Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Job dilemma

  • 15-05-2019 5:36pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    I could use a bit of objective advice on this issue. Basically, I'm doing a course that requires placements. I have just started my final placement on Monday, and it's in a very specialist area that I am experienced in, but I really want to hone those skills. The placement will end in September and I'll be qualified.

    A few weeks ago, the placement advertised a job vacancy that would be suitable for me when I'm qualified. I applied and was invited for an interview, scheduled for yesterday afternoon.

    When I arrived to start my placement on Monday, I just didn't get a great vibe. Things had shifted slightly from how it should have been, with a different person managing me than expected, and I can feel that I'll really struggle to get along with her. I'm sure we can co-exist but we'll never be friends, if you get me (and we would have to share a small office, as we are now). I know first days are always hard, but I felt quite devalued and unwelcome (I had examples written out, but I'm not sure they really matter).

    So then I interviewed on Tuesday, which went fine. I don't expect to hear back until Friday or Monday. But after feeling like I had a bad start to placement, I really don't know if I want the job now, if they were to offer it to me. I know it would be a great opportunity professionally, but I don't feel welcome or like I'm a valued member of the team as it is. I don't feel like I'd be well-supported professionally. The team is very small and is basically an island, so I'd be quite cut off from other sources of support. I have also heard of at least two people being "managed out" in recent years, which is a very high rate given the tiny size of the team.

    Some other factors include that I had a massive exam for my course yesterday morning, the culmination of all my work, and now I'm probably having quite an adrenalin crash. I've been feeling vulnerable and tearful all day :o. This might be contributing to my catastrophising.

    I just feel in a bit of a sticky situation. IF they offer me the job, I won't be given much time to make a decision, hence asking here ahead of time. Should I take it and gain the experience that may or may not be particularly useful in my future career (again, very specialist knowledge that I wouldn't need in most circumstances but looks good on a CV), given that I will get lots of that experience just through my placement, or turn it down because I haven't gotten a good vibe so far? I can't tell if I'm just being negative and paranoid, or if I should trust my gut. My mental best case scenario right now would be that there's a better candidate than me who they give the job to and it'll save me even having to make the decision.

    I should also clarify, my profession is in demand and it's a job seekers' market. There will be plenty of other jobs coming up between now and when I finish my course.


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,111 ✭✭✭SirChenjin


    I don't have advice, as such, but just a couple of thoughts.

    Big exam, starting placement, job interview, possible job decision - that's an awful lot going on. No wonder you feel a bit overwhelmed.

    Try to break things down a bit. If the job is offered, what are the good things, what are the drawbacks, maybe write them down - I often find that helps to clarify things for me.
    Is there anyone in real life, maybe someone in a similar role (or not, just a good trusted friend) with whom you could have a chat? Talking things out loud, often helps when it comes to decisions.

    I notice that you say the job would look good on the cv, but is not necessarily an advantage other than that. You say you are in a good market, so keep that in mind. Don't feel tied down for good, if you do take this role.
    Maybe things will work better with the other person than initial impressions, if not, take what good you can from the experience, and move on, with no bridges burnt.

    All the best.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 143 ✭✭Unanimous


    I would say take the job but keep looking.
    When I face challenges like this, I try not to back down in to my own detriment.
    You can always withdraw your acceptance later.
    If this person is senior to you and can significantly impact your review,
    if you don't get another job and have to take this one, I would say ask them for a meeting and talk about what happened.
    If you were at fault apologise. if not, try to understand how they are feeling and try to work things out.
    Some people may not be bad people but when things affect them in some way, they could get funny.
    Talking to them could make them feel like you think highly of them and could be ready for a fresh start.
    If they are really bad people, then after the conversation, try to be ensure that they don't have anything to pick on you for.
    (some people can say they are fine but try to expose and capitalise on your mistakes)
    But overall, hold on to what you have while you keep looking


Advertisement