Hilary
There's always something new to learn!
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2000
- Messages
- 6,483
I may have the chance to switch jobs in the next few weeks but am still trying to weigh up the pros and cons of sticking with the current one 
I've been working part-time in local government for the past 14 years, starting with just a few hours and increasing to roughly half-time. I more or less fell into the job initially (right place, right time, etc.) and the job suited me very well in the early years as it was very convenient for childcare / home committments, and it's been great that I've managed to increase my hours a little as those committments have changed. However, it's not something I actively want to continue doing until I retire, although I wouldn't hate it. I am curently on secondment into a different post in the same department and am enjoying the change, although it's due to end in a few weeks anyway. There may be a possibility of a permanent post here in a few months time, but I don't know what chance I'd stand of getting it if I applied. So, at the moment, once the secondment ends, I'll be back in my old post.
Over the last few years I've applied for a couple of things that appealed to me, but not been successful
. I've also tried for promotion within my current field but that's also been unsuccessful and I can't see much chance of that changing 
.
Meanwhile ... for about 18 months I've been doing some freelance work elsewhere, on and off, in addition to my 'proper' job and now have the opportunity to apply for a more permanent contract there. Obviously nothing's guaranteed, but I think I stand quite a good chance of getting the post. I would be able to choose my hours from anything between half time and full time, and the job description has been written around the work I've been doing for the past 6 months. Trouble is, do I want it?
If I'm successful, and if I accept, I'd be leaving a secure, fairly mundane job with only a vague prospect of change until I retire (14 years hence) for something short term (2 year project) and an unknown future after that contract ends.
The new job would be better paid (although we're not talking huge sums!) and I could choose my hours, but I'd have higher travelling expenses and slightly less holiday entitlement.
Any thoughts?
sorry this has turned into such a long post!
I've been working part-time in local government for the past 14 years, starting with just a few hours and increasing to roughly half-time. I more or less fell into the job initially (right place, right time, etc.) and the job suited me very well in the early years as it was very convenient for childcare / home committments, and it's been great that I've managed to increase my hours a little as those committments have changed. However, it's not something I actively want to continue doing until I retire, although I wouldn't hate it. I am curently on secondment into a different post in the same department and am enjoying the change, although it's due to end in a few weeks anyway. There may be a possibility of a permanent post here in a few months time, but I don't know what chance I'd stand of getting it if I applied. So, at the moment, once the secondment ends, I'll be back in my old post.
Over the last few years I've applied for a couple of things that appealed to me, but not been successful
. I've also tried for promotion within my current field but that's also been unsuccessful and I can't see much chance of that changing .Meanwhile ... for about 18 months I've been doing some freelance work elsewhere, on and off, in addition to my 'proper' job and now have the opportunity to apply for a more permanent contract there. Obviously nothing's guaranteed, but I think I stand quite a good chance of getting the post. I would be able to choose my hours from anything between half time and full time, and the job description has been written around the work I've been doing for the past 6 months. Trouble is, do I want it?
If I'm successful, and if I accept, I'd be leaving a secure, fairly mundane job with only a vague prospect of change until I retire (14 years hence) for something short term (2 year project) and an unknown future after that contract ends.
The new job would be better paid (although we're not talking huge sums!) and I could choose my hours, but I'd have higher travelling expenses and slightly less holiday entitlement.
Any thoughts?
sorry this has turned into such a long post!
Good Luck in whatever you decide 
So many variables only you may know about. Taking a chance on a new opportunity if only for 2 years, sounds appealing, but not if you'll be on beans on toast at the end of it 
I doubt that, but you know what I mean.
), but I think you've made the right choice. I know you were overlooked for promotion recently and I'm convinced that selection processes are illogically and stupidly skewed in favour of outside candidates. I know I'd stand a much greater chance of achieving 'promotion' by applying to a competitor organisation than I do within the company for which I've worked for 26 years. I do a really good job for my employer, but they'd rather take on someone about whom they know nothing than promote me because the assessment process is fundamentally flawed. I'm frequently approached by head-hunters who tell me they can furnish me with all the details of the assessment centres to which I'd be subjected. No wonder outside candidates come across better in interviews than I do - they've been able to prepare for the role plays, questions and presentations, whereas I have to go in totally blind! Crazy.
