what's there to worry? 3 year contract is almost as good as permanent. by the end of 3 year, you'd acquired more experience and will start to look for your next step-up anyway. 50% increment is very rare and take the 3 year as added job security

Job offer
 

Given your age and the job offer, would say go for it.

Sounds really legit.

I guess I am a little apprehensive because I don't really know how contract jobs work. From what I've been told, there are some differences between the perm staff vs contract workers, for example no access to gym facilities, but the important stuff like medical insurance is the same.

Don't want to come across as someone just seeking validation or humble bragging. Thanks a lot for all the opinions given! I've decided to accept the role.

Like to hitch on this thread for advice.

Some years back, I stopped work for awhile and joined the current company, with nearly 20% paycut. I am with them for 2 years.
Work-life balance (WLB) is decent, and colleagues are fine too.
However the pay is stagnant. The company doesn’t give yearly increment and bonus is low.
I am unsure whether to seek better opportunities, and risk sacrificing WLB.
If I don’t look out now, I may be stuck with this company since I am already 40 years old.

So pay vs WLB, what do you advise? Thanks.

It's a little hard to say for sure as it depends on your commitments. For example, a sole breadwinner with elderly parents to provide and care for would probably prioritise higher pay rather than WLB.

For me, I look for jobs with regular office hours, and don't mind occasionally attending night calls. That's my personal tolerance.

Job Offer Advise (Govt)
 

1. Was recently offered a job at a quasi-govt company and I verbally agreed to the offer. $3000 base pay. Received the Letter of appointment today and was told to sign and return by 10 May.

2. Also received a call from a govt company today for interview on 10 May. From what I know govt companies pay more for fresh grads because of the MX scheme and so I am in a dilemma, of whether to go for the interview.

3. If I go for the interview and am offered, is it against the law to back out of the quasi-govt company even though I have signed? The contract does not seem to have any legally binding clause but just asking in case.

Please help a confused fresh grad out!

Dear fresh grad, is the quasi-govt company a GLC? GLCs do not pay well at all. I learnt this the hard way. I joined a GLC as a fresh grad with S$3k pay. Left after 2 yrs+ and joined another GLC. My experience in both GLCs are that the pay and increment are low. I am jumping out from my GLC soon.

Please go for the interview at the government. Do not worry too much about backing out of an offer. It happens more commonly than you think.

Contract positions can negatively affect career if you dont play your cards right. From someone whos been there...

Card to share more?

Thank you kind soul! I will go for the govt interview and then decide which job is better if I receive an offer :)