Panicking or ungrateful?

needanewjob

Just looking for some opinions. I was made redundant after 17 years last month. Had my 1st interview today for a temp part time post. Not ideal, but I thought it's better than nothing. If successful I start Monday. I've been applying for more appealing positions, but I'm pretty confidant about getting this one. Am I just panicking and taking the 1st job offered, or doing the right thing in case I'm not offered anything else? Are things on the jobmarket as bad as I think? At least I'd be getting double the amount of JSA, even if it's more part time than I'd like. Thanks

nellytheelephant

I'd take it if offered, in your position.

As you say - it's double what you'd get on JSA and the plus side of being part time is that you can carry on job hunting/interviewing.

twinkle1981_2

Take it, definately. The job market where I am is dire. I was made redundant a month ago and naively thought because I was willing to get out there and find a job I would find one no problem.

I have only managed to get one interview in that time and most places I apply to don't even respond.

needanewjob

What I don't want to do is start a new job then get offered an interview then possibly a job elsewhere and have to then leave a new employer in the lurch. Or is that OK?

sagalout1954

Competition for work is fierce and you're lucky to land something so quickly, but perhaps it depends on whether this job will be helpful or detrimental to moving on to something else ASAP.

Personally, unless you can afford to remain indefinitely on JSA, I think you've done the right thing. I always think it's easier to get a job when you've already got one. Being unemployed when you want to work can get VERY demoralising.

PS Don't worry about 'leaving the other company in the lurch' - you've been made redundant from your last place of work (so was I), the lesson I learnt is that it's just a JOB, andany employer would make you redundant as soon as look at you if they had to. I won't get attached to an employer, I owe them nothing but to be hardworking and reliable for as long as I work for them......be that 5 days or 5 years.

needanewjob

Thanks, and no I can't afford to remain indefinately on JSA (I can only claim for 6 months anyway) Doesn't help school hols start next week so I would be forking out for holiday club and I wouldn't get paid for a month.

P.S. Liking your attitude Sagalout!!

DCFC79

if you get offered the temp job then take it but keep on applying for full time jobs or jobs more appealing, im in same position where ive found a temp job and applied and had interview but just waiting for a replybut im looking for something more permanent

ceridwen

needanewjob wrote: »

What I don't want to do is start a new job then get offered an interview then possibly a job elsewhere and have to then leave a new employer in the lurch. Or is that OK?

My view is that the vast majority of employers have absolutely no qualms about leaving employees in the lurch - therefore there is no reason to be concerned about leaving THEM in the lurch iyswim.:cool:

We dont know what type of job/career you normally do and salary you expect of course...which ARE influencing factors.

However - if I needed a job, then (assuming all else was equal - ie I wasnt being expected to do something "unacceptable" per se - such as antisocial hours/long commute/etc) then I would have taken this job in your position and keep looking for a suitable job (ie full-time, decently-paid, etc). Twice JSA amount is a better level of income to have - whilst you look for a job. Also the fact that you have "something" of a job might make you look like a better proposition to would-be employers.

So - assuming this part-time job doesnt have unacceptable conditions attached (like those antisocial hours/long commute/etc - if you arent used to and willing to do those things) then it seems the best option to me to take this job and keep looking. At least with a part-time job - then you will have the time available to job search/go for interviews/etc.

The one "qualm" I have is that you will need to find ways to make it plain to prospective employers that you must be judged by your LAST job and NOT this part-time one. You dont want potential employers to think you are someone who has chosen to/is only suitable for work that is low-paid/part-time. But obviously people younger than myself will be more aware than I am now at my age (errr....make that middle-aged then...) as to how things look these days if taking a lower-level/lower-paid job than one expects. Back in my day (cue for bringing on the violins.....ahem...) it was not possible to take a lower-level/lower-paid job without employers thinking "Well - thats THEIR level then.." and ignoring the level of job/salary one had had previously to the "temporary job".

My suspicion is, however, that things might be rather different these days and it might be possible now to take a "lower level/salary" without potential employers thinking "Well - thats THEM then" and judging by the current job.
It would be interesting to see younger peoples' take on whether it IS possible these days to take a "backwards step" without it having a possible permanent impact in detracting from what one has already achieved....

dickydonkin

needanewjob wrote: »

Just looking for some opinions. I was made redundant after 17 years last month. Had my 1st interview today for a temp part time post. Not ideal, but I thought it's better than nothing. If successful I start Monday. I've been applying for more appealing positions, but I'm pretty confidant about getting this one. Am I just panicking and taking the 1st job offered, or doing the right thing in case I'm not offered anything else? Are things on the jobmarket as bad as I think? At least I'd be getting double the amount of JSA, even if it's more part time than I'd like. Thanks

The only person to consider in your situation is yourself and I agree fully with ceridwen's following quote:

My view is that the vast majority of employers have absolutely no qualms about leaving employees in the lurch - therefore there is no reason to be concerned about leaving THEM in the lurch iyswim.:cool:

I can empathise with your situation and after I was made redundant after 36 years of continuous employment I did panic at first and I applied for anything and everything.

I was successful at obtaining a variety of jobs, but looking back, it was not the correct thing for me, but I appreciate that everybody has different circumstances.

I must point out my mortgage was paid off and I had a decent redundancy payment so there was no immediate urgency to obtain a job from a financial perspective, however, retaining sanity and dignity were other issues of course as I had always been in work since leaving school and I believed that I had to have a reason to get up in the morning as stagnation was a concern for me and I just could not let that happen.

Everyones situation is different and despite my job going - I was lucky in respect of having no pressures, however, I totally understand how worrying it will be for those who are less fortunate and who will consider a role that may not be ideal, but at least will provide income while searching for a more suitable position.

I am sure there will be some employers who will disagree with ceridwens and my own views that there should be no guilt in taking a job as a 'stop gap' and jumping ship when a better job comes along, but as stated earlier, it is only number one that matters and providing that you do your best in the job you do, you should feel no guilt in leaving or believe that you are ungrateful when an opportunity arises.

Good luck with your job seeking!