Americorps VISTA gave me everything I wanted, but may take it away...
October 8, 2010 2:28 PM Subscribe
I got the job of my dreams...but my year at VISTA isn't over. Any advice?
The non profit where I was doing VISTA posted an awesome position about a month ago. I decided to apply, because it was too perfect to ignore.
After a ton of people applied, they chose a few, interviewed us, and decided to offer me the job. I was, of course, thrilled. I accepted two days ago. Haven't been formally hired, yet.
Now let me tell you about me: I arrived in this country a year and a half ago with a Bachelor of Science and the usual recent graduate frantic crisis under my belt. I had to swallow my dreams and work as an assistant manager at a gas station for nearly a year, until I found out about VISTA, and decided to go with it, since even though it's terrible for savings, it's way more rewarding than your usual gas station job. I loved it, I loved the office, the organization, the people, the refugees, and absolutely everything about the whole thing.
Now, about the job. Besides being insanely awesome (helping political refugee kids adapt to schools and succeed academically, directing a government funded program for 1/6 of VA, major experience for a 26 year old), it offers crazy good benefits, vacations, health insurance for me and the husband, 401k, etc. The pay is quite good. I know how the economy is. I know how lucky I am to have this chance, specially as a foreign graduate. I cannot bring myself to waste it.
The fear and doubts: Rumor has it that if you break your commitment with VISTA you're doomed for any government job. I would love to work for the government, eventually. I would also hate to look like a jerk on my resume, because I quit VISTA 3 months before my year of service ended. I wonder if this will affect my insurance claims within the VISTA system, too.
So, would you quit the program if you were me? If you would, how does one do it?
The non profit where I was doing VISTA posted an awesome position about a month ago. I decided to apply, because it was too perfect to ignore.
After a ton of people applied, they chose a few, interviewed us, and decided to offer me the job. I was, of course, thrilled. I accepted two days ago. Haven't been formally hired, yet.
Now let me tell you about me: I arrived in this country a year and a half ago with a Bachelor of Science and the usual recent graduate frantic crisis under my belt. I had to swallow my dreams and work as an assistant manager at a gas station for nearly a year, until I found out about VISTA, and decided to go with it, since even though it's terrible for savings, it's way more rewarding than your usual gas station job. I loved it, I loved the office, the organization, the people, the refugees, and absolutely everything about the whole thing.
Now, about the job. Besides being insanely awesome (helping political refugee kids adapt to schools and succeed academically, directing a government funded program for 1/6 of VA, major experience for a 26 year old), it offers crazy good benefits, vacations, health insurance for me and the husband, 401k, etc. The pay is quite good. I know how the economy is. I know how lucky I am to have this chance, specially as a foreign graduate. I cannot bring myself to waste it.
The fear and doubts: Rumor has it that if you break your commitment with VISTA you're doomed for any government job. I would love to work for the government, eventually. I would also hate to look like a jerk on my resume, because I quit VISTA 3 months before my year of service ended. I wonder if this will affect my insurance claims within the VISTA system, too.
So, would you quit the program if you were me? If you would, how does one do it?
Response by poster: I don't think it's an option. It's a very rigid non profit. I could ask the boss, though, but I think they officially want to have a person with my position title ASAP. I guess it's because of the grants and the fact that I need to report to the government.
Thanks for your reply :)
posted by Tarumba at 2:32 PM on October 8, 2010
Thanks for your reply :)
posted by Tarumba at 2:32 PM on October 8, 2010
Best answer: Congratulations on getting the job! No one would blame you for leaving a volunteer program to take a well-paid full time opportunity in this environment. But if your long-term goals include working for the government, you want to do everything by-the-book. I've been in federal selection processes before, and they are absolutely ruthless about procedures and details.
Is there something about your VISTA commitment that requires you to work in a specific job with a specific title and responsibilities? Can you work out a situation with your employer where you do the new job with a new title in a way that fulfulls the VISTA requirements? (Even foregoing pay and benefits for the next 3 months if VISTA requires you to be in a "volunteer" capacity?)
Could you do the jobs side-by-side, if necessary, since you only have 3 months to go?
posted by jdwhite at 2:52 PM on October 8, 2010
Is there something about your VISTA commitment that requires you to work in a specific job with a specific title and responsibilities? Can you work out a situation with your employer where you do the new job with a new title in a way that fulfulls the VISTA requirements? (Even foregoing pay and benefits for the next 3 months if VISTA requires you to be in a "volunteer" capacity?)
Could you do the jobs side-by-side, if necessary, since you only have 3 months to go?
posted by jdwhite at 2:52 PM on October 8, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks, jdwhite. Actually, part of the requirements of VISTA is that you do not take any other jobs at all while you're in service, which is why I would have to quit in order to take this new job.
posted by Tarumba at 2:53 PM on October 8, 2010
posted by Tarumba at 2:53 PM on October 8, 2010
This question doesn't make any sense to me. They knew you were working for VISTA when they offered you the job and you were working for them specifically as part of your VISTA service...surely the topic of what you would do about your remaining months is something they would address with you when they offered you the job?
posted by unannihilated at 3:14 PM on October 8, 2010
posted by unannihilated at 3:14 PM on October 8, 2010
Response by poster: I want to quit VISTA, and I want to know if not finishing my service year will hurt my chances of getting a federal job in the future. I would also like some input from third parties on what they would do in my position.
