Conflicted...

Durty

Shared on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:15

As most all of you know, I had a very hard time finding a job recently.  I ended up getting one at a law firm, through a temp agency, doing data entry and other work until they maybe had an opening in the accounting department, then they might have a permanent position for me.  I've been there six weeks now, and if there was even going to be a position open up, it might not be for a couple months. 

Last Friday I had an interview at a tax preparers office.  She also does bookkeeping, payroll and performs other services of that nature to small business's in the area...which is what I would be doing, as well as taxes.  Well, today I got the call that I had the job if I wanted it.  Same hours and same pay until tax season and then full time, not to mention overtime.  It isn't a temporary job, unless of course all of her clients go out of business, which isn't likely, even in this economic situation. It is about 15 minutes closer to home as well. 

I don't know what to do, I told her I would let her know tomorrow...just because I don't want to leave her hanging, she wants someone to start next week.  I was thinking about going into my supervisors office in the morning and asking her if there was going to be a permanent position open up because I had another job offer.  I really like most of the people I work with, and it is very interesting stuff...but on the other hand, if the job there isn't going to go anywhere, there isn't much point in me being there.  Arrrhhhh.

So, I need some advice.  Would it be advisable for me to go into the sup's office and talk with her about it?  If so, what is the best way to go about it?  If not, what should I do?!

Help me 2old2players...you're my only hope!

