would you go for a job with crappy money to avoid being out of work

Lucyx

I'm currently in a contract thats gonna end next month and a job has come up in my company that i'm thinking of going for. Its in a dept with pretty sound people but the money is really dire. I'm struggling as it is at the moment and my money would be lower again if i got this job. I just hate the thoughts of being out of work, I find it very depressing, but at the same time I'm putting groceries on my credit card each month and if i'm on less money then i'll really be in the sh1t.

what to do? i love this company and the work environment would be chilled enough with flexi time and good socials and nights out. surely anything is better than being on the dole???

Crea

Hiya -
If it were me i'd take the job just for the work experience and to have it on my CV. You can always be applying around and as the saying goes - when you have a job it's easier to get a job.
If the money is seriously crap you may be entitled to some sort of social welfare top up - check with your citizens advice.

Lucyx

Crea wrote: »

as the saying goes - when you have a job it's easier to get a job.

this is exactly what i was thinking.....it just looks better to have a job i think

Crea wrote: »

If the money is seriously crap you may be entitled to some sort of social welfare top up - check with your citizens advice.

The money is bad only for my level so I don't think I'd get any aid. It would be higher than minimum wage.

Denerick

Take it. Its always better to work than to live on the Dole.

Dudess

Unless the money's worse than the dole (which I'd be surprised at if it were the case) why are you even asking this question, OP?

dan_d

On the dole myself.
Take the job.Trust me.

cantdecide

It's a no brainer, OP. Take the job. I was on a 3 day week for three months last year and even that was a huge pain in the arse.

Lucyx

After travel expenses it would work out just a bit more than the dole and I'd be tied into a six month contract. This is why I'm asking. If something better did come up I wouldn't want to leave in the middle of a contract.

I know life on the dole sucks. The self confidence plummets badly.

Penn

Do you think you'd get a better paying job in the 6 month period you'd be contracted for?

Even though the money might be just above the dole after taking out expenses, if you're working, chances are you'll spend less money outside of work.

And after the six months, is there a chance you could be kept in the job and pay increased?

Firetrap

Stay if you can but keep looking for another job which pays more. So what if it entails you leaving in the middle of your contract? If it comes to that and you're that valuable to them, they'll offer you more money to stay. Being on the dole is a cr@ppy experience - I know this from personal experience - and it is much nicer to apply for jobs if you're already in one.

Lucyx

Lucyx wrote: »

After travel expenses it would work out just a bit more than the dole and I'd be tied into a six month contract. This is why I'm asking. If something better did come up I wouldn't want to leave in the middle of a contract.

I know life on the dole sucks. The self confidence plummets badly.

So you're asking whether you should be on the dole or get more money than the dole? This hardly needs to be asked does it?

You say you would hardly survive with groceries etc - what exactly would you be planning to do when the dole is even less?

cantdecide

Lucyx wrote: »

...After travel expenses it would work out just a bit more than the dole and I'd be tied into a six month contract...

Let's say you take this contract and you fail to get a job afterwards. Let's say that worst case scenario, you end up on the dole long term at that stage. At least you will have put a six month buffer between the rigours of claiming and maintaining the dole.

You get no sympathy from the dole office. Getting and keeping the dole can be an absolute pain in itself even if you are doing your damnedest to find a job.

Can you maybe stay near work with family or friends during your work week to save costs?

gerryk

A few things to factor in here...

1. it is easier to get a job when you have a job
2. being on the dole will erode your motivation and self-worth
3. every job you do improves your marketability

I am an IT consultant, and these days am making relatively good money, however, when things got really bad for me back about 1 year and a half ago, I was reduced to putting notices on supermarket noticeboards looking for any work I could get. I don't regret this, or even feel demeaned by it... you do what you have to. Even now, I have just finished a 3 month stint working away from home, and my wife and daughter. Thaankfully, I am back home now, but I still commute ~100 miles a day to and from work. Having been on the dole in the past, I will do anything to stay employed.

