Opinions please!

[Lindsey]

I am moderately unhappy with my job. Although I've expressed my concerns to my boss about wanting to get more experience, it hasn't really happened. I am also concerned that my company may be going down. I know we are being sued by at least one other huge company and that our management has been told to lay off a lot of the staff at our office. We are losing money and don't have the staff to cover the jobs we have gotten, so it really doesn't make sense to lay off MORE people. I am not concerned that I will be laid off because I am very important to the office... besides Scott, I am the only one who knows how to run the program we use for drafting. And where Scott is concerned... they gave him a job in the drafting department, then told him to go home and use up all his banked time for a couple of months, and finally two days ago told him if he doesn't leave to go work at a mine up north tomorrow, they would fire him on the spot!

There is a job opening at the company my dad works for. It's a government job and it's a drafting job, but for electrical stuff. I'm not sure I'd enjoy the job itself any more than the job I have now, but my salary would be increased tremendously, the benefits are AWESOME, holidays are great, and I'd have every second Friday off. I'd also be part of a union. Sounds great right? The problem is it's just a full-time TEMPORARY job until December 31st.

I have wanted to work at that company for years... it's kind of a family thing! I grew up with it... my dad works there and all of his brothers work there, and now 3 of my cousins also work there. Not many of the jobs even make it out to the public because they try to fill all the jobs internally first. I feel like just maybe I should take the chance and try to get my foot in the door! When I'm in, I could bid on a permanent job if it came up. If they liked me enough (and I would work my butt off!) maybe they would even create a job for me to stay permanently.

Of course, if I end up having to leave on December 31st, it's really tough to find a job around here in my field in the winter. There is no construction, nobody is hiring.

What would you do if you were me? I know nobody can really make the decision for me but I just would like some input!

[DianaB]

Oh, Lindsey, I don't know what to tell you to do. This is a really tough decision especially since you've just recently taken on a mortgage. I'd say go for it but the thought of not having a job after December is kinda' scary. I think that I'd go and talk to them about the job and see what they have to say about what could happen after your job ends in December and get a feel for whether there was a possibility of another job opening up. Good luck!!!

[Lindsey]

Thanks Diana! Without the mortgage, I'd say it was a no-brainer for sure! But of course, that's my biggest concern right now. I've talked to my dad about it, but he's not really on the office side of things so he said that in his area, working in the field, if they like someone they'll keep them. But he's not sure how it works in an office setting. My cousin took a part time temporary job doing admin duties, and her boss is working with her to find a way to keep her on when her temporary job is done. So I believe it could be do-able!

I will need to let my current boss know if I am looking, which may be another obstacle. He tends to get really overly upset about these kinds of things. I have applied before at the company but the application form asks if they can contact my current employer and I have always answered "No" and I haven't gotten a call. I have a feeling they don't even look at people who won't allow their employers to be contacted, because why hire a person if they have no idea of their work ethic? So I would like to answer Yes but let my boss know he may be receiving a phone call for a review.

[Tiramisu]

IF I WERE YOU - I'd take the gamble on the new job. I married and had kids and have looked back on a few missed opportunities because of my responsibilities.

[Lindsey]

Thanks for your opinion Sandy!

I guess another option is that if another opening came up internally, I wouldn't even have to stay in drafting if it meant I could stay at the company... My cousin is basically a secretary and her starting wage was MORE than I make as a civil engineering technologist on my third year at my current job

I guess if it's any permanent job I would possibly be a candidate for, I would probably bid on it.

[Janet]

Wish I could help Lindsey, but I have no idea what to advise. I just hope you make a decision that you are comfortable with and will have no regrets.

[Lindsey]

I just spoke with my cousin and she doesn't think I am able to bid on jobs within the company unless I am a permanent employee who is there at least 6 months. The job isn't even 6 months long, and I'd be temporary.