Should I take on a second job?
February 18, 2019 2:47 PM Subscribe
I was recently offered a second, part-time retail job. I'm having cold feet symptoms.
As you can see in my previous question, I'm overworked and underpaid at my current job in a higher education institution. Unfortunately, not much has really changed since my question, and someone else has left the office, which means we're even more understaffed. No positive changes with my supervisor, the problem contractor issue is still there, and morale seems to have slipped even more with the very few of us left in the office.
As I live in a very high cost-of-living area (think a major eastern city that isn't NYC), I have been searching for another job. I used to work at a major retailer store, and went through a few interview rounds at this same retailer. Today, I was asked for my availability for the retail job, with training apparently happening in about a week and an half. Happening so fast! I told them I needed to check in first with my current employer first, and will get back to them tomorrow or Wednesday.
I have wanted this job, in more of a nostalgistic way and wanting more pay. I wanted to return to my previous retailer, it's high-brand, very prestigious (hint: it's a major technology corporation), and working there was fun, if not a bit wearisome. I quit at the time because of burnout. Working there part-time should be more manageable.
However, the caveats. I'm getting cold feet. Here's why:
a) Extra money, but a higher AGI next year, which means paying more in student loans (I'm on an income-based payment plan). I don't want to get the job, work some, then quit if I can't handle it, and end up having to pay extra next year for that.
b) Having to give up a weekend day and weeknights. Working at my job as is, is very stressful at times, so I appreciate the weekends/after hours to unwind or hang out with friends. I also don't perform under stress well at all. To be fair, though, lately, it's been even harder to let go on weekends due to me being essentially the only staff working on certain, specific things at work, and the contractor only being able to work after hours/on weekends, given his schedule. As it is, I'm exhausted every day after work. My job is a desk job, but it's very exhausting given all the mental gymnastics and juggling, and having to deal with a somewhat toxic boss/people on campus who expect a lot from us and don't understand our understaffed standing.
c) Emotional burnout. I'm afraid of that happening, and I know myself well.
I believe the minimum hours for part-timers at this retailer would be 24 hours a week. My current job is a standard, salaried 40 hour job.
So. Here are my options:
a) Show the job offer (when I get an official copy) to my current boss/HR, ask if they can give me higher pay by matching the extra pay I would have gotten with my job - I would justify this by saying if they paid me higher and I'd stay at one job, I'd give more quality work. Caveat: My institution is currently in the red for its budget, and moves slowly, so there may not be much chance of this happening. Also, the retailer expects a response no later than Wednesday, and it's practically impossible to get an answer from them before then.
b) Take the job, see how it goes. I'm still nervous about the impact it'd have on my AGI, however, and I don't want to "pay for it" down the road by having to pay increased student loans. I'm also nervous about the impact it will have on my emotional/mental and physical health.
c) Decline the job offer, then move on and search for a better job. (That's what I have been doing, with little success.)
Other notes/thoughts:
a) I'm paid way under market. The average for the same title, in my area, given my years of experience (shown on Glassdoor), is substantial (about ~10k of a difference). My institution's HR argued that it's a "non-profit", therefore the lower pay, but it's a private university that receives some federal funding, so it's a bit muddled/unclear. I do know administrators get very well paid, however.
b) While not official, I'm sort of considered as an "essential" staff at my university, in which I send campus-wide announcements and maintain their email "digest" system, in addition to helping with publications that are on tight deadlines. Taking on this second job would decimate my ability to help out (although I don't do this after hours or on weekends currently, so not much of an impact). However, the nature of the job is unpredictable, and things often come up quickly.
c) My apartment renewal comes soon, and I'm expecting an increase between 1-10% (was told by the leasing office it'd be 1-5%, but playing it safe), and my student loan payments will also increase, so I definitely could use the extra money. Can I manage without? Sure, but it's always nice to get extra money.
d) I have a disability (would prefer not to disclose which here, I want to keep this as my anonymous account). This disability does not interfere with both jobs, but it does add a bit of hardship at times.
Obviously, you can't make the decision for me, but I would like help parsing through my thoughts and seeing how this can be reframed/if there's anything I'm missing.
As you can see in my previous question, I'm overworked and underpaid at my current job in a higher education institution. Unfortunately, not much has really changed since my question, and someone else has left the office, which means we're even more understaffed. No positive changes with my supervisor, the problem contractor issue is still there, and morale seems to have slipped even more with the very few of us left in the office.
