Permanent V Contract work dilemma

Ginger Ninja

Hi all,

Need some advice/opinions on a situation I find myself in at the moment.

I have been employed in a permanent capacity in a small company for 10 years. The recession, like many other companies, has affected us pretty badly, there have been pay freezes in place for about 6 years now & all benefits have been cut (healthcare, employer pension contributions, educational sudsidies etc). As a seperate issue, as it's a small company there is little room for promotion or career development leaving me feeling stuck in a rut, this is something which has been on my mind over the last few years.

I was recently placed on a 3 day week and so started evaluating my options. I have been offerred a new job which is initially a 9 month fixed term contract but could lead to a permanent position at the end. The salary is higher, it offers benefits and is in a different industry and a different role to my current position so would definitely provide a challenge.

A few other factors to consider: I do have a mortgage with a family member (I pay half). I don't have a partner or children to provide for. And of course if I stayed with my current employer and the worst happened I would be entitled to redundancy.

Advice/opinions on what to do appreciated!

smallerthanyou

I left permanent for contract 15 months ago. Was in your position apart from the mortgage. After initial 12months got another 12. there should be more after that too. I suppose if in your shoes I'd consider what industry and area and how confident you are of getting the contract extended. If the worst came to the worst in 9 months would this experience give you a good chance of gettin a new job?

Could you save the wage difference to give you a buffer if that happened?

I've had good experience with my contract so I would recommending going for it instead of stagnating on a 3 day week.