Reply to: Interesting dilema

[stek]

It's 'dilemma'....

[Drewster]

.... stuff....

Shirley you don't have to "decide" yet..... you can put off signing any extension for a while (even say you are waiting for confirmation of other opportunities if you want to).... until the NHS thing actually provides something "real"........ once you get it on paper then you decide... explain to current Client, "better offer, closer to home blah blah, hope to do business again in future"......

[the_duderama]

Done some work with the NHS, and I've had a number of friends work with them or for them.

As I'm sure you're aware there are a lot of issues with CfH and the like, and wouldn't assume it'd be any less stressfull. A private company would either just write a fault off as "tulip happens" or try to learn for it, it seems that the culutre at the NHS is to find a goat to scape and then get rid of, hence a lot of blame games and the like.

I have worked with other public sector organisations and whilst the politcal stuff is often worse than the private sector, within the NHS it seems really bad.

Having said that I'd still take the 12 months for the stability, you have no guarantee that you will able to step into another contract even with the SC, but don't assume the NHS would be any eaiser.

[northernladuk]

[*Waits for flood of PM's!*]

Yeah them pesky Project Managers, everywhere you turn there is one of em, little blighters.

[Mustang]

Latest update

The current gig have offered a 3 month extension, current contract ends in April. They have also said they have increased budget approved until December to cover further extensions.

On the other hand, the NHS roll has also said they want me to start in May but as yet I have not seen any paperwork. That would take me round till next May.

I have decided I want to take the NHS role since it would give a better work/life balance. Little Mustang is driving Mrs M up the wall at present and I need to be around.

I am now trying to decide how to keep up the current contract until the NHS role is in writing and start dates confirmed without acting unprofessionally to the current client.

Any suggestions?!

Watch this space - I may be looking to invoke my substituition clause.....!! [*Waits for flood of PM's!*]

[MarillionFan]

As northernlad says. 12 month, close to home,public sector

no brainer

[Pogle]

Please explain how this is interesting?

My twopence worth - Working closer to home will always come first for me, sadly its not been possible for about 3 years now!
I've worked in the NHS too and yes it was VERY frustrating, but I did manage to make some difference and change a few things and I found that rewarding.

You may find that the decision is taken for you and only get offered one of the roles, but good luck in wherever you do

[kknandoo]

If I were you, eyes closed will sign the 12 month contract.

[wantacontract]

Two options:

1. NHS - If you get in, then you're set for many a year contracting in there, albeit lower rates but with quite a clique going.....more security / boredom / less stress / more family time...

2. Current role - you know they only have three more months, so you got to ask yourself do you feel lucky to secure another role somewhere else after....there are a lot of competition out there.....

By the sounds of it, your warchest has taken a battering, so you should go for option 1.

If it was me, because my war chest is still ok, I would go for option 2.

[Mustang]

Please explain how this is interesting?

If you have to ask, you clerly wouldn't understand the reply!!

[Jeebo72]

After quite a long period on the bench, I landed a contract back in January. It was only a 3 monther, rate was fine and the work was going to be interesting (potentially). The great thing was that they were willing to sponsor me for SC clearance.

I started and things have been going well, the Client co is disorganised and chaotic but the people are good to work with and I am making a difference and getting positive feedback. Work has been intense due to the nature of the project and they certainly have been getting their pound of flesh! As the 3 months ticks by I have found out that they have only budgeted for a contractor for potentially 3 more months and want to hand over the role to a permie, despite having no permie available.

In view of the above, I have carried on looking and found a new role. The commute would be better, would avoid having nights away each week but the rate is less. Generally better for the family. The great plus is that they are offering a 12 month contract. It's within the NHS which I feel would broaden my experience/CV. I am waiting for them to get back to me with final details and confirm the offer in writing.

With the NHS opportunity I am getting concerned as to whether I can put up with the NHS/public sector mentality. The improved family life and "security" of a longer contract would be great (as the war chest has taken a severe battering) but the excitement of the current role is tempting and reluctant to lose the SC clearance now I have it.

NHS experience vs SC clearance. 3months at higher rate vs 12 months at lower rate? Which would you chose? Bear in mind, neither is in writing yet.....

Please explain how this is interesting?

[BolshieBastard]

After quite a long period on the bench, I landed a contract back in January. It was only a 3 monther, rate was fine and the work was going to be interesting (potentially). The great thing was that they were willing to sponsor me for SC clearance.

I started and things have been going well, the Client co is disorganised and chaotic but the people are good to work with and I am making a difference and getting positive feedback. Work has been intense due to the nature of the project and they certainly have been getting their pound of flesh! As the 3 months ticks by I have found out that they have only budgeted for a contractor for potentially 3 more months and want to hand over the role to a permie, despite having no permie available.

In view of the above, I have carried on looking and found a new role. The commute would be better, would avoid having nights away each week but the rate is less. Generally better for the family. The great plus is that they are offering a 12 month contract. It's within the NHS which I feel would broaden my experience/CV. I am waiting for them to get back to me with final details and confirm the offer in writing.

With the NHS opportunity I am getting concerned as to whether I can put up with the NHS/public sector mentality. The improved family life and "security" of a longer contract would be great (as the war chest has taken a severe battering) but the excitement of the current role is tempting and reluctant to lose the SC clearance now I have it.

NHS experience vs SC clearance. 3months at higher rate vs 12 months at lower rate? Which would you chose? Bear in mind, neither is in writing yet.....

Depends whether you see yourself as a rate chaser or quality of life is more important.

TBH, a 12 month contract is better than a 3 monther even if the rate is less. SC is good to have but, can you be certain you'll get another SC role in 12 months?

I know which I'd choose.

[northernladuk]

The improved family life and "security" of a longer contract would be great

This is the key line for me. The rest pales in to insignificance next to this in my book but guess it would be different of people with different circumstances.

Firstly yes there maybe cuts in the NHS blah blah blah... Please point me in the direction of an industry/role that isn't in a similar situation. You are just as safe here as anywhere in my opinion. The rest of the world is falling appart as well not just the NHS.

Once your in your in with the NHS, if you have previous experience just as many doors open as with SC, if not more and NHS do use SC so not impossible to have it transfered.

NHS might be boring and a tad frustrating but family life and security are much more important that a couple of boring months.

In the past I have stayed at shorter interesting one and forgone the longer and also vice versa where I turned down a longer one in favour of a fun client. IMO this is a no brainer. 1 year isnt going to kill you, the interesting jobs will always be out there and hopefull when you pop out of the NHS the market will be much more boyant and fun..

HTH

[lje]

As mentioned earlier I do think you should take seriously the possibility that the NHS will be cutting back on the current level of IT spend. It seems very likely to me.

[TykeMerc]

This belief that having SC clearance is a guarantee of getting gigs is incorrect, BTW.

Absolutely true, but it's a handy thing to have if the right gig does turn up.