As I live in a very high cost-of-living area (think a major eastern city that isn't NYC), I have been searching for another job. I used to work at a major retailer store, and went through a few interview rounds at this same retailer. Today, I was asked for my availability for the retail job, with training apparently happening in about a week and an half. Happening so fast! I told them I needed to check in first with my current employer first, and will get back to them tomorrow or Wednesday.
I have wanted this job, in more of a nostalgistic way and wanting more pay. I wanted to return to my previous retailer, it's high-brand, very prestigious (hint: it's a major technology corporation), and working there was fun, if not a bit wearisome. I quit at the time because of burnout. Working there part-time should be more manageable.
However, the caveats. I'm getting cold feet. Here's why:
a) Extra money, but a higher AGI next year, which means paying more in student loans (I'm on an income-based payment plan). I don't want to get the job, work some, then quit if I can't handle it, and end up having to pay extra next year for that.
b) Having to give up a weekend day and weeknights. Working at my job as is, is very stressful at times, so I appreciate the weekends/after hours to unwind or hang out with friends. I also don't perform under stress well at all. To be fair, though, lately, it's been even harder to let go on weekends due to me being essentially the only staff working on certain, specific things at work, and the contractor only being able to work after hours/on weekends, given his schedule. As it is, I'm exhausted every day after work. My job is a desk job, but it's very exhausting given all the mental gymnastics and juggling, and having to deal with a somewhat toxic boss/people on campus who expect a lot from us and don't understand our understaffed standing.
c) Emotional burnout. I'm afraid of that happening, and I know myself well.
I believe the minimum hours for part-timers at this retailer would be 24 hours a week. My current job is a standard, salaried 40 hour job.
So. Here are my options:
a) Show the job offer (when I get an official copy) to my current boss/HR, ask if they can give me higher pay by matching the extra pay I would have gotten with my job - I would justify this by saying if they paid me higher and I'd stay at one job, I'd give more quality work. Caveat: My institution is currently in the red for its budget, and moves slowly, so there may not be much chance of this happening. Also, the retailer expects a response no later than Wednesday, and it's practically impossible to get an answer from them before then.
b) Take the job, see how it goes. I'm still nervous about the impact it'd have on my AGI, however, and I don't want to "pay for it" down the road by having to pay increased student loans. I'm also nervous about the impact it will have on my emotional/mental and physical health.
c) Decline the job offer, then move on and search for a better job. (That's what I have been doing, with little success.)
Other notes/thoughts:
a) I'm paid way under market. The average for the same title, in my area, given my years of experience (shown on Glassdoor), is substantial (about ~10k of a difference). My institution's HR argued that it's a "non-profit", therefore the lower pay, but it's a private university that receives some federal funding, so it's a bit muddled/unclear. I do know administrators get very well paid, however.
b) While not official, I'm sort of considered as an "essential" staff at my university, in which I send campus-wide announcements and maintain their email "digest" system, in addition to helping with publications that are on tight deadlines. Taking on this second job would decimate my ability to help out (although I don't do this after hours or on weekends currently, so not much of an impact). However, the nature of the job is unpredictable, and things often come up quickly.
c) My apartment renewal comes soon, and I'm expecting an increase between 1-10% (was told by the leasing office it'd be 1-5%, but playing it safe), and my student loan payments will also increase, so I definitely could use the extra money. Can I manage without? Sure, but it's always nice to get extra money.
d) I have a disability (would prefer not to disclose which here, I want to keep this as my anonymous account). This disability does not interfere with both jobs, but it does add a bit of hardship at times.
Obviously, you can't make the decision for me, but I would like help parsing through my thoughts and seeing how this can be reframed/if there's anything I'm missing.
I think 64 hours/week plus the associated time spent travelling to/from jobs and generally managing them sounds unsustainable, especially when your morale is already low and you're already feeling overworked, and when you say right up front that burnout is a serious concern. You also say you don't actually need the money, it would just be nice to have. This job is part-time retail, which means there's no path to it replacing your current job.
I see zero upside to taking this job. Save your sanity.
Specifically, save it for a job search because it sounds like you don't like your current job and would like to be making more money. Spend your sanity on replacing your primary job with a better one, not piling a dead-end part time gig on top of it.
