Time off needed before accepting a job
August 28, 2013 3:59 PM Subscribe
I interviewed for a job a few weeks ago. Today they called to offer me the position and sent me the offer letter via email. I sent a follow-up email to confirm receipt of the offer letter, and also sent a list of three upcoming dates (the soonest being a month away) that I would not be available to work. The response from HR was basically that they'd have to see what the staffing situation would be before confirming I'd receive those days off.
Given that these are commitments I made before the job was offered, is it unreasonable to expect that they would accept this? Should I insist on an assurance that I will be given those days off before officially accepting the job? This job has very specific and set hours, and I can understand concern about staffing, but I feel like it's unreasonable of them to expect that I wouldn't have prior commitments needing to be worked around.
Given that these are commitments I made before the job was offered, is it unreasonable to expect that they would accept this? Should I insist on an assurance that I will be given those days off before officially accepting the job? This job has very specific and set hours, and I can understand concern about staffing, but I feel like it's unreasonable of them to expect that I wouldn't have prior commitments needing to be worked around.
It depends on the type of job, and what else is going on. If e.g. it's the sort of job where there are 2 people who share responsibilities but one has to be on at all times minimum, and the other person has already requested that time off, then, well, you may be out of luck. While it would be great if they can accommodate you, they are certainly not obligated to give you this time off, and can of course fire you if you take it without permission.
I do think it's reasonable to press the issue and find out if you will be able to take those days before accepting the job. The answer may be no. You may have to make a choice between whatever obligations you have those days and accepting this new job. Hopefully, that will not be the case -- it's rare for it to be -- but it absolutely can happen.
posted by brainmouse at 4:12 PM on August 28, 2013 [4 favorites]
I do think it's reasonable to press the issue and find out if you will be able to take those days before accepting the job. The answer may be no. You may have to make a choice between whatever obligations you have those days and accepting this new job. Hopefully, that will not be the case -- it's rare for it to be -- but it absolutely can happen.
posted by brainmouse at 4:12 PM on August 28, 2013 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: It's an after-hours (hourly) phone position with a local home health agency. The hours are Saturday and Sunday nights. My understanding is that eventually (not sure of that timeline) I would be the only one on duty during those hours, so obviously there would be a staffing issue. However, the position has been vacant for at least a month now, so there are options. And as a new hire, I certainly wouldn't expect to get paid for those nights I'd not be working.
As for the commitments in question, I would absolutely choose them over this job, but of course ideally (and I think reasonably) I would have both.
posted by altopower at 4:18 PM on August 28, 2013
As for the commitments in question, I would absolutely choose them over this job, but of course ideally (and I think reasonably) I would have both.
posted by altopower at 4:18 PM on August 28, 2013
This should absolutely not be an issue. Instead of asking, frame it as advising. "I'm delighted to join XYZ Company! I have previously scheduled committments on x/xx, x/xx, and x/xx, so will not be able to work those days."
posted by spinturtle at 4:22 PM on August 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by spinturtle at 4:22 PM on August 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
How badly do you need this job? If very badly, I would take it, try and get the time off, and keep searching for a new one in case you do get fired for taking the time off against their wishes. If not badly, then I would push back and say "I want to be clear here, I will not be working on days x y and z. If that is unacceptable then I cannot take this job."
posted by jacalata at 4:30 PM on August 28, 2013
posted by jacalata at 4:30 PM on August 28, 2013
Its totally reasonable to ask. I've done that and been accommodated before. But they have no obligation to do so (although in general if they think you're worth hiring it seems silly not to).
If you absolutely need those days off to accept the job, then yes you should get some sort of official confirmation before starting. And realize there is a chance you may be forced to choose. Whether its reasonable or not of them to refuse is not really important, IMO, as there's nothing you can do about it if they choose to be unreasonable.
posted by wildcrdj at 4:46 PM on August 28, 2013
If you absolutely need those days off to accept the job, then yes you should get some sort of official confirmation before starting. And realize there is a chance you may be forced to choose. Whether its reasonable or not of them to refuse is not really important, IMO, as there's nothing you can do about it if they choose to be unreasonable.
posted by wildcrdj at 4:46 PM on August 28, 2013
This is a hiring manager decision, not an HR decision. The manager is the person who would need to schedule an alternate to work the shift. HR's pushing it off because it's simply not their call to make.
Call your new manager and get the time off approved.
posted by 26.2 at 4:53 PM on August 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
Call your new manager and get the time off approved.
posted by 26.2 at 4:53 PM on August 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
Healthcare isn't usually as accommodating as other employers when it comes to time off. You do run the risk of being seen as high maintenance. But it doesn't hurt to talk to the manager, tell them what the commitments are and see what they say. It's one thing if its your sisters wedding and another if it's to get your hair done. Make sure to say you understand you won't be paid.
posted by SyraCarol at 5:01 PM on August 28, 2013
posted by SyraCarol at 5:01 PM on August 28, 2013
it's been vacant for a month, for a job where you're the only one working at a certain time, with no back-up. they need someone, and they found someone (you) they'd like to hire. I'd reply saying you'll wait for them to confirm those days off (paid or otherwise) before you'll sign the acceptance letter. they're trying to not let you negotiate.
you said you'd absolutely choose your prior obligations over the job, so you have the bargaining power in this situation.
posted by cupcake1337 at 5:06 PM on August 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
you said you'd absolutely choose your prior obligations over the job, so you have the bargaining power in this situation.
posted by cupcake1337 at 5:06 PM on August 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
The one time I agreed to give time off to a new hire in this sort of manner, it totally kicked me in the shins. The new hire had a great excuse, and she made lots of promises to me about how this was a one-time thing, and then ended up being exactly the kind of employee who always expected her schedule to trump my needs. Your prospective new employer may have had a similar experience, and feel that — reasonable request or not — you're not worth the risk if you start out by asking for three days off before you even commit to the job.
OTOH, if they're totally inflexible right off the bat, this might not be the company you want to work for.
These issues go both ways, and at this stage in your relationship, neither knows the other well enough to know for sure what is reasonable from the other.
posted by Capri at 5:17 PM on August 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
OTOH, if they're totally inflexible right off the bat, this might not be the company you want to work for.
These issues go both ways, and at this stage in your relationship, neither knows the other well enough to know for sure what is reasonable from the other.
posted by Capri at 5:17 PM on August 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
There has to be someone filling in for this position while your future seat is vacant, right? If so, could you arrange an exchange where you put in some overtime before your obligations and the other party covers for you while you're gone?
posted by JoeZydeco at 6:31 PM on August 28, 2013
posted by JoeZydeco at 6:31 PM on August 28, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by handful of rain at 4:02 PM on August 28, 2013