permanent vs contractor
Hi all, I’m in a strange predicament regarding job offers. I was offered a 49k job last night (currently in Bangkok so I found this out at 2am) which I was initially rejected from, the basis of the rejection was they wanted to recruit more qualified staff. They then recruited solicitors and realised their budget still enabled them to recruit myself to which they offered me a role. They also stated their NQ roles are usually reserved for their Trainee Solicitors but they really liked me and I came across great in the interview.
I came into the office for this interview, saw myself working here due to the kindness of the interviewers and diversity of the team and just personal extensive research, the holiday allowance is extremely generous and obviously I cannot ignore the protections afforded of being a permanent employee.
This role expects me in the office 3-4x a week initially but it will decrease to 2 days a week after passing probation. This role is social housing with a charity. I also disclosed my disability to them.
However, I was offered a contractor role for a newly qualified solicitor - the notice period is 2 weeks and the contract is for a year. This role is for a council. If I’m honest I am quite terrified as I current work for a council where it is a revolving door of contractors who are qualified solicitors with more experience and who are worked to crazy lengths and consistently leave. I understand the threshold and work expected of a NQ solicitor but I don’t want to be ambushed with tons of work and treated a certain way because of my working status as a contractor.
They have stated the role is in the office 2 times a month but remote the rest of the time. Additionally, the courts I have to attend are in St Albans and Watford (I live in East of Essex). I was told court attendance can be as much as I want or as little. I didn’t disclose my disability to them. However, I just cannot shake my fear and feelings regarding the treatment of contractors. The pay is a life changing amount but I’m not sure it’s worth the stress/extensive commute from Essex when it comes down to it. I’m not even sure how much I am expected to commute for Court.
Additionally, reviewing the pay did raise some concerns for me as I did not feel there was much of a difference in terms of the pay. I am currently on Plan 2 and I have a Post Grad loan, I also pay into my pension. In terms of pay if I go for the 49k job, am I making the right decision?