So Option C, but maybe put more of your time and energy into it than you have been doing so far.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 2:57 PM on February 18, 2019 [17 favorites]
I see zero upside to taking this job. Save your sanity.
Specifically, save it for a job search because it sounds like you don't like your current job and would like to be making more money. Spend your sanity on replacing your primary job with a better one, not piling a dead-end part time gig on top of it.
So Option C, but maybe put more of your time and energy into it than you have been doing so far.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 2:57 PM on February 18, 2019 [17 favorites]
Like, my job doesn't even allow me to work past sixty hours without special permission, even during periods of mandatory overtime. This is because productivity hits diminishing returns after 50 hours or so, and because it leads to burnout in short order. I get that it's become the norm for many people to have to work themselves to death in order to live, but if you don't have to then you really, really shouldn't.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 3:08 PM on February 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 3:08 PM on February 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
The retail job is a waste of your energy unless you're desperate for money. Keep looking for a new full time job while simultaneously nagging your current employer for a pay increase/ better position.
posted by metasarah at 3:20 PM on February 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by metasarah at 3:20 PM on February 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
For second jobs, imho, they are best if:
- they pay a ton of money even if it is hard work (waiting tables, babysitting)
Or
- they pay decent but aren't too hard, like sitting around at a reception desk.
To me, retail doesn't pay well enough for the strain on your body.
posted by k8t at 3:24 PM on February 18, 2019 [11 favorites]
- they pay a ton of money even if it is hard work (waiting tables, babysitting)
Or
- they pay decent but aren't too hard, like sitting around at a reception desk.
To me, retail doesn't pay well enough for the strain on your body.
posted by k8t at 3:24 PM on February 18, 2019 [11 favorites]
I always tell people who need or want a part-time job to consider teaching English online. That’s not what you asked, of course, but 60+ hours plus commute plus dealing with customers sounds like absolute hell to me. But going home, relxing for a few hours, logging on to my comp to teach some kids a few words for a few hours or teaching adults on the weekends from my comfy chair is way easier and less stressful.
posted by Young Kullervo at 3:29 PM on February 18, 2019 [11 favorites]
posted by Young Kullervo at 3:29 PM on February 18, 2019 [11 favorites]
Since nobody's said it yet, your option A is really unlikely to work out. You get a raise by showing your employer that you're worth more, either by good performance in your job, possibly by comparisons / cost of living adjustments, or by getting a counteroffer. The retail job is unrelated. Your employer can't keep you from taking a second job even if they give you a raise. This is just not how raises work.
I agree you should focus on getting a better-paying full-time job.
The student loan repayment shouldn't really factor in. Paying more on your student loans now will reduce the amount of interest you will pay overall, and if you can afford your other bills and save a little, paying more on your loans is likely a good idea (depending on interest rates for your loans vs. investment options).
posted by momus_window at 3:36 PM on February 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
I agree you should focus on getting a better-paying full-time job.
The student loan repayment shouldn't really factor in. Paying more on your student loans now will reduce the amount of interest you will pay overall, and if you can afford your other bills and save a little, paying more on your loans is likely a good idea (depending on interest rates for your loans vs. investment options).
posted by momus_window at 3:36 PM on February 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
a) Show the job offer (when I get an official copy) to my current boss/HR, ask if they can give me higher pay by matching the extra pay I would have gotten with my job - I would justify this by saying if they paid me higher and I'd stay at one job, I'd give more quality work.
I think this is a really bad idea. Promising them higher quality work than what you're producing now makes you look bad - like you're not giving this current job your best work. Showing them a part-time job offer doesn't incentivize them to pay you more. They may tell you to go take that job. Whatever you end up deciding about the part-time job, please don't do this.
posted by Kangaroo at 3:37 PM on February 18, 2019 [21 favorites]
I think this is a really bad idea. Promising them higher quality work than what you're producing now makes you look bad - like you're not giving this current job your best work. Showing them a part-time job offer doesn't incentivize them to pay you more. They may tell you to go take that job. Whatever you end up deciding about the part-time job, please don't do this.
posted by Kangaroo at 3:37 PM on February 18, 2019 [21 favorites]
Show the job offer (when I get an official copy) to my current boss/HR
Adding to the chorus of do not do this. An offer in your same field, maybe. You taking a retail job offer has nothing to do with them.