Comments

VenomRudman's picture
Submitted by VenomRudman on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:13
Take the other job, it's permanent. Your current sup will tell you anything to keep you around and then drop you at the first chance because you were disloyal.
Jmarps's picture
Submitted by Jmarps on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:32
The truth shall set you free. Let your current company know what is up. If you truly want to stay with them, ask them if they can match. If they say they can, get it in writing. If they cannot, too bad, they will have to hire another temp. Honesty is best as you never know who you are going to run into in work. Your current sup might be your future supe some day. Good luck.
codemonkey's picture
Submitted by codemonkey on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:40
Go for the full time position, but try not to burn your bridges too much if you ever have to go back to this style job in the future. I'd play the sympathy card, say you'd love to get as much done as possible in your final days and then move on.
T3muJin's picture
Submitted by T3muJin on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:41
you have to look out for yourself. you can go to your current boss, tell them what's up, even that you like working for them. But if they can't match and make you full time right then and there or the next day, then bye bye. take the full time job.
TANK's picture
Submitted by TANK on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:49
I'd say go with the tax firm job. IT's a gurantee for one thing and that industry may be a lot more stable than the temp job you're currently in so less chance of getting laid off. And the OT is always nice during tax season. So it sounds like the tax job is a win.
rumbagod's picture
Submitted by rumbagod on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 21:12
closer to home, guaranteed employment.....but what happens after tax season? just no overtime? how's the career path there? how are the benefits? either way it definitely sounds better than the temp agency....
OldManRiver48's picture
Submitted by OldManRiver48 on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 21:50
You posted the right direction to go imo, were pretty unanimous in backin ya on it. Good luck!
Twisted's picture
Submitted by Twisted on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 21:59
My wife and I have several employees and I can tell from my side of the fence if your employer is reasonable they would completely understand. Just say you like it there and would prefer to stay there but responsibilities dictate you start looking at something more solid. Anybody with half a brain has to be able to understand basic economic needs and would sympathize with your situation. Theyll either offer you a better incentive or will understand and be sorry to see you go. Last thing you want to do is sneak around behind their backs. Be up front ASAP.
Smithcraft's picture
Submitted by Smithcraft on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 00:54
NorthernPlato FTW! SC
pyro13g's picture
Submitted by pyro13g on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 06:44
Go for the sure thing. Benefits usually only get offered to regular employees, not temps.
Lbsutke's picture
Submitted by Lbsutke on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:13
I would talk to your Sup, and do exactly what you are thinking about doing. They will probably tell you they cannot guarantee anything, but at least you were up front with them, and let them know you are really interested in staying with them. Keeps that bridge open for you if the Tax thing doesn't work out.
The_Scout_Within's picture
Submitted by The_Scout_Within on Wed, 11/26/2008 - 13:13
Sorry had to stop and drop my 2 coppers. With the Job situation yes...you do like where u are now but as you stated it really hasnt panned out like u wanted it to. They MAY have a perm position for you LATER. Not saying that all that shines is gold but the one before you now is 15 min closer....will go from part time to full once tax season swings in. It also utlizes ur full potential in the skills area...and also at the same times adds time to you using them for future oppertunities. IMO extend the courtesy to your present boss and inform her of your decision. As a person she should know where u are commign from....you do afterall have to provide for yourself. If she/he feels you are an asset not worth loosing she/he will make u an offer or attempt to do something to get you to stay....but all in all it is your decision and all you need to do is weigh ur options for what if better for you and your family.
kewljoe's picture
Submitted by kewljoe on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:20
its a temp job so they now its not a sure thing and if thats what you are getting w/ the tax lady then I would go for it. Whats the worst that could happen you loose your job and end up having to strip for money? I might move down to springfield if that happens
TDrag27's picture
Submitted by TDrag27 on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:24
"A bird in hand is worth two in the bush." Go with the permanent position that utilizes your skills (assuming your sold on the gig). There isn't a position at the law firm to count on. Employers are likely to scale back 09 budgets with the economy. And even if there were a position, it doesn't sound like there's any promise that it would even be yours. So - you could talk to your sup about it, but I wouldn't expect much out of it.
TDrag27's picture
Submitted by TDrag27 on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:27
Eww - I hate my typos. *cringe*
evldog's picture
Submitted by evldog on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:39
In these times, I think I would go for the guaranteed full time position. But that's just me. I don't know how much anyone should listen to my views, I've been at a job I hate for 7 years just because the money is there every week. Anyway, just my thoughts. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
NorthernPlato's picture
Submitted by NorthernPlato on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:43
only because you drew out my inner geek with a star wars reference... I'd just speaking to your supervisor. Not in a confrontational manner, but just to say that you like working with the people, you enjoy the company and would like to have a career with them. Then ease into the topic that you've been offered another job, same hours and pay, but permanent, which is important to you as well, because you have a family to be responsibly for. Then ask if the position you currently hold is available as a permanent position. (if you're interested in staying there, assuming the job would be permanent) If not, let them know that you appreciate their time and have really enjoyed your time there, and if the position is ever made permanent, express your interest, however it is in the best interests of those you're responsible for that you have stable, permanent employment. That's my suggestion, assuming permanent, stable employment is of higher importance to you than a tenuous position at a place you know you enjoy working. Depending on your metric, your satisfaction may vary. My second suggestion, probably more important than the first: Be true to yourself, and chose whatever is most important to you. -Plato
revslow's picture
Submitted by revslow on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:56
When I was in management I love people to want to discuss their future and to see how they fit in with the company's goals. I would take the job that fit my plans for my life the best. After all you only have one here.
DRAGONBLOODSOUP's picture
Submitted by DRAGONBLOODSOUP on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:00
In total honesty take the job with the accounting office. Yes, you can go into your supervisor's office try to find out if the current job could or would turn into a long term position but, even if they say it could. What guarantee do you have that it will be soon or won't fall through for some reason. At least if you go in and tell them you will be leaving and truly did enjoy your time and the staff there. They will mostly likely, with the way that you have worked for them, take you on if they ever have a position open in the future that you might apply for. I have had many Temp agency associates come back for full time employment to my work and gotten in based on their honesty and past experience with us. Always remember even if you don't stay at a place, leave a lasting good impression and you will always be welcome back.
TheDastard's picture
Submitted by TheDastard on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:06
I vote for the direct approach. If you really want to be where you are, tell them what's up. But remember promises are just that...no assurance. But that way if you do leave, you didn't do it behind their backs. They may still get pissed, but you know you did it right.
Devonsangel's picture
Submitted by Devonsangel on Tue, 11/25/2008 - 20:10
I can appreciate you wanting to work with people you like, but right now and in the future, you need the security. Let the company know you are interested and if a permanent position opens up you would like to know, but need to go with something a bit more secure. They will understand and appreciate the honesty. (I would hope). Don't burn a bridge but like the others say, be honest to yourself and with yourself.

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