I stand a very good chance at getting a job offer here shortly. The company has already expressed significant interest in me for their position. There are some issues, however, that may prevent me from taking the job.
Briefly, the job is listed as a temp position for one year and would have zero benefits or paid time off for that time period. The pros to this job are higher pay and the potential for it to convert into a permanent position with amazing benefits and gobs of PTO.
I currently get my benefits from DH's job, so that's not a concern. But I am worried about the slap I'll take from no paid holidays or PTO.
Would you make the jump to the new job on the hopes it might pan out to something bigger or hold on to something steady, albeit lower paying?
To complicate matters further, I have another serious prospect coming down the pike that IS a permanent position - but they haven't even made it to the interview process yet. My inside sources are telling me I'll have heavy consideration once they do start interviewing.
I don't want to put all my chickens in a basket for the better job, only for it not to pan out when the first offer appears to be a sure bet. I realize this is all an incredibly lucky situation to be in and I'm super thankful; but it's all terribly confusing. Help!
Re: WWYD - job related?
My lupus Birth Story
Would they allow you to take unpaid time off over the next year?
If you have something coming down the pipe that you think is better, I would try and postpone current job offer, but not turn it down.
I've actually taken jobs for 8 weeks while waiting for another job offer to come in. It wasn't the most pleasant experience, but I've learned that you have to watch out for yourself especially in today's economy.
First, I would consider the work: are they the exact same job? Where would you be happier if pay/benefits were the same?
Second, I'm assuming you can take time off, but unpaid? If so, sit down and take a hard look at how much time off you think you'll take over the course of a year. Then figure out how much that is going to cost you. Does it make the temp job still much more high paying?
Good luck! You could always take the temp job and interview for the other when they start the process. I would be hesitant to wait on the 2nd if they aren't even to the interview stage. You never know what can change between now and then in this economy.
Hmm... well, a lot of it depends on how you feel about the actual job. If all other things were equal, would you prefer your current job, the one you're getting an offer for, or the one in the pipeline? If the temp and PTO thing is all that is holding you back, then I'd lean towards taking it anyway. Some questions on that to think about, though are:
- Will they allow you to take time off and just not get paid for it during this first year or are you expected to take no time off whatsoever during that time?
- What about sick days? I know it's hard to commit to taking no time off with a little one to take care of.
- What is your gut feeling for whether they would take you on full time after 1 year? Have they hired other people into the company on a similar "temp" basis and then converted them to FT?
Good luck! I know it's so hard to make a decision when you don't have all of the offers on the table at the same time. Go with what your gut tells you and I know you'll make the right decision!
Mommy to Abigail Elizabeth (11/4/11) and Brady Jasper (7/2/09)
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I meant to post this earlier, but I basically work with no PTO right now. I only accrue a week of paid time off a year (very, very stingy). And that PTO is ALL the sick leave and vacation I get. It's how I've been operating for the last couple years, actually. I do, however, get paid holidays and that's an added cushion.
The potential employer did say I could take time off, just that I wouldn't be paid for it. Not to mention, I'm going to have to tell them I need 1.5 weeks off in October for a vacation I've already planned.
As far as the job conversion goes, what she said on the phone today was that she didn't see why, if I was with them after a year, that the job wouldn't flip over to permanent.
And the big job I'd be waiting on is essentially the same job, just in another department.
Mommy to Abigail Elizabeth (11/4/11) and Brady Jasper (7/2/09)
my blog
This makes sense to me. I didn't know if this was acceptable business-wise, but I get what you mean.
Thanks for the thoughts, everyone!