right time to change jobs?

[bednobs]

Hi, as you may know i am since last week off from my job on maternity leave (my baby died shortly after birth)
Anyway, i have seen a job that might suit me very well. It's a job in the NHS and i work for the NHS now (although i work for the PCT and the job is in a hospital) Its a small area we work in, and i have heard that the present person is not leaving till the end of august, though the closing date is 6th June.
I am trying to work out if it would be the right thing for me to do to apply. I think if i was in more normal circumstances i would, but to be honest, i'm not entirely sure when i'll be ready to go back to work (bearing in mind i need to have a knee replacement now too)
To add to things, as i work for the pct, i wont have a secure job in the next few months, but there is something comforting about the thought of going back to work with people who know me and will treat me nicely
Thoughts and advice would be appreciated

[I.Don No]

go for it girl!

It can't hurt to apply and find out more about the job because even if you are offered it you don;t have to take it....apply now and then you have time to think whether to take up any offer of an interview.

good luck whichever path you chose!

[scotman]

I would go for it as well. Even if it is only for interview practice. If you can get someone to offer you a job that you don't actually want then you've cracked it.

[anneasquith]

its a difficult one, bednobs.are you having your surgery before returning to work ? giving you circumstances i think going back to a workplace where collegues know you and will,im sure be supportive may be the best for you, they will also be aware of your medical problems. where a new employer may not be so understanding if you require time off/further surgery. on the other hand you may see a new job as a challenge, more positions may well come up at a later date. what is PCT? is OH back at work ?

[bednobs]

he is on pat leave at the moment and will go back on the 6th june

[albaqwerty]

anne it's Primary Care Trust (I've no idea what these nice people do tho)

[anneasquith]

i hope you are both spoiling each other, ie no housework,long soaks in the bath, takeaway food, only answer the phone if you want, and duvet days :)

[bimbo123456]

Without sound callous, are you sure your maternity leave continues? It seems that, if it doesn't, then the sick leave from your old job is more likely to encompass the upcoming operation. Having said that if you are really unhappy in your work then go for it!

[anneasquith]

oh, forgot to say, a wee glass of wine and lots of chocolate ! hi alba.

[woofgang]

Are you saying if you got the job, you might not be able to start in August? If you do apply for the job, can I suggest that you be absolutely upfront with your circumstances? (not that I am suggesting that you wouldn't)

[bednobs]

yes, i suppose i am saying i might not be ready to start in august i think - i have no idea how i'll feel tomorrow, next week, next month.
It dosen't sound callous re mat leave, and yes i am entitled to all the benefits you get if your baby survives (i can actually have up to a year off)
however, although its still nhs i'm not entirely sure that it counts as the same (eg i have to go back for 3 months after mat leave or pay the money back)

[karenmac60]

It's a tough one Bednobs. As you say, the comfort of going back where they know you could be what you really need, but then maybe a fresh start could be good for you too. I suppose it boils down to how you really feel about your current job. If you've been there a long time, maybe it's not a challenge anymore and you might feel in a rut. Or maybe you love it but just feel you SHOULD try for something else. As others have said, there is no harm applying and then seeing how you feel if you are offered it - there's no obligation to take it. x

[woofgang]

How can i put this nicely? If i were interviewing and had loads of applicants and one said they might not be able to start at the time they were needed, well they'd have to be a totally stellar candidate and the only stellar candidate in the bunch. I am really really not saying don't go for it but please don't get your hopes up for this one...

[bednobs]

sure, i understand that, thanks

[China Doll]

I would apply. I see what woof is saying and I think agree with her. However, I also think that given that you don't know how your own head will be doing that if you are offered the job, you'll have to properly mull it over. I can see a comfort in going where people know you and treat you well but I also can see the freedom of going where no one knows if that makes sense. Just do it and see what happens. As you say, you don't know how you're going to be feeling so why not give yourself options and possible decisions to make rather than not doing it and then wondering.

[bednobs]

thanks for your answers. I think i will apply and see. As i am probably going to be made redundant this year, practice at interview (if i get one) and brushing up the CV won't hurt

[radiogaga]

Hello Bednobs, so sorry about your son, i had a stillborn son my first born, a long time ago, he was my only boy.
id stay where you are regarding the job situ. i think you said it all....."there is something comforting about the thought of going back to work with the people who know you and treat you nicely".