Question from a lurker about commutes and work

MsHawthorne

Hi Ladies - I was laid off a few months ago and have been on unemployment while looking for a job.  I am in Baltimore, was offered a temporary, flexible position in Towson but am wondering if it is worth it.  The position will last about three or four months.  We would have to pay for daycare (my child stays home with me now for obvious reasons) and more money for gas and extra expenses (such as work clothes...)  I have already declined the position two times but each time the manager comes back with more money (after first decline based on salary), then a flexible schedule (based on commute and childcare).  DH and I have been discussing this for over two weeks and now he says it is ultimately my decision.  I am 50% yes and 50% no. I am worried that if I do not accept, I will go on forever without finding another job.  I am also worried that the commute will be too much after a while and then when the contract is over, if I do not find another job, I will be ineligible for unemployment.  We will not be able to survive without any source of income from me.  I am not asking you ladies to make my decision for me but I guess wanted to see if anyone was in or had been in the same situation before.  I apologize that this was so long but thank you for reading it.  

KathrynMD

Are you sure the job is only for 3-4 months, its won't turn into a FT gig? 

After you factor in daycare and other expenses, how much will you be netting? 

If this assignment really does end after 3-4 months, will you pick up any helpful skills, etc.

MsHawthorne

I am positive. It is temporary since the girl going out will be on maternity leave and coming back 12 weeks later.

I would be netting about $200 a week since the job has such flexible hours (which is so great in one aspect) but I need it to be flexible due to the commute and the distance to daycare.

Not really.  It is in HR and I would be staffing non-technical positions.  I am an IT Staffing Specialist.  It would be a lot easier and I would not be gaining any new skills.  My husband keeps calling it easy money but I am not looking to make a quick buck.  Obviously I need a paycheck but if I find another position within the next couple of months I will not be able to accept it due to this temporary opportunity.   

autumnmichele

Take the job!  When I went out on maternity leave, my employer hired someone temporarily to fill in while I was out.  After I had my daughter, I decided that I did not want to go back to work full time-- I now work 2 days per week.  That temporary position turned into a full time position AND, they gave her a nice raise and benefits. 

$200.00 per week isn't bad and will definitely help with bills.

 You can still  look for a full time, permanent job while you are there and nothing beats flexible hours.  You may even make some great contacts with this position!

 

Good luck!

mrs. remy

I would do it. The fact that they are willing to negotiate and be flexible with you says a lot.

I really don't think Baltimore to Towson seems like too bad of a commute. Aren't most people going in the opposite direction?

And $200 a week, while not huge, would help out a lot.

Cooper81

Ditto what LLHR said, if you aren't on a contract don't stop looking.  But this sounds like a good opportunity and also shortens the gap in unemployment on your resume, which is always a plus.  You never know where stuff like this may lead.  My DH got his first job right out of college through a temp position.  He got in there, impressed them and when the assignment was up they found a position for him.  He was there for almost 7 years, in a small company so he worked directly with the CFO (works in finance ) and his experience there has been invaluable now that he has moved onto working in a huge corporation.

MsHawthorne

Thank you for all the feedback!

 I would continue to look for another position but wouldn't be able to accept something until she came back from maternity leave. 

melissabender

Baltimore to Towson is not a bad commute especially if you live close enough to 83N.  All of the traffic is going South in the morning so 83 North is an easy drive.  I commuted from Dundalk to Towson then Dundalk to Timonium for a few years via 695.  695 can have alot of traffic but all in all it was not that bad at all.

It sounds like it would be a good idea to take the job.  I know a few people who decided not to go back to work after their maternity leave so this job could turn into a full time job for you.  If not, they may find another position for you.  It's worth a shot.