posted by aspersioncast at 3:44 PM on February 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Adding to the chorus of do not do this. An offer in your same field, maybe. You taking a retail job offer has nothing to do with them.
posted by aspersioncast at 3:44 PM on February 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
You are already exhausted. Where are you going to get the energy for this? If you're proposing working an extra 24 hours a week, I would suggest that you take the next week, figure out what a normal shift schedule would be if you accepted this other job, and make some kind of plans that involve roughly the same level of effort, including physical movement, that would be involved in this retail job. Clean your apartment, find something you can do in the way of volunteering, go to some kind of shopping center and amble around, just do something for typical shift lengths with only what your mandated breaks would be. Try that. See how you feel at the end of it. See if you can make yourself do it at all.
There's a minority of people who do actually seem to do better with more to do with themselves, sure. I know a couple people who are happier with less down time. But you should be able to work out with just an evening or two whether you are that person or whether you are dying the day afterwards. Unless it turns out you thrive on working 12-hour days, I would suggest that if you even theoretically have 24 free hours a week for a second job, you have 5-10 hours a week to find a better first job.
posted by Sequence at 3:45 PM on February 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
There's a minority of people who do actually seem to do better with more to do with themselves, sure. I know a couple people who are happier with less down time. But you should be able to work out with just an evening or two whether you are that person or whether you are dying the day afterwards. Unless it turns out you thrive on working 12-hour days, I would suggest that if you even theoretically have 24 free hours a week for a second job, you have 5-10 hours a week to find a better first job.
posted by Sequence at 3:45 PM on February 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
I agree with the other commenters who say that the extra money probably isn’t worth the stress.
However, if you do decide to take the job and later quit, the change in AGI doesn’t have to affect your income-driven repayment if you have federal student loans. While the simplest way to fill out your yearly income recertification is to have studentloans.gov pull last year’s tax data from the IRS, if your income has dropped since then you should be able to submit alternative documentation of your current income. (And you can do this at any time during the year, if you have a drop in income and want them to recalculate, even if it’s not yet time for your annual recertification.)
It’s way more paperwork than having them pull your tax info (I had to do it a couple years ago and it was obnoxious) but it’s a possibility... so while I don’t think you should take this job, you shouldn’t let the AGI issue be the only thing standing in your way.
posted by eirin at 3:46 PM on February 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
However, if you do decide to take the job and later quit, the change in AGI doesn’t have to affect your income-driven repayment if you have federal student loans. While the simplest way to fill out your yearly income recertification is to have studentloans.gov pull last year’s tax data from the IRS, if your income has dropped since then you should be able to submit alternative documentation of your current income. (And you can do this at any time during the year, if you have a drop in income and want them to recalculate, even if it’s not yet time for your annual recertification.)
It’s way more paperwork than having them pull your tax info (I had to do it a couple years ago and it was obnoxious) but it’s a possibility... so while I don’t think you should take this job, you shouldn’t let the AGI issue be the only thing standing in your way.
posted by eirin at 3:46 PM on February 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
You’re contemplating unnecessarily working 60+ hours a week, when your existing job is stressful and tiring, and you consider yourself at high risk of burnout, just because it’s nice to have extra money?
No! What are you thinking? Just no!
posted by penguin pie at 3:53 PM on February 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
No! What are you thinking? Just no!
posted by penguin pie at 3:53 PM on February 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Don't do a, I think at best your boss would laugh in your face at that one.
I haven't worked retail, but everyone tells me that they constantly switch your work schedules around with little to no notice. I don't know how you'd juggle an 8-5 office job and then the retail job.
c is really your only answer. You will be even more miserable, exhausted, and burnt out if you work 2 jobs and your "regular" job is already doing that to you. Getting abused at a retail job on top of that? HELL NO. You'd be better off job hunting or walking dogs on your own or something else that isn't trying to do this.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:27 PM on February 18, 2019
I haven't worked retail, but everyone tells me that they constantly switch your work schedules around with little to no notice. I don't know how you'd juggle an 8-5 office job and then the retail job.
c is really your only answer. You will be even more miserable, exhausted, and burnt out if you work 2 jobs and your "regular" job is already doing that to you. Getting abused at a retail job on top of that? HELL NO. You'd be better off job hunting or walking dogs on your own or something else that isn't trying to do this.
