Should I quit the NHS for private practice?

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/mar/09/should-i-quit-nhs-for-private-practice

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Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?

I have worked for the NHS in one of the allied health professions for seven years. Due to cost cutting and service reorganisations the opportunities for career progression have over time drastically reduced. I recently succeeded in gaining a promotion to the next pay grade, however my job will not change as I have been functioning at this level for a number of years waiting for a role to become available.

Almost simultaneously I was offered a job with an independent practice which is offering to match the pay scale and leave entitlement I currently have with the NHS. I haven’t received a contract yet, but I am sure as a small business they will be unable to match the other benefits of working for a large organisation – the pension, sick pay etc. On the other hand, the benefits of working for the private firm are a much reduced caseload of patients, where I will be able to make a real change to the lives of individuals rather that plastering over the cracks, and much better resources to complete tasks efficiently.

I consider it a great drawback that I will only be able to provide this service to people who can afford to pay for it, but all in all I feel I will achieve better job satisfaction in the independent practice. It was always my long-term aim to set up my own independent practice, and by working for a successful practice I will be able to learn how to do this from the inside. Should I give up the job and pension security of the NHS in favour of a less stressed working day?

Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.