What should I do?
I need some thought and ideas, because I may be having to make an important career decision soon.

I've got myself in a situation where I may be looking at a job offer, but I don't know what to do for the best if I'm offered it.
There are a number of factors to consider...

It's a contract, rather than a permanent role as I have now.
I have responsibilities, a wife and kid to support, never been an issue before.
They're offering significantly more money, 45% increase but it's only a 6 month contract.
It's a complete change in position and career path for me.
If I go this route I think I'll have better job prospects in the future.
I'm not happy where I am, and can only see this current job lasting 2 years max.
The new job is such a change I don't know how I'll take to it.
Oh and it'll double my commute times to work, so that'll be at least an hour extra every day I'll be missing my boy.

I know the answer is inside my head somewhere, I just need some help in finding it.

You think we are miracle workers???

Alright, i should have said...
"Can anyone, except for Hels, help me?"

You are such a slow learner!!!

What does the Missus think you should do???

can't answer that, it's too rude for this forum

I meant about the job offer!!

We've been though the contract vs. permanent debate a couple of times at home.

If I were you, at this time of your life (brand new baby, mortgage, one income, need for financial stability etc), I'd stick with the permanent job for now. Might not be the most wonderful job in the world but at least you'll be able to sleep at night without worrying about what happens in 6 months time when your contract expires. And babies change so much, so quickly that you really don't want to miss a minute of it. The thought of an extra hour a day, in traffic, when you could be home would be ghastly.

I reckon the time to go contracting is when you have two incomes. If one of you is earning a fixed income, it's much easier to wear the financial ups and downs that come with doing contracts.

Good luck anyway - with whichever option you choose.

Personally, I'd toss a coin.. what you really want will emerge and you'll know if it's the 'wrong' side when it comes up!

im with NickyC on this one

I'd take the contract. Less than 6 months, I wouldn't, but 6+ I definately would. At 45% wage rise, you have 3 months to find another contract if this one dies on you. What are the chances of extension? What is the job market like in the field?

I'm in IT is Brisbane and am on the look out for a 6 monther (I'm permanent too) but all I keep getting offered is 3!!

Thanks everyone for reading and answering.
It kind of helps to put it all down in writing. I'm torn because it's a great opportunity, one which I might not be lucky enough to see again.
But then it's a gamble and i'd be stressed and missing out on my boy which is something I defo won't be able to repeat again.
So tempting to be able to bring in more than what we had on two wages and save for the future... aaargghh.

In some ways I hope they don't offer me the job, then there is no decision to make. Why I ever responded to the agents call and got myself in to this...

Good luck with what you decide Gedge, it really is a tough one. If it wasn't for your little baby I'd have said go for it but it's really different when you've got children. Especially such a new baby they do change so much so quickly, but then on the flip side when they're so young they don't tend to sleep 'at night' if you know what I mean - when they get a bit older they're going to bed at say 7 or 8 o'clock so you see a lot less, but at this age they don't really have a bed time do they as they're up feeding so much - so I guess you would get to still see a lot of him wouldn't you?

It is that extra hour that your wife will have to cope on her own though and sometimes that can be stressful.

Yes, something which hadn't escaped me either. I have to realise that I'm her one main outlet for stress.
I think the answer is clear. Thanks Kath.

Yes, you have to be prepared for a bit of an earbashing every time you get in, or if she's anything like me phonecalls during the day saying 'oh my god can you hear him crying, listen to him, is there something wrong? you'll have to come home' Poor Dale, I used to get him in a right panic

If this came up, something else will You didn't make this move to Aus to spend more time away from home especially with the new bub and a missus who is possibly not 100% just yet. Six months is such a short time.

If you didn't have the bub it would be easy to do but to be honest I reckon it's a no brainer.