Peanut2011

Lucyx wrote: »

I'm struggling as it is at the moment and my money would be lower again if i got this job. I just hate the thoughts of being out of work, I find it very depressing, but at the same time I'm putting groceries on my credit card each month and if i'm on less money then i'll really be in the sh1t.

what to do? i love this company and the work environment would be chilled enough with flexi time and good socials and nights out. surely anything is better than being on the dole???

OP, IMO work is always better than the dole. How would you afford the stuff on the dole? Also, if the money is that bad your second last sentence is the part that sparks alarm bells. Why are you thinking about the nights out and socials if you have no money?

Peanut2011

Peanut2011 wrote: »

OP, IMO work is always better than the dole. How would you afford the stuff on the dole? Also, if the money is that bad your second last sentence is the part that sparks alarm bells. Why are you thinking about the nights out and socials if you have no money?

In fairness you do need to show your face to some work dos
Though yeah going mad on the nights out when you have money problems that bad isn't advisable

poconnor16

Take the job - being out of work is very tough in so many ways. You can keep looking in the meantime.
In terms of your financial situation, contact MABS for some advice. You'd be suprised where you can save money...

ash23

I thought job seekers allowance was for people actually seeking work?
And that once you get a job, you are supposed to take it.

From http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/unemployed_people/jobseekers_allowance.html

Disqualification from Jobseeker's Allowance

You may be disqualified from getting Jobseeker's Allowance for 9 weeks if you:

* Left work voluntarily and without just cause
* Lost your job through misconduct
* Refused an offer of suitable alternative employment or suitable training

Suitable employment does not include the employment in a job that is vacant because of a trade dispute. In addition, the employment must be suitable, having regard to your age, sex, physique, education, normal occupation, where you live, rate of pay offered and your family circumstances.

So unless the pay offered will leave you worse off financially than JSA, you are obliged to take it. If you don't then you would be fraudulently claiming social welfare.

Dudess

So it's a case of taking this position (if you get it) versus going on the dole. Full-time employment (good for your wellbeing; good for your CV; puts you in a stronger position when looking for more ideal work), better money (even if not much) versus daily boredom, aimlessness, less money, a gap on your CV... How is there even an option?

Don't worry about breaking a contract (and that's only a "what if" - you may not find anything else) - breaking a contract to take another job is far better than having a gap on your CV.

boobar

Take the job,

You say you love the company. Life on the dole is very tough.

Things may even pick up in work where you get a chance to make some extra money, that's not going to happen on the dole, there's no way that the dole payment will be increased.

Best of luck with your decision, but I think from the way you've described your work place and colleagues, this is a no brainer.

Lucyx

Peanut2011 wrote: »

Also, if the money is that bad your second last sentence is the part that sparks alarm bells. Why are you thinking about the nights out and socials if you have no money?

Obviously if I'm going to work nights out, the drink is paid for. I don't have nights out now. Its out of the question. Its my mates birthday this weekend and she had to cancel due to illness and I was so happy cos a gift or even a card is too expensive for me. And I would have been sipping on a coke all night. My nites out now are less than a tenner. Sad.

In the job that I applied for the money is about €40 per week better than the dole and of course the dole is the sh1tty option and one I wish to avoid. My thinking was that a) I wouldn't want to break the contract and p1ss off my manager and b) immediate availability would be good if something else did come up. Of course something else may not come up in which case I'd delighted to have the low paying job.

I don't need MABS (but honestly thank you poconnor16) and I certainly don't need quotes from welfare.ie. I work in accounts and it doesn't take much to figure out that low income minus large expenses = no money. I've rent and bills to pay. I'm not getting facials and buying frocks.

Its crystal clear how I should proceed. Thanks for the advice.

mood

Lucyx wrote: »

After travel expenses it would work out just a bit more than the dole and I'd be tied into a six month contract. This is why I'm asking. If something better did come up I wouldn't want to leave in the middle of a contract.

I know life on the dole sucks. The self confidence plummets badly.

Definitely take it. You can leave if something better comes along.

mood

Dudess wrote: »

So it's a case of taking this position (if you get it) versus going on the dole. Full-time employment (good for your wellbeing; good for your CV; puts you in a stronger position when looking for more ideal work), better money (even if not much) versus daily boredom, aimlessness, less money, a gap on your CV... How is there even an option?

