New job, help!

LegacyUser

hi All, long story short I am currently working in an office job covering maternity leave. My official contract runs out this week but the girl i'm covering is taking extended mat leave and not coming back for another month and a half..
My boss said last week verbally that he would like to extend my contract to Christmas and then he may or may not have something for me after that... I said that was fine as I do like it here and I am a single mother so it will get me past Christmas which is always a hard time financially.
This morning my friend sent me a link for another job she found and this job would really suit me.
I have all the necessary background and experience for it so I put my cv forward and the girl rang me not long afterwards and asked when I'll be available for interview as they need someone to start within 2 to 3 weeks. Plus its quite a bit more money than what I'm on and its a 12 month contract!.
So, what would you do? I feel bad as my boss in my current job has been very fair with me and always honest about how long he expects my job to continue so I really hate to leave him in the lurch as it's a small but very busy office so I know he would really be under pressure if I did get this job.
I'm probably being presumptuous as I haven't actually got the job yet.
Should I lie and get time off to go to the interview or should I be honest with him?
I don't feel I can honestly pass up the chance of job security for 12 months whereas if I stay I "may or may not" be out of a job in January..
Would really appreciate your advice... thanks a lot

Corkgirl210

he was honest with you.. you be honest with him.. truth cant hurt you .. confusion and lies can...

im sure if he has any logic will understand that this is the norm for temps..
say it how it is.. you respect him for being honest and would like to return the honesty by advising him.. the sooner the better.. because at least you dont leave him in the lurch..

do unto others as you wish to be done to you... he might even want to hire you because you have shown him honesty and trust!

Dee01

This might not be popular, but I think I would take a days leave or arrange the interview after or between work hours.

If you do get the job and it is all you think it is (sometimes adverts can be misleading) I think I would take it. Its 12 months and its more money. Would there be any chance of the 12 month contract being extended?

iusedtoknow

I think honesty is the key here. I am a manager, and one of my contractors requested time off last week for an interview.

I appreciated his honesty. I am trying my hardest to keep him here, but if he has the shot at a perm position and could get it before I could guarantee him anything, then he's welcome to go. His contract runs out in December, and I am trying to get him perm after that, but it is not guaranteed. He like everyone wants stability.

I would be upfront but appreciative to your current manager.

Merkin

There are too many unknowns and variables at this stage. Say nothing whatsoever, go for interview and only say something when a firm job offer is in place but tell the new crowd that you have to give a weeks notice.Saying anything at this stage would be far too premature and you wouldn't be doing yourself any favours.

Rubylolz

Go to the interview for sure! then if you are successful and are hired, I'd tell your manager? a 12 month contract versus a 3 month contract? its a no-brainer... As you said your a single Mom so I'm sure 12 mths of stability in employment would be really beneficial to you. Be honest and decent to your current employer (i.e. work your notice) however, you have to look out for your own needs in the long term. Best of luck in the interview

LegacyUser

Hi All, thanks a mil for your replies. I was going to tell him but wait a while until I get offered a firm interview date but he must have sensed something!
This morning when I went in he had written up a letter for me to sign extending my current contract until Christmas.
Can I sign this contract and still give a weeks notice if I do get the other job or will I be tied to it?
If not I am probably going to have to tell him if he's looking for a signature from me asap.

thanks for your help!

dearg lady

well, what is the notice period in the contract, that is what you would have to give.

Rubylolz

If you get paid weekly then a weeks notice is sufficient as far as I know?