave personally because I'm quite a high grade and also the NHS pension. It does get better.

Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 16:08

Sunriseinwonderland · 18/03/2023 15:48

I've worked in the NHS for 41 years. When I was younger I was stressed out of my box but as I've got older I'm never stressed, I have more experience now and don't sweat the small stuff.
I wouldn't leave personally because I'm quite a high grade and also the NHS pension. It does get better.

I personally don't see it getting better. Been there 10 years, 13 if you count being a student. I have moved around too. That hospital is getting worse not better.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 16:09

Techno56 · 18/03/2023 15:45

I moved to the local authority where the pension is as good/better. So I've joined that one and left my NHS one as it is without any further contribution. No one was willing to advise me whether moving thr NHS one to the LA one was a good idea so I've just left it where it is.

Show quote history

At least your pension is still there. It is a big decision to make and only I can make it.

OP posts:
Sunshineandrainbow · 18/03/2023 19:42

MrsC20 · 18/03/2023 15:08

Do you mind if I ask if you are leaving for the same reasons?
I dunno how it would work as the way i see it, it is your entitlement as you worked for it. Can they legally wiyhold it just because you left after that period? I'd say it's a question to go to your union with.

Show quote history

I work in community rehab and I feel I have lost my motivation for it so feel its time for a change as I have 20 years plus left to work and possibly longer as live in rented.
As a lower band worker the lump sum would help me massively but don't want to miss an opportunity either. Tough one to be honest.

Sunshineandrainbow · 18/03/2023 19:45

Techno56 · 18/03/2023 15:45

I moved to the local authority where the pension is as good/better. So I've joined that one and left my NHS one as it is without any further contribution. No one was willing to advise me whether moving thr NHS one to the LA one was a good idea so I've just left it where it is.

Show quote history

I was wondering about the pension too. Would probably do the same as you.
Actually I would keep my second (evening) nhs job so would still be paying into nhs pension anyway. Its my full time job I want to change.

bubbles2023 · 18/03/2023 20:13

I left an nhs clinical role a few years ago (though for relocation reasons). I was really worried but now work for a social enterprise and the work/ life balance and just general variety of work is better. I think it need to do what's going to make you happy.

Newjumper2023 · 18/03/2023 20:24

I would look at other opportunities within the nhs first because of the benefits of long service/pension/sick pay etc. But then if nothing suitable I would consider leaving.
I moved to continuing health care when I was getting bullied on a stressful ward. It was the best thing I did.

Motorina · 18/03/2023 22:50

I left in the autumn. I had all the worries you did - pension, security. Plus I'd been in the NHS my whole career, and it felt like part of my identity. It was a huge leap of faith but, honestly, I realised I was hanging on for the pension, and I'm too young for that.

I could not be happier. So so glad I made the leap.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

shewhomustbeEbayed · 19/03/2023 11:03

I am an RMN and was very burnt out working as a CPN in the community with very chronic patients, I ended up going off with stress after having to cover for another CPN on long term sick.
I couldn’t face returning to that position and was lucky enough to be redeployed into a new service my Trust were starting, as an Admiral Nurse supporting the family carers of people with dementia. Best job I’ve ever had as dealing with carers rather than people who are mentally ill and I can make a real difference.
Can you see what other roles are available within your Trust ?
💐 all the best, I know how it feels.