| Job dilemma 11:27 - Mar 3 with 3811 views | tractordownsouth |
Good people of TWTD, I have a dilemma which I would appreciate your opinions on.
I recently started a job which is on an initial 6 month contract running until April. They have indicated that it will likely be extended but so far there’s no been no definitive decision.
With this in mind, I recently completed a job application and on Wednesday evening, I received an email saying I’m through to the assessment centre on Monday afternoon. The job is in the same area I’m currently living in but it’s a national recruitment process so the assessment centre in a city 3 hours away. This means having to take a whole day off work and I can’t book leave at such short notice.
I don’t dislike my current job but the one I have applied for is more suited to what I want to do long term, has a longer contract and pays more so I’d like the opportunity to do the interview.
Basically I have 3 choices. I’ve asked my parents and my girlfriend’s parents and they’ve given me conflicting advice.
First option is to tell my manager this afternoon. There is a legal requirement to give me time off to attend the interview but obviously a risk he might get rid of me after the 6 month period if they feel I’m not committed. If I choose this option, I’ll have to tell him this afternoon.
Second option is to go sick. This would leave me tight for time as I’d need to arrange an out off office email and phone in but would keep the interview secret from my boss. Obviously a big risk with getting caught out too which I ideally want to avoid.
Third option is to just forget the interview altogether.
What would you suggest?? |  |
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| Job dilemma on 17:59 - Mar 3 with 923 views | clive_baker |
| Job dilemma on 16:35 - Mar 3 by tractordownsouth |
It's all sorted.
I spoke to my boss just now and I'm allowed to take a flexi day to do the interview.
I explained the need for certainty in the job and that I wanted a contingency plan for if the budget doesn't allow me to stay beyond May. He said that my contract will get extended for another six months, the only reason he couldn't say for definite is because it's dependant on my probation but that I'll comfortably pass because he's happy with my work so far.
I explained that this particular job was one I almost got last year and re-applied for when I saw a new advert for the same role - that's a genuine truth, I just didn't mention it in the OP as I didn't feel it was relevant. I said that now I've submitted the application and got the interview I'd like to give it a go but that if I'm not successful, I'll take the six month extension in the current job because I'm not actively looking to leave.
My boss said he was happy I'd told him in advance and while he doesn't want me to leave, he'll happily provide a reference if I get the role. So it's a win-win.
Cheers to everyone who took the time to reply to the thread. I'm very relieved it's all done now. |
Nice one. Told you honestly was the best policy...
Good luck in the interview. |  |
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| Job dilemma on 20:01 - Mar 3 with 876 views | Herbivore |
| Job dilemma on 16:35 - Mar 3 by tractordownsouth |
It's all sorted.
I spoke to my boss just now and I'm allowed to take a flexi day to do the interview.
I explained the need for certainty in the job and that I wanted a contingency plan for if the budget doesn't allow me to stay beyond May. He said that my contract will get extended for another six months, the only reason he couldn't say for definite is because it's dependant on my probation but that I'll comfortably pass because he's happy with my work so far.
I explained that this particular job was one I almost got last year and re-applied for when I saw a new advert for the same role - that's a genuine truth, I just didn't mention it in the OP as I didn't feel it was relevant. I said that now I've submitted the application and got the interview I'd like to give it a go but that if I'm not successful, I'll take the six month extension in the current job because I'm not actively looking to leave.
My boss said he was happy I'd told him in advance and while he doesn't want me to leave, he'll happily provide a reference if I get the role. So it's a win-win.
Cheers to everyone who took the time to reply to the thread. I'm very relieved it's all done now. |
It pays to be honest. |  |
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| Job dilemma on 22:40 - Mar 3 with 812 views | ElderGrizzly |
If i’m the recruiter and i’ve found out you’ve been dishonest and gone sick, I don’t recruit you.
It’s not the ‘cool’ answer you want, but is a likely outcome. |  | | |
| Job dilemma on 03:13 - Mar 4 with 762 views | Kropotkin123 |
Is there a PTO option? You can usually use them at short notice with no reason needed. If not, your best option is a sick day. You don't know the decision they will make if they know, so it is prudent to remove this variable, as it doesn't benefit you.