I'm not really sure what seems nonsensical about this.
posted by Tarumba at 3:18 PM on October 8, 2010
I'm not really sure what seems nonsensical about this.
posted by Tarumba at 3:18 PM on October 8, 2010
The words "It's a very rigid non profit." are a huge warning sign to me. I am not you, but that'd have me seriously reconsidering any gig.
posted by straw at 3:19 PM on October 8, 2010
posted by straw at 3:19 PM on October 8, 2010
Best answer: I think what's confusing is the status of your VISTA position -- it's the same non-profit throughout this whole story, correct? Previously, they were funding you through VISTA, but now they want you as a full time employee?
if this is right, i think i'd take the job. while you say you'd love to work for the government at some point, you may just as likely end up working in the nonprofit sector forever. and, as most people get jobs through contacts, you'll most likely be explaining why you quit VISTA to a sympathetic ear. anyone who knows about VISTA (like the fact that it pays next to nothing) will most likely understand.
posted by nanhey at 3:38 PM on October 8, 2010
if this is right, i think i'd take the job. while you say you'd love to work for the government at some point, you may just as likely end up working in the nonprofit sector forever. and, as most people get jobs through contacts, you'll most likely be explaining why you quit VISTA to a sympathetic ear. anyone who knows about VISTA (like the fact that it pays next to nothing) will most likely understand.
posted by nanhey at 3:38 PM on October 8, 2010
Response by poster: Yes, nanhey. It's the same non profit that wants to hire me as a full time employee.
Thank you for your input, I would really love to do that, and the fact that you agree tells me it's not a dreadful idea. I saw all these horror stories on the internet about quitting VISTA, and I got scared.
posted by Tarumba at 3:45 PM on October 8, 2010
Thank you for your input, I would really love to do that, and the fact that you agree tells me it's not a dreadful idea. I saw all these horror stories on the internet about quitting VISTA, and I got scared.
posted by Tarumba at 3:45 PM on October 8, 2010
Where did you hear that quitting VISTA would deep-six your chances at a government job? I was in VISTA a few years ago and heard nothing of it.
Quitting VISTA is extremely common, for reasons less sound than yours. You won't get your preferred government hiring status if you don't complete your service, but I'm skeptical that it would kill your chances for federal jobs in the future. It seems like a big enough consequence that it would be promoted to keep folks in the program. Do you have a regional VISTA coordinator? You could also try calling the contact info for federal agencies you're interested in and see what they say.
posted by momus_window at 3:50 PM on October 8, 2010
Quitting VISTA is extremely common, for reasons less sound than yours. You won't get your preferred government hiring status if you don't complete your service, but I'm skeptical that it would kill your chances for federal jobs in the future. It seems like a big enough consequence that it would be promoted to keep folks in the program. Do you have a regional VISTA coordinator? You could also try calling the contact info for federal agencies you're interested in and see what they say.
posted by momus_window at 3:50 PM on October 8, 2010
Best answer: From VISTA's perspective, you're moving from a temporary, ephemeral, entry-level commitment to their mission to a permanent, committed, and more responsible commitment to their mission. What's for them not to like?
I have a relative in federal HR, and judging from her stories, your federal employment "permanent record" will indeed include the fact that you withdrew from the program. If a future federal employer cares about that, they'll ask about it, but you can be confident that they will listen to (and, possibly, confirm) your explanation. In your case, it will be an opportunity to underscore what a valuable employee you are -- not a strike against you.
posted by FLAG (BASTARD WATER.) (Acorus Adulterinus.) at 5:08 PM on October 8, 2010
I have a relative in federal HR, and judging from her stories, your federal employment "permanent record" will indeed include the fact that you withdrew from the program. If a future federal employer cares about that, they'll ask about it, but you can be confident that they will listen to (and, possibly, confirm) your explanation. In your case, it will be an opportunity to underscore what a valuable employee you are -- not a strike against you.
posted by FLAG (BASTARD WATER.) (Acorus Adulterinus.) at 5:08 PM on October 8, 2010
Best answer: I'd go with what jdwhite suggested first. If VISTA really is that rigid, can you work out something with the non-profit where you would officially keep your old status, old title, old pay from VISTA, but simply doing the tasks of the new position? So in the the VISTA paperwork, you are still fulfilling everything, but the nonprofit gets you to fulfill your new position. It's might be a bit under the table, so I'm not sure how a rigid non-profit will view it.
