Help: Should I go for this job

[rossk26]

I've been applying for a couple of jobs, and have received an offer for an interview, which regardless I will be going to. However I have a few anxieties over whether or not I should go for it (if offered the job).

My current role is an IT manager in a GP practice which I have held for 2 years, it's been good, however it's getting quite boring now, and there is no progression with the current employers. But there is certainly progression if I were to move to another employer, as my goal was to become a practice manager, which I have also applied for (waiting to hear back).

This job I have been offered an interview for is moving back to the NHS as an Information Systems Analyst. The work involved is something I already do in my current job albeit a very small part of the overall role. The pay is better at £270 extra per month after tax, and the bonus of moving back to the NHS means guaranteed yearly pay increments, and an extra 5 days holiday per year than I get currently. My concern is with the stability of the NHS at the moment. I understand no job is ever safe, but with the "power" now being in the hands of GP led CCG's, and them controlling how money is spent. Will this particular NHS service be carried on?

The pros of my current job are:

• Easy job
• Close to home (5 miles)
• Stable
• Long term goals are good

Reasons I want to take the other job:

• Extra pay
• More holidays
• Yearly wage increase

Concerns over new job:

• Further to travel (17 miles)
• Stability of the organisation
• The role is very specific and probably reduces the scope for moving on to further roles in the future.

Another thought I've had is speaking to current employers and requesting a pay rise? Is this a bad move? I pretty much know the answer will be no, as GP's tend to keep any extra income generated for themselves rather than dish it out to their employees.

All advice and criticism welcome.
Thanks

 

[rossk26]

I'd move, and keep looking. The job market is quite exciting right now and I'd say you have to keep your eyes two jobs ahead. Assuming the new role is regarded in your profession as a step up (one way or another) changing jobs for the better leaves a good CV.

That's another small concern, I'm not sure what is next with that role. Obviously I would have a line manager, and that could be progression, but I've generally found managers rarely move on (especially female) in the NHS.

With my current role, I know what the natural progression is next, and I also have ideas on what I could then move onto after that next role too.

I agree with you on every level, and have argued the case that moving on to a new job frequently is very good, especially when young. Whereas some of my family members think I need to show stability on my CV. This is the longest full time job I've ever held (this month is 2 years since I joined).

 

[rossk26]

The only pretty safe jobs in the NHS are clinical, moving into IT is just a waiting game until they outsource it and you end up working for someone else or made redundant

I agree on some levels, however I can assure you even clinical are not safe. As all contracts are up for bidding from private companies. Even including your local GP practice becoming "Virgin General Practice"...

I would say the safest jobs were those currently in GP practices however, as the CCG's have been made up of GP's in local practice who know the importance of the staff within GP surgeries.

It's a risk moving onto any job, and that's why I have anxieties over this one. The pay is appealing to me the most. But after working out the extra cost in petrol, I will only be better off by £150 per month...

 

[rossk26]

Does the extra pay factor into account the more travel expenses? e.g. Fuel/train fare

I've worked out after extra travel expense I will be better off by £150 per month.

And also another 5 days holiday a year still!

Moving from Manager to Analyst, I'd be concerned about a drop in the scope of the role and the responsibility you'd have in the job.

BUT, if the pay, holiday and benefits are better and the career progression has stalled in your current role, it's probably worth the move.

Only you can decide to be honest, you know your individual situation. Ultimately if the commute is a major issue for you, it's the one you really can't do anything about!

I fully agree with your first point. My current role has more scope for progression with other companies, and my areas are much wider than moving to a more acute role. I feel I'm not currently rewarded enough for the level of work I do. Knowing that the work I do, generates £200k per year for the practice, I feel I should see more.

I've applied for other jobs as well, which I feel are a more natural progression from my current role. So will see how they pan out before deciding what I do with this interview.

Thanks for the help

 

[rossk26]

In my experience the rate of progression in the public sector is tied to the retirement rate ie slow- none. Will you be able to progress for sure?

In my current role - Yes, by moving on to another GP practice

In this other role - Not so sure

 

[rossk26]

the only reasons you have for moving are short-term, financial/holiday gains. 5 extra days a year aren't much if all of the other working days are mundane with no chance of progression.

Personally i think you're falling into this one for the wrong reasons, when you should be preparing for the right job (and you know what this is, which helps)

At the very least confront your current manager with your issues, and try to get a few extra days or extra cash, but accept it will not match the new job as you're offsetting some salary now for progression opportunities down the line.

Thank you, and I think I agree with you. The slight increase in wage is all that is appealing.