Like/dislike. This isn't a factor. You need to give yourself options in life in order to make the best decisions. Make decisions in life from a positions of strength.
The vast majority of companies will do what is best by them. You should do what is best by you. If I was a recruiter at your current company, I'd be on at the managers to get your situation tied up. So don't feel guilty that they are being slow.
Obviously, if you work for my company, ignore all that and send me a reminder to sort it out! Haha.
What did Voltaire say? tractordownsouth was not born idle? Go for it!
Why are you still reading this? Send an email that you are feeling a little unwell and you'll monitor over the weekend. |  |
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| Job dilemma on 03:14 - Mar 4 with 762 views | Kropotkin123 |
| Job dilemma on 11:55 - Mar 3 by Guthrum |
I'd say tell your boss, but frame it that you've not had anything from them about contract extension, so need to look at options. Will also be a test of how much they might want you.
After all, this stuff about "commitment" is not a one-way street. They have no right to demand it from you without giving assurances in return.
Yes, it could backfire. But you aren't necessarily saying you want to leave, just covering yourself in case they don't extend. Ideally, you may end up with a choice of jobs. |
Don't do this, you can leverage the same thing without without adding a position of vulnerability. | |
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| Job dilemma on 03:16 - Mar 4 with 762 views | Kropotkin123 |
| Job dilemma on 14:27 - Mar 3 by tractordownsouth |
I think I’m leaning towards telling my boss this afternoon. The only thing I worry about a bit is if he does say that my contract’s been extended, I won’t have a clue what to say because I’d still prefer this new role to my existing one.
A mate suggested the ‘invent a dead relative and say it’s a funeral’ idea but don’t think I have it in me for that. |
Don't tell them. Don't invent crazy stories. Covering yourself is one thing. Dead relatives is just cowardly and stupid. | |
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| Job dilemma on 03:18 - Mar 4 with 757 views | Kropotkin123 |
| Job dilemma on 14:59 - Mar 3 by clive_baker |
You have to look after number 1, however uncomfortable that might be.
My advise would be to throw a sickie on the day, go and smash the assessment center and see how it plays out from there. |
You can tell who the recruiters are, haha. They got away with it this time. Reality is, it is a bad roll of the dice. | |
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| Job dilemma on 03:19 - Mar 4 with 756 views | J2BLUE |
| Job dilemma on 22:40 - Mar 3 by ElderGrizzly |
If i’m the recruiter and i’ve found out you’ve been dishonest and gone sick, I don’t recruit you.
It’s not the ‘cool’ answer you want, but is a likely outcome. |
Nothing to do with being cool. It’s great it’s worked out this way for him, it’s by far the best outcome but he could be sitting there now having been told they definitely want to keep him and that if he wants the job there’s no need to go for the other one. In that case he would now be facing the choice of going for it and potentially being left with no job or not taking the opportunity he waited a year for. The fact he asked the question suggests it was not certain which way his boss would go.
Again, this is the best outcome but it was a risk.
Good luck TDS. |  |
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| Job dilemma on 06:54 - Mar 4 with 722 views | Herbivore |
| Job dilemma on 03:18 - Mar 4 by Kropotkin123 |
You can tell who the recruiters are, haha. They got away with it this time. Reality is, it is a bad roll of the dice. |
I used to be responsible for recruitment. I'd much rather one of my staff members told me they'd got an interview than pulled a sicky or were otherwise dishonest and it's not something I'd have held against them by any stretch. | |
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| Job dilemma on 07:08 - Mar 4 with 715 views | textbackup |
Absolutely all depends on your current boss. Do you have a good relationship with him? Would he understand? If not, throw a sicky.
I was looking to move on late last year, and sat down with my boss and told her I’d simply had enough of the shift working, and the company really. She couldn’t have been more supportive and offered to help with interview prep etc.
But only because I had a good relationship did I go to her, when I told another manager at the company I was leaving he barely spoke to me there on after.
