Decline Job Offer! Am I mad?

Oldernotwiser

MrsE wrote: »

I assumed they hadn't worked for years?
Maybe they are working, but I guess if they had their term time only job they wouldn't be leaving it.

On an earlier thread, the OP said ,

"I wonder if anyone could give me some advice on references? I've worked for the same employer since I left school (24years ago!) and the policy on references is that staff are not allowed to write them, they all have to go to HR and when they are issued its just a couple of lines confirming length of service, number of days sick and not a great deal more than that!"

So I assumed that she was working, but in a non term time only job. This was why I couldn't see that she had anything to lose by taking the university post.

nimbo

i really do think it would e madeness to turn down a job in the current climate.

where i am jobs, are few and far between....

what other people have said about condensing hours over holidays seems like a really good idea, and if you feel he job sounds great in loads of other ways it may be cutting of your nose to spite your face.

as a child i loved going to child care type things in the holidays, as i got to play with loads of kids my own age.....

paulwf

I don't mean to be nosy but do you have a partner? If so you may be able to cover 12 weeks between you so that is 12 out of 13 weeks covered straight away.

Why not take it and see how it goes? As others have pointed out you've only got 7 weeks to cover until next summer so why not give it a go? Public sector jobs are like gold dust at the moment and they are generally flexible, I bet after you've been there a while they could let you finish a couple of hours early on some days, one way or another you can sort out holiday cover.

SandC

As another poster mentioned, I think in future you need to be more clear about what YOU want in interview. The advert only said 'term time working would be considered' - which means this wasn't their preferred contract. Then when asked in interview you said more than once that you were flexible so they thought 'great'. Can you see where there were crossed wires?

Anyway, they don't really want someone who only wants to work term time as you've found so you need to weigh up all the pros and cons. Your issue appears to be time spent with the children as you haven't mentioned the cost of childcare. Just because this is a job in admissions doesn't mean you don't get to take your main fortnight holiday during school holidays. Likewise Easter and Christmas should be a doddle too. I really don't think you thinking in terms of 13 weeks should put you off too much. If it's otherwise a really tempting job then I would go for it. As others have said, there is always negotiation for a good employee once they've been in the job a while. You could even ask for early starts and finishes in August so it works out better? But you can't do that right now but most employers try their best to work around a good employee's family or other commitments - see it as you both working for each other.

FOURCANDLES_2

All depends if you need the money ? and you can arrange child care in the holidays ?

paulwf

One point to consider is that term time working jobs are very rare. They exist in the public sector but there is now a complete freeze on civil service recruitment with job cuts expected.

Outside of the public sector not many exist, and in the current financial climate employers can demand maximum flexibility rather than having to fit around the needs of employees.

This seems to be as good as it gets as you finish at 2pm and it is unlikely you'll be working bank holidays and Christmas as you would in retail. Basically if you aren't prepared to take this job I doubt you'll find anything better. If you don't need the money then by all means put your kids first, but if you need a job I'd advise taking it rather than holding out.

pebblespop

i work in a similar environment and i think you need to look at the what holidays you are going to need compared to what you have been allocated.

out of your 26 days you could have:

5 for oct half term
we get time off from xmas day until next working day after new year - so you might just need a couple of days either side, say 4 days
5 for feb half term
8 for easter (two days are bank hols)
4 days left for may half term - there could be a bank holiday on that same week which you will get any way.

when it comes to next summer either hand your notice in or negotiate unpaid leave. it is unlikely they will fill your job straight away so may be happy for you to take unpaid and come back in september.

then start the process again....

kurjam

just wandering if you have decided to accept the job ??
your girls may love to go into childcare in school holidays, some of the clubs are great

robpw2

i really think you should take the job

Hufflepuff_2

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all your advice:)

After a great deal of thought, I have decided to accept the job - its such a great opportunity.

At the moment I work two days a week in a horrible targeted sales job which I absolutely hate and I've applied for loads of admin jobs in the last few months and not got an interview for any of them.

I understand now the comments about saying I would be 'flexible' at the interview - but I honestly never expected for a minute that I would be offered the job (I thought I was awful!).

I'm going to hopefully start in the middle of September and not worry too much about the summer holidays till next year when I can maybe negotiate some unpaid leave or compressed hours as some of you have suggested.

Thanks again

Huff