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:27 PM on February 18, 2019
Response by poster: Wow, some very helpful answers so far! A few followup responses.
Regarding option B, specifically your health: if the retailer is a certain “fruit stand,” things may have changed a lot since you last worked there.
Yep, it has been quite a while. About 5 years. It was fun, while frustrating, at times. Again, part time would be manageable, but on top of my current job... IDK.
-Since nobody's said it yet, your option A is really unlikely to work out. You get a raise by showing your employer that you're worth more, either by good performance in your job, possibly by comparisons / cost of living adjustments, or by getting a counteroffer.
-I think this is a really bad idea. Promising them higher quality work than what you're producing now makes you look bad - like you're not giving this current job your best work. Showing them a part-time job offer doesn't incentivize them to pay you more.
-Don't do a, I think at best your boss would laugh in your face at that one.
Just to clarify, I meant bringing the job offer to them, explaining that I am in need of more money, especially for COLA and living expenses in the city I live at, and asking if they would match what I would have earned at this company in addition, while guaranteeing they'd keep my current level of employment. Why would that be a bad idea? Can you expand a bit on that?
The retail job is a waste of your energy unless you're desperate for money.
I realized I wasn't clear in my OP. While right now, I'm OK, money-wise (while not having a lot of savings... most of my paycheck goes to my apartment, but I've made it work), my concern is the renewal letter/raise and student loans raising as well, which might make it hard for me to afford where I am at now. And yes, the obvious answer may be to move, but I'm very happy where I am, and moving would be a huge, cumbersome hassle. That's why I thought a second job would be a good solution.
I always tell people who need or want a part-time job to consider teaching English online.
Sounds like a good idea. Any recommended venues?
Keep looking for a new full time job while simultaneously nagging your current employer for a pay increase/ better position.
May be veering a bit OT, but how? I tried bringing the Glassdoor comparison printout to HR, showing them that I was in fact underpaid. "We're a non-profit, so that comparison doesn't apply" was the (paraphrased) reply. I tried providing my value. Nothing. And, I began even lower, and got a 10% increase last year thanks to my old (long departed from the job) boss, so they'd argue that I got substantial raises since I first began (totaling ~13% in the last 4 years, putting the 10% increase and yearly COLA increases together). The raises themselves aren't the problem. The problem is that I began way too low, at the bottom of the barrel, and I seriously regret not negotiating then. So, how do I get out of this slump, save finding another (hard to find, especially with my disability) job?
Bottom line, I'm very torn, because after leaving my retailer, I ended up regretting it and wishing I stayed. I even had a few dreams about working there again, haha. But, at the same time, I want to be realistic, both for my health, and for the fact that perhaps things at the retailer had changed since I left. I think right now, especially because of how difficult things are currently at my job, I'm imagining the prestige of it and missing the "old days"... that's what is making this so confusing.
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 5:06 PM on February 18, 2019
Regarding option B, specifically your health: if the retailer is a certain “fruit stand,” things may have changed a lot since you last worked there.
Yep, it has been quite a while. About 5 years. It was fun, while frustrating, at times. Again, part time would be manageable, but on top of my current job... IDK.
-Since nobody's said it yet, your option A is really unlikely to work out. You get a raise by showing your employer that you're worth more, either by good performance in your job, possibly by comparisons / cost of living adjustments, or by getting a counteroffer.
-I think this is a really bad idea. Promising them higher quality work than what you're producing now makes you look bad - like you're not giving this current job your best work. Showing them a part-time job offer doesn't incentivize them to pay you more.
-Don't do a, I think at best your boss would laugh in your face at that one.
Just to clarify, I meant bringing the job offer to them, explaining that I am in need of more money, especially for COLA and living expenses in the city I live at, and asking if they would match what I would have earned at this company in addition, while guaranteeing they'd keep my current level of employment. Why would that be a bad idea? Can you expand a bit on that?
The retail job is a waste of your energy unless you're desperate for money.
I realized I wasn't clear in my OP. While right now, I'm OK, money-wise (while not having a lot of savings... most of my paycheck goes to my apartment, but I've made it work), my concern is the renewal letter/raise and student loans raising as well, which might make it hard for me to afford where I am at now. And yes, the obvious answer may be to move, but I'm very happy where I am, and moving would be a huge, cumbersome hassle. That's why I thought a second job would be a good solution.