Trust your gut |  |
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| Job dilemma on 09:02 - Mar 4 with 674 views | Kropotkin123 |
| Job dilemma on 06:54 - Mar 4 by Herbivore |
I used to be responsible for recruitment. I'd much rather one of my staff members told me they'd got an interview than pulled a sicky or were otherwise dishonest and it's not something I'd have held against them by any stretch. |
Yeah, but not everyone is like you. Not everyone will keep on a contractor looking at other opportunities. You may be "responsible for recruitment", but it's my actual job (and CB's job), where I witness more than how just one team or one company operates.
Shock, not every person or every company is full of people who look after their employees. Giving someone advice, to openly make themselves vulernable to losing their livlihood, is naive. | |
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| Job dilemma on 09:15 - Mar 4 with 664 views | Meadowlark |
You must find a way to go to the interview.
You cannot regret stuff you have done.
You only regret stuff you didn't do!
Edit. I posted before I read the whole thread. I see it's all sorted.
Good luck with the interview! [Post edited 4 Mar 2023 9:20]
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| Job dilemma on 09:23 - Mar 4 with 655 views | clive_baker |
| Job dilemma on 09:02 - Mar 4 by Kropotkin123 |
Yeah, but not everyone is like you. Not everyone will keep on a contractor looking at other opportunities. You may be "responsible for recruitment", but it's my actual job (and CB's job), where I witness more than how just one team or one company operates.
Shock, not every person or every company is full of people who look after their employees. Giving someone advice, to openly make themselves vulernable to losing their livlihood, is naive. |
I’ve never worked a day in recruitment tbh but I do have experience managing teams / handling resignations and recruiting talent in to the business from that side of things.
Glad it worked out well for the OP. Now they just need to smash that interview out of the park and see how it plays out. | |
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| Job dilemma on 09:25 - Mar 4 with 654 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Job dilemma on 09:02 - Mar 4 by Kropotkin123 |
Yeah, but not everyone is like you. Not everyone will keep on a contractor looking at other opportunities. You may be "responsible for recruitment", but it's my actual job (and CB's job), where I witness more than how just one team or one company operates.
Shock, not every person or every company is full of people who look after their employees. Giving someone advice, to openly make themselves vulernable to losing their livlihood, is naive. |
A recruiter that enjoys a lie, quelle surprise. |  | | |
| Job dilemma on 09:45 - Mar 4 with 636 views | Kropotkin123 |
| Job dilemma on 09:25 - Mar 4 by tractorboy1978 |
A recruiter that enjoys a lie, quelle surprise. |
I don't enjoy a lie. I just don't live in a fantasy land. My advice has repercussions on people's lives. I'm just not going to naïvely recommend that people risk their livelihood because they're a good person.
Are you going to pretend you've never lied, just to take a shot at a recruiter? | |
| Submit your 1-24 league prediction here -https://www.twtd.co.uk/forum/514096/page:1 - for the opportunity to get a free Ipswich top. | | Poll: | Would you rather | | Blog: | Round Four: Eagle |
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| Job dilemma on 10:12 - Mar 4 with 621 views | WestSussexBlue |
| Job dilemma on 16:35 - Mar 3 by tractordownsouth |
It's all sorted.
I spoke to my boss just now and I'm allowed to take a flexi day to do the interview.
I explained the need for certainty in the job and that I wanted a contingency plan for if the budget doesn't allow me to stay beyond May. He said that my contract will get extended for another six months, the only reason he couldn't say for definite is because it's dependant on my probation but that I'll comfortably pass because he's happy with my work so far.
I explained that this particular job was one I almost got last year and re-applied for when I saw a new advert for the same role - that's a genuine truth, I just didn't mention it in the OP as I didn't feel it was relevant. I said that now I've submitted the application and got the interview I'd like to give it a go but that if I'm not successful, I'll take the six month extension in the current job because I'm not actively looking to leave.
My boss said he was happy I'd told him in advance and while he doesn't want me to leave, he'll happily provide a reference if I get the role. So it's a win-win.