Don't worry about breaking a contract (and that's only a "what if" - you may not find anything else) - breaking a contract to take another job is far better than having a gap on your CV.

Totally agree.

There are many positives and no negatives if you take the job as far as I can see. I can't really understand why you are even considering not taking it!!! There are half a million people on the dole, the vast majority of which would love to be in your position.

Penny Dreadful

Lucyx wrote: »

Obviously if I'm going to work nights out, the drink is paid for. I don't have nights out now. Its out of the question. Its my mates birthday this weekend and she had to cancel due to illness and I was so happy cos a gift or even a card is too expensive for me. And I would have been sipping on a coke all night. My nites out now are less than a tenner. Sad.

In the job that I applied for the money is about €40 per week better than the dole and of course the dole is the sh1tty option and one I wish to avoid. My thinking was that a) I wouldn't want to break the contract and p1ss off my manager and b) immediate availability would be good if something else did come up. Of course something else may not come up in which case I'd delighted to have the low paying job.

I don't need MABS (but honestly thank you poconnor16) and I certainly don't need quotes from welfare.ie. I work in accounts and it doesn't take much to figure out that low income minus large expenses = no money. I've rent and bills to pay. I'm not getting facials and buying frocks.

Its crystal clear how I should proceed. Thanks for the advice.

Things are very tough for a lot of people still in employment. Like you, and many others, nights out are pretty rare and must be as cheap as possible now as are new clothes, etc etc. However, if that is as bad as life gets then its ok. I'd rather be employed and paying my bills, albeit with little left over for extras, than be unemployed and have to deal with all that goes along with it.
I went to MABS and trust me, it was well worth it. I didn't think I needed to either but something as simple as keeping a spending diary for just one week and accounting for every single cent spent, was quite the eye opener for me. It also showed me that I could make things better for myself, renting out the spare rooms in my house, walk to the local shop for milk and bread rather than drive (so saving petrol) etc. You could look for a rent reduction for instance that would give you a little extra cash.
I think taking the job is the only way to go for all of the reasons others have listed before me.

unreggd

Defo take it. Enjoyable jobs are hard enough to come by, so I wouldnt care about the pay. I'm sure it still beats the dole or some low-level retail jobs!

I'd be more concerned if your situation was the opposite e.g a job with decent money that makes you REALLY unhappy

But luckily thats not the case for you

Best of luck

poozers

if you think that you'd be miserable on the dole, then dont go on it! and dont be ashamed of your pay either!!! you should be proud that you're doing it in the first place! the amount of people i hear of that work long hours for little pay makes me respect them so much! its an honest living!

But if you're doubtful about taking it (the reason why your on this board), go on the dole, but sign up for volunteering, so you're keeping yourself busy and doing something to help others. It IS easy to get a job when you already have a job, but if its a job thats going to make your life difficult and unhappy, then go a different route altogether! there's nothing wrong with being on the dole...the government owes us plenty anyway :rolleyes:
i'm a big believe in working to live, rather than living to work...everyone wants to do something with their lives that is worth while...research some charity organisations etc, and see what's in your area to volunteer in...i do it one day a week (my only day off besides sunday) with an art group for children who are disadvantaged... and i love it!!! best thing i've ever done...and would do it 7 days a week if it were possible!!! good luck OP!!!

Overheal

Gaps in your employment leave room for questions.

Chuchoter

I'd take the job, being unemployed with nothing to do all day is soulcrushing, also you may be able to get that low income supplement thing as well (not sure what its actually called).

Aishae

if you take the job you might even get a better offer from the company when the contract expires as you have more experience

Lucyx

I've only applied for the job.... I really hope I get it after all this !!!
My whole body is crossed

I was in two minds about it and now I know how lucky I'd be to get it.

Sibylla

I would take it without question, Working is about so much more than money, A sense of achievement, a reason to get up in the morning. I know it sucks working for less than you deserve but until something better comes along I would stick with it.

LegacyUser

Don't even entertain thoughts about the alternative to taking this job.
Look on the bright side, your not being asked to clean toilets for the new minimum wage.

Be glad.