I always tell people who need or want a part-time job to consider teaching English online.
Sounds like a good idea. Any recommended venues?
Keep looking for a new full time job while simultaneously nagging your current employer for a pay increase/ better position.
May be veering a bit OT, but how? I tried bringing the Glassdoor comparison printout to HR, showing them that I was in fact underpaid. "We're a non-profit, so that comparison doesn't apply" was the (paraphrased) reply. I tried providing my value. Nothing. And, I began even lower, and got a 10% increase last year thanks to my old (long departed from the job) boss, so they'd argue that I got substantial raises since I first began (totaling ~13% in the last 4 years, putting the 10% increase and yearly COLA increases together). The raises themselves aren't the problem. The problem is that I began way too low, at the bottom of the barrel, and I seriously regret not negotiating then. So, how do I get out of this slump, save finding another (hard to find, especially with my disability) job?
Bottom line, I'm very torn, because after leaving my retailer, I ended up regretting it and wishing I stayed. I even had a few dreams about working there again, haha. But, at the same time, I want to be realistic, both for my health, and for the fact that perhaps things at the retailer had changed since I left. I think right now, especially because of how difficult things are currently at my job, I'm imagining the prestige of it and missing the "old days"... that's what is making this so confusing.
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 5:06 PM on February 18, 2019
I agree with others that your bosses will laugh at you if you try to appeal to them that you need and deserve more money for the job you are currently doing for XX salary. You will not get a raise for doing your current job just because you think you deserve it. Salaries are often based on the local job market, not national or regional comparators like Glassdoor. If your salary is not competitive you must move into the market to secure a higher salary, and income from a job in another sector is irrelevant. Actually, sharing with him that you are considering another job because you need more income will signal to him that you are not happy and likely to leave. Sometimes going to a boss with a competitive offer in hand your field (not an ancillary second job) might prompt a salary match, but these arrangements often don't work well. Your boss will not forget that you considered leaving, and he will not trust your commitment.
In short, look for another primary job. Quietly. Keep your job search private to preserve your options with your current employer. You've already been rebuffed on your suggestion that you are underpaid - pushing further on this issue will not help you and might hurt you. And accepting a second retail job should be kept private from your workplace - your need for income can be held against you in the real world.
I've worked for non-profits. The general consensus is that non-profits may pay a little less salary but they generally have much better benefits. This might be true at your current agency, since Glassdoor captures only salary and benefits are not typically compared on these sites. Also agree that if your salary increases and your income-based loan repayment also increases this does not really seem like a problem. It reduces your loan balance, does it not? That seems like a desired long-term outcome.
posted by citygirl at 5:59 PM on February 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
In short, look for another primary job. Quietly. Keep your job search private to preserve your options with your current employer. You've already been rebuffed on your suggestion that you are underpaid - pushing further on this issue will not help you and might hurt you. And accepting a second retail job should be kept private from your workplace - your need for income can be held against you in the real world.
I've worked for non-profits. The general consensus is that non-profits may pay a little less salary but they generally have much better benefits. This might be true at your current agency, since Glassdoor captures only salary and benefits are not typically compared on these sites. Also agree that if your salary increases and your income-based loan repayment also increases this does not really seem like a problem. It reduces your loan balance, does it not? That seems like a desired long-term outcome.
posted by citygirl at 5:59 PM on February 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Showing HR the job offer for a retail position comes off as naive because a retail job is not directly comparable to your current position in PR. HR is going to wonder why exactly you're showing them this job offer that has nothing to do with the work you currently do for them. And "explaining that I am in need of more money because of COLA" comes off as similarly clueless - your financial needs in no way obligate your current company to pay you more.
If you want to stay in your exact same job at the exact same institution and make more money, several things need to line up just right:
1. You need to pull Glassdoor numbers for directly comparable positions - in other words, salary numbers for your exact or very similar positions at other universities or nonprofits in your city.
2. A stronger lever for you would be an actual job offer for your current position or one the next level up with that higher salary at one of those other universities or nonprofits - at that point, you have something tangible where a third party is willing to say your work is worth more than you're currently being paid.
