Hi all, long time lurker but first time posting!
I have recently come back into employment after having chicken and being self employed for a few years. I decided it was time to come back to the workplace and have some financial security so I have a job in public sector on a fixed term contract (maternity cover).
Now part of me really wishes I never took a fixed term contract. The anxiety of what might happen at the end takes away from me focusing on the job itself and I hate feeling half the team but knowing that after June I won't be here. (There isn't a permanent position at the end of it in my department).
I have started to apply for some permanent positions in other departments and have been met with quite alot of negativity from my colleagues and manager. Some comments that they thought I would wait longer than 6 months in and that I may get a negative reference for leaving my fixed contract with 5 months left.
What's the done thing? I feel that I have no job security yet I'm under pressure to stay until the end of the contract and not apply for other suitable jobs in the meantime as they don't want me to leave early.
Am I being out of line? Should I wait longer and see what happens and leave on good terms but risk having no job at the end of it or should I look after myself and take whatever permanent position I feel is best regardless of how long is left?