Work conundrum

[Changingplace]

What would you do if you were me?

I’m currently on a fixed term contract in a role/organisation I enjoy (creative industries) for various budgeting and headcount reasons it’s unlikely to be made permanent, and it currently runs until just into the new year.

There’s a chance they could have freelance work after the contract ends, but that’s not guaranteed.

I’ve also got some other potential freelance work in the new year, in another creative/events role, the day rate is good, but it’s a bit of an unknown…

In the background, because all of this is quite uncertain, I’ve been applying for other permanent full time roles.

I’ve been offered something permanent, but lower salary & not creative, but still using my skillset in another way. It’s civil service so a good pension, which is a positive.

As it’s CS I’ve heard the recruitment process can be quite lengthy too, so potentially even if I accept it I wouldn’t start for ages.

I’m really torn on what to do! I’m torn between taking the stable, but potentially dull full time role or chancing it freelance doing something I think I’ll enjoy more, and would pay more - thoughts anyone??

Go for the job and see what happens.

think about what you want to achieve in your career.

If you're a creative type, Civil Service is unlikely to scratch your itch long term. You could invest time in the interview, and yes it is a drawn out process, then do it because you're willing to set aside the creative element of your skillset in exchange for longer term stability and security.

only you know what will bring you fulfilment. If your contract is due to end then at least you have a starting point.

think about what you want to achieve in your career

Its a good point, and the route the civil service job takes me in is more the long term role I’d like to get into, but I don’t think I’ll get much fulfilment from the day to day plus it’s not paying well so it’d have to feel like a much longer term career plan with the aim to move on fairly quickly, and I don’t know if that’s realistic.

I’ve already been offered it, I was on a reserve list for a different area and they came back and offered me an interview, which I’ve passed.

I probably wouldn’t have applied to the role off my own back, but here we are!

I’ve been applying for something permanent for a while and the job market is tough right now so I figured doing the interview was good experience for other civil service jobs but now they’ve offered me it.