3. Then your current institution can either counteroffer and raise to match or exceed - or you leave for the better offer. But even if you do, you mentioned the budget's really in the red; there may not be more money at your current job no matter how good or underpaid you are.
For now, I'd take that 24 hours a week you would be working at the fruit stand as a second job and treat your job hunt as your second job. You're talking about burnout - and yet you're also talking about increasing your workload by 60% going from 40 hours a week to 64 hours a week of work. And that doesn't even count travel time between the two jobs and your home, nor how you plan to eat, what your shifts are going to look like. Use your time for something that will get you a higher-paying reasonable hours job at one place.
posted by Pandora Kouti at 6:08 PM on February 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
If you want to stay in your exact same job at the exact same institution and make more money, several things need to line up just right:
1. You need to pull Glassdoor numbers for directly comparable positions - in other words, salary numbers for your exact or very similar positions at other universities or nonprofits in your city.
2. A stronger lever for you would be an actual job offer for your current position or one the next level up with that higher salary at one of those other universities or nonprofits - at that point, you have something tangible where a third party is willing to say your work is worth more than you're currently being paid.
3. Then your current institution can either counteroffer and raise to match or exceed - or you leave for the better offer. But even if you do, you mentioned the budget's really in the red; there may not be more money at your current job no matter how good or underpaid you are.
For now, I'd take that 24 hours a week you would be working at the fruit stand as a second job and treat your job hunt as your second job. You're talking about burnout - and yet you're also talking about increasing your workload by 60% going from 40 hours a week to 64 hours a week of work. And that doesn't even count travel time between the two jobs and your home, nor how you plan to eat, what your shifts are going to look like. Use your time for something that will get you a higher-paying reasonable hours job at one place.
posted by Pandora Kouti at 6:08 PM on February 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
Sounds like a good idea. Any recommended venues?
Memail me!
posted by Young Kullervo at 5:22 AM on February 19, 2019
Memail me!
posted by Young Kullervo at 5:22 AM on February 19, 2019
Just to clarify, I meant bringing the job offer to them, explaining that I am in need of more money, especially for COLA and living expenses in the city I live at, and asking if they would match what I would have earned at this company in addition, while guaranteeing they'd keep my current level of employment. Why would that be a bad idea? Can you expand a bit on that?
The reason going to your current job with a pending job offer can work is because if they don't match the offered salary, they can assume that you will leave. Your current job knows that you are not going to leave for part time work at the fruit stand.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:38 AM on February 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
The reason going to your current job with a pending job offer can work is because if they don't match the offered salary, they can assume that you will leave. Your current job knows that you are not going to leave for part time work at the fruit stand.
posted by Rock Steady at 7:38 AM on February 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
Just to clarify, I meant bringing the job offer to them, explaining that I am in need of more money, especially for COLA and living expenses in the city I live at, and asking if they would match what I would have earned at this company in addition, while guaranteeing they'd keep my current level of employment. Why would that be a bad idea? Can you expand a bit on that?
I think everyone did understand exactly what you meant, actually. Rock Steady and Pandora Kouti do a good job of explaining why this is not going to work. I would actually expect it to backfire. "I could make more money if I took a second job" isn't a bargaining position to negotiate for a salary, nor is "if you paid me more I'd work harder."
posted by aspersioncast at 12:21 PM on February 19, 2019 [4 favorites]
I think everyone did understand exactly what you meant, actually. Rock Steady and Pandora Kouti do a good job of explaining why this is not going to work. I would actually expect it to backfire. "I could make more money if I took a second job" isn't a bargaining position to negotiate for a salary, nor is "if you paid me more I'd work harder."
posted by aspersioncast at 12:21 PM on February 19, 2019 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: I hate to say it, but I'm in an emotional turmoil. I can't make up my mind. And it doesn't help that they keep pressing. I told them I'd get back to them by Wednesday, but they checked in today. Having to make this major decision by tomorrow is really nerve-wracking. And, for some reason, I can't seem to give myself permission to accept that this job isn't for me. I guess it was what I really wanted, but it's just not really realistic at the time. Any ideas how I can get out of this "brain lock"?
It doesn't help that I'm uncertain of what my rent raise will be (if any) and with student loans increasing. It's adding to the stress.
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 4:57 PM on February 19, 2019
It doesn't help that I'm uncertain of what my rent raise will be (if any) and with student loans increasing. It's adding to the stress.
