I have a permanent job that I kinda-sorta like. Should I take a contract job for better pay and schedule? Details within.

Hi guys! So I'm currently working in the healthcare field doing a lab job. It's skilled labor in a niche field, so I've got considerable security. I've got this job as long as I want it. And I actually do sort of like the work, if it weren't for the downsides. Those downsides are that it's a terrible schedule, has mandatory overtime, and pays under market value for my skillset because I was hired straight out of college.

I'm interviewing for an 18-month contract position doing quality control work. Selling points are that it's a first-shift schedule with holidays off, exposes me more to research and to more of the administrative side of lab work, and pays about 25% more. Oh, and no mandatory overtime. The downsides are that it's contract (though in a field that rarely finds itself hiring too many people) and that I don't know whether or not I get any PTO.

My questions: Is it realistic for me to be able to press for some PTO from the contractor once I get the offer? Should I ask for more money as compensation for not getting the PTO I have at my current job? I'd go from 3 weeks a year to whatever they offer me.

I'm new to contract work, so I don't really know how to weigh this very well. I've had people caution me about contracting, but it's people who either did unskilled labor as contractors or have never been anything but a direct hire. I'm not sure how well that translates to skilled contractors. Should I be wary, should I require more to tempt me away from my current role where I can take my time job-shopping?

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