Cheers to everyone who took the time to reply to the thread. I'm very relieved it's all done now. |
Great work👠| | | |
| Job dilemma on 13:47 - Mar 4 with 536 views | fabian_illness |
Good luck with the interview TDS. |  | | |
| Job dilemma on 14:34 - Mar 4 with 514 views | dissboy2 |
| Job dilemma on 16:35 - Mar 3 by tractordownsouth |
It's all sorted.
I spoke to my boss just now and I'm allowed to take a flexi day to do the interview.
I explained the need for certainty in the job and that I wanted a contingency plan for if the budget doesn't allow me to stay beyond May. He said that my contract will get extended for another six months, the only reason he couldn't say for definite is because it's dependant on my probation but that I'll comfortably pass because he's happy with my work so far.
I explained that this particular job was one I almost got last year and re-applied for when I saw a new advert for the same role - that's a genuine truth, I just didn't mention it in the OP as I didn't feel it was relevant. I said that now I've submitted the application and got the interview I'd like to give it a go but that if I'm not successful, I'll take the six month extension in the current job because I'm not actively looking to leave.
My boss said he was happy I'd told him in advance and while he doesn't want me to leave, he'll happily provide a reference if I get the role. So it's a win-win.
Cheers to everyone who took the time to reply to the thread. I'm very relieved it's all done now. |
good work (sorry), honesty is often the best policy, the employers worth working for will acknowledge it | | | |
| Job dilemma on 14:09 - Mar 5 with 456 views | Nutkins_Return |
| Job dilemma on 09:45 - Mar 4 by Kropotkin123 |
I don't enjoy a lie. I just don't live in a fantasy land. My advice has repercussions on people's lives. I'm just not going to naïvely recommend that people risk their livelihood because they're a good person.
Are you going to pretend you've never lied, just to take a shot at a recruiter? |
I think your advice is poor though. Yes there will be the odd moron manager who completely missed the positive of the honesty advice (but the suggestions of having the chat with the manager were caveated with as long as the relationship is ok). There is a judgement call but 8-9/10 it will actually elevate your position (1. You've shown yourself to be very respectable/honest/Integrity and 2. You've shown yourself to be in demand/wanted/other jobs out there to focus their minds.
The scenario here was a fixed term contract (not they are in a permanent job).
Sickie in this scenario is really poor advice unless the manager/company are awful in which case need to get out ASAP anyway. I see much more risk with a sickie in this case. | |
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| Job dilemma on 14:18 - Mar 5 with 452 views | DerryfromBury |
| Job dilemma on 11:46 - Mar 3 by homer_123 |
I'd be honest and explain that as they have not confirmed your contract beyond April, you are having to actively look for work.
You have an interview and require time off.
That way - you can't come unstuck at any point. Also, it cannot hardly be news to them, given they haven't given you a decision. |
Spot on advice. Any genuine resonable boss/manager would or should understand. You never know they'll respect your honesty and offer an extnension of possibaly permanent position come the end of your current contract in April.
Good luck eitherway. |  | | |
| Job dilemma on 14:21 - Mar 5 with 451 views | Nthsuffolkblue |
| Job dilemma on 03:19 - Mar 4 by J2BLUE |
Nothing to do with being cool. It’s great it’s worked out this way for him, it’s by far the best outcome but he could be sitting there now having been told they definitely want to keep him and that if he wants the job there’s no need to go for the other one. In that case he would now be facing the choice of going for it and potentially being left with no job or not taking the opportunity he waited a year for. The fact he asked the question suggests it was not certain which way his boss would go.
Again, this is the best outcome but it was a risk.
Good luck TDS. |
If they want him, they don't withdraw their interest simply because he has gone for the other job. His narrative is that he wants the other job but if he can't get it he is happy with where he is. Their narrative is they are happy with him. No problem with both parties being up front about this and building trust in each other at the same time.
Good luck with the interview, TDS, but it sounds like you have a decent employer if it doesn't work out. If they can't offer you job security beyond short-term contracts, they have to understand there are bound to be better offers around, too. |  |
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