What should I do??

[one_cat]

I've got a happy dilemma. Most of you know our situation - I was out of work until March for 9 months. Since then I have been on a 6 month contract. That ends at the end of September. I absolutely love the contract I am on but the money is not great. Today I got what is in todays job market an absolutely incredible offer for full time work at a major company. The money is more than what I am making today as a contractor though not as much as I was used to making the last few years. In addition they would pay all benefits, 10% bonus at the end of the year and 31 days off per year. My dillema is 2 fold. I absolutely love the contract I am on and really like the people I am working with. They want me to start at the end of August - that would cut my contract short by 4 weeks - something I swore I wouldn't do again. I feel like I am screwing people that I really like. I don't want that to come back to bite me either. I am also afraid that I will lock myself into something that I won't enjoy as what I have been doing. However there is no guarantee that my current contract will be extended. The company is starting to have troubles. The question is - what should I do?

 

[Cindy B]

Hmmm... a hard call.

As my DH was formerly a contractor as well, I would say for the stability, and the vacation, and the health insurance benefits, I would personally go for the "full time" job.

Contracting does have its advantages, but sometimes the bad outweigh the good, no vacation days, etc. I think if you told the current place about what had happened they would understand.

My DH company currently hires contractors for projects. Some leave before the time, and you know what, they just hire someone else for the time remaining.

 

[kejoda]

One-cat, I know your situation too well. go to your current co. and explain to them the job offer. If the co. is having trouble they might not be that upset if your leaving. This is the twin cities jobs are hard to come by. If you don't take it let me know maybe Tim can apply there. Good luck, my suggestion is that you take the job.

 

[helenabear]

I was basically going to say what kejoda just said. I'd go talk to your current company right now and explain the situation. They might be very understanding and very accommodating. Good luck

 

[aahmom1]

I would go with the new job, but ask if you could start 4 weeks later because of your current contract, tell them you would feel bad leaving them in the lurch. They will probably look at you as an even better candidate because you are faithful to your obligations.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would take the job with benefits. You know, the old "bird in the hand" idea.

 

[Kermit]

Take the job. In this economy, you can't afford not to.

 

[Beauty]

The key word here is security....I would take the job. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Ricola]

one_cat - I understand your dilemma too. Do not walk out on your contract without discussing it with the people you work for now, and also, ask the company with the Job offer if you can start later. Perhaps you can alternate days for a month, or come to some comprimise that will make both happy. But when it comes down to it, do not lose sight of your long term goals; it sounds as if the full-time gig is what you really want.

Personally, I NEVER want a 9 to 5 job again, but this lifestyle is not for everyone.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I'd take the job, oc.

 

[Rajah]

What I would do is a combination of what's already been suggested.

First, go to your current manager and explain the situation. Let them know that, since you knew your contract was up soon, you started looking and have this offer. Let them know that you know they're having troubles so feel you should take this other job, but don't want to break your current contract. See if they'll let you out 4 weeks early without bad feelings. As kejoda said, they may be happy to let you out early if they're having troubles. Also let them know that you're willing to talk to your new employers to see if you can postpone your starting date if your current employers don't want you breaking the contract.

If they don't let you out, then I'd go to the new employer and see what they can do to accomodate you. See if you can work out a deal that will make everyone happy. Whether that's you starting 4 weeks later, splitting the difference, alternating days, or what.

But however you do it, I'd also go with the new job. As Amy (Kermit) said, you can't afford not to in this economy.

 

[minniecarousel]

DH was a contractor for several years, and I wouldn't go back to it for anything! Job loyalty is not what it was in our fathers' & grandfather's time. You need to go with the sure thing. You will probably like your new fellow employees. (Ya gotta look out for #1: your family!)

 

[cotye]

Well it looks like everyone voted for taking the job and I concur. I was facing a similar dilemma... I ended up taking the job because I wasn't totally happy with my current situation. Mind you, I loved my job and the people there, but I was so far away from home, that I knew the answer even before i started applying to other places. LOL... Best of luck to you .

 

[glo]

I too woiuld take the job...jobs are hard to come buy lately. My DH was out of a job for 14 months. Best of luck to you in your decision!!!

 

[one_cat]

I got the offer in writing today. I'm still contemplating but at this point it looks like I will be starting on Sept. 3. Wish me luck as I notify the companies involved who will be losing me. That is not a fun task for me.

 

[C.Ann]

I agree with the "take the job" crowd.. Decent benefits today are worth more than your actual salary.. They're just not that easy to come by anymore..

 

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Take it