There are only bad options; which is the best one?
January 10, 2016 10:07 AM Subscribe
Out of work, unemployment benefits finished, and I feel like I need to choose between "take the crappy job that doesn't pay well" and "hold out for something better while temping and living off my savings." The catch? I've been fired twice in the last three years, so my employment history doesn't look great on paper even if I'm a good interview. What's the best job search strategy?
The short version: I'm a professional in my mid-40s working in nonprofit management. I moved to take a job that turned out to be hellish - I was asked to resign after 2 years because I didn't meet (unreasonable) expectations. After 8 months out of work and a steady stream of interviews, I found a similar position...which turned out to be awful for different reasons, and I was straight-up fired in June of 2015.
I've applied for 25-30 jobs and been on a fair number of interviews: I'm applying for nonprofit jobs, but trying things outside my box (taking the civil service exam, admin support) because what I thought I wanted (department head at a small-to-medium nonprofit) revealed how unprepared I was to deal with negative office politics. I've been the runner-up candidate enough this time around that I'm starting to think my spotty employment history is too big an obstacle for skills, good recommendations, and charm to overcome.
My husband and I have been in this new city for four years, and as much as it's been a mixed bag for me, it's great for him. He found a part time job at a university that's a great fit and could turn into a full-time job when his boss retires in 2-3 years, so I don't want to move.
A few weeks ago, I interviewed at a call center handling inbound customer service calls related to the industry I work(ed) in. It's a call center, but doesn't seem terrible, and I feel like if I'm going to start rebuilding an employment history, I have to start somewhere. It doesn't pay a lot: we would probably be dipping into our savings (we have a fairly comfortable emergency cushion) to make ends meet. After 6 months, I'd have the option to become a state employee; not only would the benefits be better, but I'd receive preference on the civil service list, so I'd get closer to a job I'm in line for that does pay enough to keep our savings intact. And, after the training period, I would have time during the day to go on interviews, because it's second shift.
Other things to know: As a person with a disability that essentially equals having the knees of an 80-year old, I'm built for an office job. I feel like I can't just go be a barista, because standing for long periods is out. Also, I'm in therapy with a great, helpful therapist which has allowed me to own the mistakes I made without feeling like a complete failure, so I've got that going for me. I'm volunteering in the community, but that won't turn into a full-time job anytime soon.
I'm here because I think I should take the call center job, but I don't know what I don't know - am I missing something? The call center feels like the best of bad options (tm Argo), but a temp job is likely to pay more - though it won't help me build a steady employment record. What should I do?
The short version: I'm a professional in my mid-40s working in nonprofit management. I moved to take a job that turned out to be hellish - I was asked to resign after 2 years because I didn't meet (unreasonable) expectations. After 8 months out of work and a steady stream of interviews, I found a similar position...which turned out to be awful for different reasons, and I was straight-up fired in June of 2015.
I've applied for 25-30 jobs and been on a fair number of interviews: I'm applying for nonprofit jobs, but trying things outside my box (taking the civil service exam, admin support) because what I thought I wanted (department head at a small-to-medium nonprofit) revealed how unprepared I was to deal with negative office politics. I've been the runner-up candidate enough this time around that I'm starting to think my spotty employment history is too big an obstacle for skills, good recommendations, and charm to overcome.
My husband and I have been in this new city for four years, and as much as it's been a mixed bag for me, it's great for him. He found a part time job at a university that's a great fit and could turn into a full-time job when his boss retires in 2-3 years, so I don't want to move.
A few weeks ago, I interviewed at a call center handling inbound customer service calls related to the industry I work(ed) in. It's a call center, but doesn't seem terrible, and I feel like if I'm going to start rebuilding an employment history, I have to start somewhere. It doesn't pay a lot: we would probably be dipping into our savings (we have a fairly comfortable emergency cushion) to make ends meet. After 6 months, I'd have the option to become a state employee; not only would the benefits be better, but I'd receive preference on the civil service list, so I'd get closer to a job I'm in line for that does pay enough to keep our savings intact. And, after the training period, I would have time during the day to go on interviews, because it's second shift.