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 4:57 PM on February 19, 2019
I think what you want is to work a part-time retail job and *not* work your current full-time job. Unfortunately, that option isn't on the table, and it's clear that working both of them at the same time -- as everyone else has said -- has tons of downside and very little upside.
posted by serelliya at 6:52 PM on February 19, 2019
posted by serelliya at 6:52 PM on February 19, 2019
When I was underpaid and unhappy at my job, I often fantasized about quitting and getting an “easier” part time job (mine was at a bookstore) and returning to a time in my life when I’d been happier. It wasn’t real though. I needed a full time job to pay my bills and live, and what I was hoping to return to wasn’t really that other job but a time in my life when I felt less stressed and more hopeful about the future. You can’t go “back” to this job, not in the way you really want, and doing so is only going to add a lot of stress to your life. If you can’t turn down their offer, do you think you’ll be able to quit if this second job proves to be too much? Please put all your energy into finding another full time job.
posted by notheotherone at 10:17 PM on February 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by notheotherone at 10:17 PM on February 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Morning. I turned down the job. After weighing everything (including your comments), I decided it would be for the best. I'm sad but at the same time, I have to look out for myself. Definitely a very difficult decision to make. One of the major factors was the extra busy time, and their expectations that I give them an answer ASAP, that was kind of a turn off.
I'll have to figure out how to cut costs, make money somehow (Rover, perhaps?)... but it'll work out.
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 8:41 AM on February 20, 2019
I'll have to figure out how to cut costs, make money somehow (Rover, perhaps?)... but it'll work out.
posted by thoughtful_analyst at 8:41 AM on February 20, 2019
The only way I have ever gotten a raise that I asked for was when I was hired at a company with a good reference, but very little experience. I found out I was being paid about 60% of what my coworkers, hored the same day, but who had more experience were being paid (I advocate discussing salaries amongst peers. Obviously management frowns on this). So a few months into the job, it turned out I was really good and more productive with my coworkers. I asked for a raise on the basis that I accepted the initial offer because I knew I had to prove myself, but now I felt I had and wanted the standard rate. I didn't mention that I knew I was paid way below the rest of my team, but I made it a strong enough undercurrent that I knew and was basically ready to walk on the spot. That raise I got.
Are you paid on par with you coworkers? If not you may have an angle to be place at the standard rung on the pay scale at your org. If they pay everyone below market rate you won't get anywhere and will only get more money by switching jobs.
As far as the second job, I worked second jobs like that often and at 34 its the biggest regret of my life. I spent so much time harried and running around, not taking care of myself, and for what? It netted some money but my expenses for transportation and quick meals out went up eating into the money. Plus I spent more money on small fleeting comforts like a new lipstick because that would be the bright spot in my month with one day off. I did save a decent amount of money, around 10k over about 5 years of this, but that wasnt enough to change my station in life (I.e. move to an area I like more). It is nice to have an emergency fund but the time and stress put into it wasnt worth it and I truly feel I wasted a deal of my young adulthood working like that thinking it would lead to mr moustache style FIRE and it doesn't. One higher paying regular hours job does.
posted by WeekendJen at 8:55 AM on February 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
Are you paid on par with you coworkers? If not you may have an angle to be place at the standard rung on the pay scale at your org. If they pay everyone below market rate you won't get anywhere and will only get more money by switching jobs.
As far as the second job, I worked second jobs like that often and at 34 its the biggest regret of my life. I spent so much time harried and running around, not taking care of myself, and for what? It netted some money but my expenses for transportation and quick meals out went up eating into the money. Plus I spent more money on small fleeting comforts like a new lipstick because that would be the bright spot in my month with one day off. I did save a decent amount of money, around 10k over about 5 years of this, but that wasnt enough to change my station in life (I.e. move to an area I like more). It is nice to have an emergency fund but the time and stress put into it wasnt worth it and I truly feel I wasted a deal of my young adulthood working like that thinking it would lead to mr moustache style FIRE and it doesn't. One higher paying regular hours job does.
posted by WeekendJen at 8:55 AM on February 20, 2019 [2 favorites]
« Older Help me find the bright metal tables I saw at a... | How do i handle my work friend? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by bluloo at 2:53 PM on February 18, 2019