Job decision - dilemma. Need advice ASAP

[HNA444]

I received a temporary position, which is really simple tasks for pretty good pay/pay that I asked for. Before this offer, I had recently turned down a position that paid the same rate, but it was only part-time, which is why I declined. Now, they contacted me back telling me they can do full-time for the same pay rate, and it would be permanent. I do have a friend who I met through work that is currently looking for a new job, because she hates her job. She is a single mother of 1 child, and this permanent position that I got offered is closer to where she lives. Should I just take the temporary position and let her know about the permanent position? Or, should I take the permanent position instead of the temporary one? I don’t mind temporary either. Please help, I can’t decide.

 

[adamhovey1988]

Take it if you need to, but I think you should inform her. I’d be glad just to have a job (I had to quit my most recent one for medical reasons)

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

I received a temporary position, which is really simple tasks for pretty good pay/pay that I asked for. Before this offer, I had recently turned down a position that paid the same rate, but it was only part-time, which is why I declined. Now, they contacted me back telling me they can do full-time for the same pay rate, and it would be permanent. I do have a friend who I met through work that is currently looking for a new job, because she hates her job. She is a single mother of 1 child, and this permanent position that I got offered is closer to where she lives. Should I just take the temporary position and let her know about the permanent position? Or, should I take the permanent position instead of the temporary one? I don’t mind temporary either. Please help, I can’t decide.

Take the job. Your having the job, especally because you are being asked to take the job has no loss or benefit to her. If you decline, it is unlikely a company will simply hire her–they will just hire someone else whose need may be lesser or greater than yours.

 

[midori]

They offered it to you, not to the general public. So I wouldn’t feel bad about taking it.

However, a lot of people get jobs based on personal recommendations by people who already have their foot in the door. I’d definitely keep my ears open for upcoming vacancies that are related to whatever her skillset is.

One big point, however, is that the single mother has solid employment, and you do not. It doesn’t matter if she hates her job— you never let go of your job until you have something to replace it with. Another big point is that you didn’t specify why she hates her job. There’s no guarantee that a job that you might be perfectly content with would necessarily be loved by anyone else.

It’s good to alert her to various open doors, but you can’t make anyone walk through them. Take care of your business first, and pass ideas on to your friend.

 

[Jig_Saw]

Take it if you want it. They might not offer it to your friend, even if you think she might be a good fit for it. You probably will be in a better position to help her get a job by having a job with that company.

 

[HNA444]

Thank you so much to all of you who responded. This helped me decide, because I was feeling bad since I could just stick with the temporary position and tell my friend about the permanent position. But, I do think I need to think about myself right now, and a permanent position would be best, especially since I want to go back to school…I need something consistent.

Jig_Saw, that’s a good idea - I could help her to get in the same company once I start working. Thanks!

 

[HNA444]

I know this might seem a little paranoid of me, but the recruiter for the temporary position that I turned down, did not take me turning down the position very well. He told me how it was unprofessional of me, because I did originally accept. Anyway, he does not live in the same state as I do, so he had asked for my social security over the phone (when I accepted the position), so that he could conduct a background check. Now that I am not going to be working the temp position, I am worried he might do something with my social security number. I mean, I don’t think so, I didn’t get a shady vibe from it, but I just am a worrier. Is there a way to know if someone has used it?

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

I know this might seem a little paranoid of me, but the recruiter for the temporary position that I turned down, did not take me turning down the position very well. He told me how it was unprofessional of me, because I did originally accept. Anyway, he does not live in the same state as I do, so he had asked for my social security over the phone (when I accepted the position), so that he could conduct a background check. Now that I am not going to be working the temp position, I am worried he might do something with my social security number. I mean, I don’t think so, I didn’t get a shady vibe from it, but I just am a worrier. Is there a way to know if someone has used it?

Turning down a position after accepting is INCREDIBLY unprofessional and could get you blacklisted. You have a perminat position now, but you really need to be more careful in the future. It could go REALLY bad for you.

If the person you are working with is a professional recruiter you likely have nothing to fear by giving out your SSN. That is common practice.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Take the job you are offered and let her know about the other opening. They offered the position to you, not your friend, and they may not want to hire her or she may not want or be a good fit for the job. It would be different if both of you had applied and were going to work there for sure, but there’s so much uncertainty here .

 

[Theo520]

Don’t get arrogant, it’s not your decision to pass the permanent job to your friend. Try doing that and you might both lose out. At most I would give her an FYI to apply, before it closes for you. That would be generous.

If you get the job, you could keep your eye out in case a second position opens, then recommend her.

 

[DarkLight]

Turning down a position after accepting is INCREDIBLY unprofessional and could get you blacklisted. You have a perminat position now, but you really need to be more careful in the future. It could go REALLY bad for you.

From what I know though it is somewhat less unprofessional in a situation like this where you are only in a temporary position, especially if there’s no promise of a chance at a permanent job at the end. It’s not the greatest thing ever, but it’s not as bad as turning down a regular position after being hired. Employers do understand that people need to be paid and most people prefer a reliable paycheck.

 

[Jig_Saw]

I know this might seem a little paranoid of me, but the recruiter for the temporary position that I turned down, did not take me turning down the position very well. He told me how it was unprofessional of me, because I did originally accept. Anyway, he does not live in the same state as I do, so he had asked for my social security over the phone (when I accepted the position), so that he could conduct a background check. Now that I am not going to be working the temp position, I am worried he might do something with my social security number. I mean, I don’t think so, I didn’t get a shady vibe from it, but I just am a worrier. Is there a way to know if someone has used it?

You might have just cost the recruiter some money, but that’s between him and the company. That’s why he might be annoyed with you.

 

[RandomAlias]

He told me how it was unprofessional of me, because I did originally accept.

First of all, don’t worry about that now. You are better off with the permanent position.

Second, I would not worry about it if the employer can easily find other workers for the unfilled position.

If they had spent months recruiting for the position, flew you across the country for interviews, and bought new furniture and draperies for your office, then I would feel sorry, just a little.

 

[Theo520]

I know this might seem a little paranoid of me, but the recruiter for the temporary position that I turned down, did not take me turning down the position very well. He told me how it was unprofessional of me, because I did originally accept. Anyway, he does not live in the same state as I do, so he had asked for my social security over the phone (when I accepted the position), so that he could conduct a background check. Now that I am not going to be working the temp position, I am worried he might do something with my social security number. I mean, I don’t think so, I didn’t get a shady vibe from it, but I just am a worrier. Is there a way to know if someone has used it?

Did you let the recruiter know that you were given a permanent position.

Yes what you did comes across as being unprofessional but there are situations where it’s warranted.