Other things to know: As a person with a disability that essentially equals having the knees of an 80-year old, I'm built for an office job. I feel like I can't just go be a barista, because standing for long periods is out. Also, I'm in therapy with a great, helpful therapist which has allowed me to own the mistakes I made without feeling like a complete failure, so I've got that going for me. I'm volunteering in the community, but that won't turn into a full-time job anytime soon.
I'm here because I think I should take the call center job, but I don't know what I don't know - am I missing something? The call center feels like the best of bad options (tm Argo), but a temp job is likely to pay more - though it won't help me build a steady employment record. What should I do?
Your headline states, "There are only bad options" but I'm really not seeing the call center job as a "bad" option here. Is it ideal? No. Is it a paycheck with known, short-term options for advancement/improvement? Yes.
State employees typically are compensated better (when benefits/retirement/PTO/etc. are taken into consideration) than employees in the private sector. That's a huge plus right there. Does your temp job have benefits or contribute toward a retirement plan? Don't forget to factor benefits into your decision.
2nding the recommendation that your husband get an additional part-time job if it's feasible. Even a retail job would help pay some bills and potentially keep you from having to dip into savings.
posted by pecanpies at 10:27 AM on January 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
State employees typically are compensated better (when benefits/retirement/PTO/etc. are taken into consideration) than employees in the private sector. That's a huge plus right there. Does your temp job have benefits or contribute toward a retirement plan? Don't forget to factor benefits into your decision.
2nding the recommendation that your husband get an additional part-time job if it's feasible. Even a retail job would help pay some bills and potentially keep you from having to dip into savings.
posted by pecanpies at 10:27 AM on January 10, 2016 [4 favorites]
Take the job! Temping is unpredictable, therefore the "greater pay" aspect of it is ALSO not to be counted on. The call center has benefits, will accommodate your knees, is a steady paycheck and will eventually give you time to go on interviews? I don't see the downside right now. I think your instincts are correct!
posted by Countess Sandwich at 11:10 AM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Countess Sandwich at 11:10 AM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I think you and husband should both be open to finding a good full time job anywhere. Take the temp job for sure and keep your hunt alive. If my husband were working part time for years (baring special circumstances) I would count it as super extra terrible instead of great. Open up your options so one of you can find a full time high paying job you kinda like.
posted by Kalmya at 11:35 AM on January 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by Kalmya at 11:35 AM on January 10, 2016 [6 favorites]
You can't leave this city because in several years time your husband might get a full-time job? That's an awfully low bar to call a place great.
posted by the agents of KAOS at 2:43 PM on January 10, 2016 [13 favorites]
posted by the agents of KAOS at 2:43 PM on January 10, 2016 [13 favorites]
Call center jobs are terrible, but still better than more unemployment. Take the job and ride it until you're fired or for as long as you can stand it. I don't think you can afford to be picky, given how long unemployment can go for these days.
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:38 PM on January 10, 2016
posted by jenfullmoon at 5:38 PM on January 10, 2016
You've applied for 25-30 jobs in six months? That's not a lot. That's about one per week, and that's while you were unemployed (ie, when in theory you have nothing else to do with your time but make a job search your full time job). You say you are in a city, so there should be more jobs than that available, especially if you are also broadening your search to include things that are out of the box for you.
I'd take the call center job - you're out of unemployment and so you'll be dipping into savings no matter what, right? It's always easier to find a job when you've got a job, and you really need the extra boost a recent/steady job history provides. But I'd also step up the job search for the right position, and aim for an application or email to a potential employer every other day. It's a numbers game in a lot of ways, and I don't think you've been active enough to move the needle much, especially given the disadvantages in your work history. Good luck with your search!
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 7:30 PM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'd take the call center job - you're out of unemployment and so you'll be dipping into savings no matter what, right? It's always easier to find a job when you've got a job, and you really need the extra boost a recent/steady job history provides. But I'd also step up the job search for the right position, and aim for an application or email to a potential employer every other day. It's a numbers game in a lot of ways, and I don't think you've been active enough to move the needle much, especially given the disadvantages in your work history. Good luck with your search!
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 7:30 PM on January 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
Wow, this one's easy, unless I'm missing something. Call center job. Temping is not likely to be good for your savings either.
posted by serena15221 at 11:58 AM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by serena15221 at 11:58 AM on January 11, 2016 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by clone boulevard at 10:15 AM on January 10, 2016 [8 favorites]