Switching Jobs?

torpedo_nips

Registered User
Messages
7
Hello,

Have a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I started a new job in a company a couple of months ago and, to be honest, its not great. I don't really do much all day and to be honest, I don't think the type of job itself is particularly exciting or a learning experience.

Anyway, Today I was offered a job I interviewed for a while back. I wouldn't go as far as to say its my 'dream job' but I think its on the right track, but I think its a very good job.

Thing is, the job I have now is a permanent role and the offer is for an 11-month contract, basically an internship. (I knew this when interviewing). Now there would be possibilities of more after, but obviously, nothing guaranteed. Very similar salary so thats a non-issue really.

I would just feel really bad leaving my current job now and I would be afraid they would hate me.

Any feedback really would be appreciated from seasoned career peoples :p
 
I would think your age and responsibilities (e.g. mortgage? kids?) would be a key factor... I think you will likely regret not taking a chance on your dream job. It is a risk, so the question is, can you take the risk?

How hard is it to find opportunities in your field? If it's very tough, then you probably need to hold tight unless you can afford to go for many months between jobs.

If it's an 11-month contract, try to set aside a fund as you are working to cover the time you'll need to find next contract.
 
Ah no, no responsibilities whatsoever, young! :eek:

There are many opportunities in my field currently! I am sort of switching tack though with the contract job, not exactly the field I have been trained in but a great opportunity...I think. Hard to truly know to be honest :eek:
 
Hello,

I would go and meet with the people who are now offering you the role.

I would explain to them that you have since secured permanent employment and while working with them does really interest you, you feel that moving from a permanent job to an 11-month contract is a negative. Press them a little and see if you can get them to improve on their offer (in a nice way), either in terms of duration of the contract or alternatively pay.

Personally, I think the only way to have this type of conversation is face to face.

Once you've spoken with them and you know what their "bottom line" is, then you have a decision to make. However, you may then be in a position where there's an improved offer on the table, while also having let the potential new employer know you've got options.
 
Hello,

I would go and meet with the people who are now offering you the role.

I would explain to them that you have since secured permanent employment and while working with them does really interest you, you feel that moving from a permanent job to an 11-month contract is a negative. Press them a little and see if you can get them to improve on their offer (in a nice way), either in terms of duration of the contract or alternatively pay.

Personally, I think the only way to have this type of conversation is face to face.

Once you've spoken with them and you know what their "bottom line" is, then you have a decision to make. However, you may then be in a position where there's an improved offer on the table, while also having let the potential new employer know you've got options.

Thank you for that! I never thought about using my current job really, as I am quite young I just assumed I couldn't negotiate. Bear in mind this is a large MNC. Is there ever a chance that even if I mention negotiation, they will just rescind the offer? Thats my big fear.

I doubt extending the contract is an option tbh, everything seems to be structured and set in place. But if there is no harm in asking I suppose... "You can't win, if you're not in!"
 
... Bear in mind this is a large MNC. Is there ever a chance that even if I mention negotiation, they will just rescind the offer? Thats my big fear....

Thats why I suggested going to meet them face to face and explaining the situation, telling them you are interested in working with them etc. You need to be subtle but clear in the explanation of why you have a concern and consider moving from permanent to a contract a negative (not a deal breaker !). Do not ever decline their offer during your meeting with them or give them an ultimatum, just ask them if they can help you any further given your circumstances by improving their offer. If you are polite, approachable, expressing a genuine interest in working with them etc. then I would hope they would welcome discussion with you.
 
Hmmm ...these 11-month contracts are a feature of American MNCs. They also have benching periods where they cannot extend the contract but must wait 3/4/6 months before re-hiring that person.

(Although they can avoid this multiple hiring/benching/rehiring trouble by making the person permanent - - but then, why not make the guy permanent at the outset)

So ... permanent job (bird in hand) versus temp job with hopeful permanency (two birds in bush). I've also always found that the more senior a role the longer it takes to get fully into it.
 
Hmmm ...these 11-month contracts are a feature of American MNCs. They also have benching periods where they cannot extend the contract but must wait 3/4/6 months before re-hiring that person.

(Although they can avoid this multiple hiring/benching/rehiring trouble by making the person permanent - - but then, why not make the guy permanent at the outset)

So ... permanent job (bird in hand) versus temp job with hopeful permanency (two birds in bush). I've also always found that the more senior a role the longer it takes to get fully into it.

You make a very good point. I did already have a sort of inkling of this. If I was rehired, it more than likely wouldn't be straight after. Again though as some of the posters have said, if I don't like my current work/company and have little responsibilities, what's the harm?
 
You make a very good point. I did already have a sort of inkling of this. If I was rehired, it more than likely wouldn't be straight after. Again though as some of the posters have said, if I don't like my current work/company and have little responsibilities, what's the harm?

It also depends on why you're being taken on; is it to cover a maternity-position - in which case the job may not be there when the leaver returns. (In this economic climate you'd be surprised how many mothers have to return to work early). To be rehired as a contractor does require at least 3-months gap; can they leave the vacancy 3-months without filling it while waiting for your return ?
 
It also depends on why you're being taken on; is it to cover a maternity-position - in which case the job may not be there when the leaver returns. (In this economic climate you'd be surprised how many mothers have to return to work early). To be rehired as a contractor does require at least 3-months gap; can they leave the vacancy 3-months without filling it while waiting for your return ?

Oh, no...its not anything like that. I know that. More expanding operations really. Well I would like to be rehired as a permanent employee and not a contractor :eek: That would be the norm anyway.

My idea would be though, why would they waste 11-months training someone in a fairly specialised area and then not rehire them. Obviously assuming that person is competent at the job etc. But its all an unknown and a risk :p
 
TBH, it sounds a bit like staying in a permanent job, where there isn't enough work for you, is also a risk. Just because it's permanent now doesn't mean that you won't be made redundant, or the company won't go under. If you take this job/internship offer, would it give you the training and experience to benefit you when looking for a job after 11 months? In the long run, that may be much more beneficial.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I think I will take the new job as at least my heart would be much more in it.

There is just a small problem. Obviously a background check is needed with all information including current/past employers (And they will contact them apparently).

Now, obviously I do not want them to contact my current employer until I am gone. Is it ok to request that? I assume they get this all the time.
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I think I will take the new job as at least my heart would be much more in it.
If you are relatively young and a good worker then I think you should take a risk or 2 in looking for a career that you are happy with. The whole issue of whether we "live to work" or "work to live" is one that Itook on board fairly late in my career. Given the amount of time we spend at work, it is important for our own well being that we get a reasonable amount of satisfaction from our job. Having worked for many years in jobs that were soul destroying I can testify to the enormous benefits of a change in career that gives you challenges and opportunities in line with your own skills and appetite for work. My advice is to go for it and keep going for it as long as you can find opportunities! They come but rarely in life :)
 
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I think I will take the new job as at least my heart would be much more in it.

There is just a small problem. Obviously a background check is needed with all information including current/past employers (And they will contact them apparently).

Now, obviously I do not want them to contact my current employer until I am gone. Is it ok to request that? I assume they get this all the time.

Hi Torpedo,

You can request but should expect them to ignore. For a certain MNC, I supplied all reference-details except my then-employer's details. This delayed the paperwork about two weeks until I enquiried and was told I had to comply!
 
Well turned out the company was very good with their word.

I asked them could they not contact my current employer and they said that wasn't a problem; there were other ways. Very understanding :)

Up up and away from now on! :D
 
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