But I would fully communicate with both VISTA and your non-profit to see if you can work some kind of deal out, where everyone is happy. I would definitely try my hardest to secure the new position, while meeting VISTA's standards. I'm sure something can be worked out...you only have 3 months left and it's at the same organization...it's a major win for everyone except it goes against the official "Rule book". Don't give up, and good luck.
posted by lacedcoffee at 5:57 PM on October 8, 2010
But I would fully communicate with both VISTA and your non-profit to see if you can work some kind of deal out, where everyone is happy. I would definitely try my hardest to secure the new position, while meeting VISTA's standards. I'm sure something can be worked out...you only have 3 months left and it's at the same organization...it's a major win for everyone except it goes against the official "Rule book". Don't give up, and good luck.
posted by lacedcoffee at 5:57 PM on October 8, 2010
Best answer: I was a VISTA and VISTA Leader for three years and during that time I was aware of a situation exactly similar to this one. The situation was something that I discussed in-depth with my VISTA Leader peers, so I can share my knowledge from those conversations. First of all, you didn't mention your education award or end of year stipend. If you choose to end your VISTA service, you will definitely receive $0 of whichever one you chose. Pro-rated awards are reserved for extreme circumstances that are out of the control of the individual.
That being said, this is actually more of a mark against your agency than it is against you. Federal hiring does require deep disclosure of previous relevant jobs, but very few HR or hiring managers would be familiar with the one year commitment of VISTA unless they're an alum or work for a department in an agency whose work overlaps with AmeriCorps.
From another perspective, this is a very poor move for your agency if they are interested in maintaining a good standing as an applicant for future VISTA grants. Basically they're sending the signal that they never needed a VISTA in the first place or only needed one for 3/4ths time. Your own individual assignment will not be allowed to be refilled almost certainly and your projects will either languish or require staff time (or, more sneakily, be burdened upon other AmeriCorps members.)
In the case that I was aware of, it was a situation where there was a medium sized non-profit where one department did not give the VISTA supervisor the courtesy of consultation before making the hiring offer. That kind of situation reflects poorly on agency management. As such, three months is hardly an impossible gap to cross if they really want to hire you and they want to make a plan. Right now they're getting your skills and work as a volunteer and if your projects are important, they should want to continue to get the bargain labor. Changing your VISTA Assignment Description may or may not fly in this case and depends on how relevant your current job is to your new one. Consulting with your VISTA Supervisor is a good idea in any case so that you don't create bad blood with a new coworker.
The other thing that you're forfeiting is your Non-Competitive Eligibility for Federal jobs. To be sure, utilizing NCE isn't easy, only lasts a year and is no guarantee but I can name more than a few of my VISTA peers who did it. Nevertheless, one might also say that a job in the hand is worth two in the bush, especially nowadays.
Ultimately you should make the decision that's right for you and it sounds like your mind is made up that you'll take the job but you are looking for a perfect solution first. To that end, you should discuss this situation with the VISTA Supervisor and ask them to go to bat for the idea that you will continue your VISTA year before signing on to the other job.
posted by Skwirl at 9:33 PM on October 10, 2010
That being said, this is actually more of a mark against your agency than it is against you. Federal hiring does require deep disclosure of previous relevant jobs, but very few HR or hiring managers would be familiar with the one year commitment of VISTA unless they're an alum or work for a department in an agency whose work overlaps with AmeriCorps.
From another perspective, this is a very poor move for your agency if they are interested in maintaining a good standing as an applicant for future VISTA grants. Basically they're sending the signal that they never needed a VISTA in the first place or only needed one for 3/4ths time. Your own individual assignment will not be allowed to be refilled almost certainly and your projects will either languish or require staff time (or, more sneakily, be burdened upon other AmeriCorps members.)
In the case that I was aware of, it was a situation where there was a medium sized non-profit where one department did not give the VISTA supervisor the courtesy of consultation before making the hiring offer. That kind of situation reflects poorly on agency management. As such, three months is hardly an impossible gap to cross if they really want to hire you and they want to make a plan. Right now they're getting your skills and work as a volunteer and if your projects are important, they should want to continue to get the bargain labor. Changing your VISTA Assignment Description may or may not fly in this case and depends on how relevant your current job is to your new one. Consulting with your VISTA Supervisor is a good idea in any case so that you don't create bad blood with a new coworker.
The other thing that you're forfeiting is your Non-Competitive Eligibility for Federal jobs. To be sure, utilizing NCE isn't easy, only lasts a year and is no guarantee but I can name more than a few of my VISTA peers who did it. Nevertheless, one might also say that a job in the hand is worth two in the bush, especially nowadays.
Ultimately you should make the decision that's right for you and it sounds like your mind is made up that you'll take the job but you are looking for a perfect solution first. To that end, you should discuss this situation with the VISTA Supervisor and ask them to go to bat for the idea that you will continue your VISTA year before signing on to the other job.
posted by Skwirl at 9:33 PM on October 10, 2010
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posted by catlet at 2:30 PM on October 8, 2010