What Should I Do?

[Jeff in BigD]

As most of you know (or maybe not) I've been looking for a job (or "freelancing" ). We're planning on going to WDW for Christmas, but I fear that telling them that right off the bat will pretty much make them decide to look elsewhere for an employee.

I want to be forthcoming about the situation, but it could mean that I don't get hired or that I'm left by myself on Christmas or the family will have to change plans again.

*sigh* I hate jobs. I don't hate the working aspect of it, just the bend-over backwards routine you have to pull just to seem "keepable".

 

[Kermit]

If you're the type who would seriously consider cancelling or shortening your trip as the date got closer if you found that it really wasn't feasible for you to leave, then I wouldn't tell them yet. Chances are that they won't mind you leaving at Christmas, unless it's some type of job that has to be done regardless of what time of year it is. Most companies have a lot of people leave on vacations then, and they actually encourage people to take trips then, since not much will get done anyway.

 

[helenabear]

When I was about to be hired into my current job about 2 1/2 years ago, I already had plans for traveling around Christmas (visiting family, but it was still a week long vacation all the same). I told them up front and they were very cool about it. I figured if they couldn't let me take my pre-planned vacation then they weren't worth it to me. I did do my time no-pay, but they were very willing to let me take the time off right off the bat. Good luck!

 

[janette]

I wouldn't bring it up at a 1st interview but later when things are looking final. When I took the job I have now I had a vacation scheduled I couldn't change a couple of months from when I started. I didn't get paid for it but I was able to take the days off with no problem.

 

[abaldacci]

don't mention it until its a sure thing and then mention it. my hubby did this and it worked good for him. i am sure they would have you be upfront about t it.

 

[CarolA]

I did that with my job. When it got to the stage where it looked like they were going to hire me, I told them that I had a vaction scheduled for the end of May (I started April 14!) I had to take it as an unpaid leave, but it was no big deal!

 

[anniet]

I was laid off in the early '90's by a Fortune 500 company that was kind enough to put those of us that they let go through an "Outplacement Seminar" with a professional company in Boston to teach us how to look for and find other jobs, and this topic came up.

At that time they said that the proper time to tell a company of existing vacation plans is when they offer you the job. Absolutely no sense bringing this up on an interview, or at all, until they are offering you something. Accept the position, (assuming you do want it) and then tell them.

I was happy that this topic did come up because I was offered a job and I had a 2 week vacation at Disney World planned, when I was only going to be in the job for 3 weeks. The company said it would be unpaid, but was absolutely not a problem.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[one_cat]

I had the same problem when I started my last contract. I had a vacation planned four weeks later. I didn't tell them until after I started. Then I told them that I would cancel it if it was going to be a problem. It wasn't. The question is - would you cancel the vacation to get the job? If so - don't tell them until after you are hired - then they won't take that into consideration for the hiring decision. If you won't cancel no matter what then tell them before hiring.

Good luck with the job...

 

[SonjaB]

I negotiated my already planned vacation into a new job, too. I would just explain that you have nonrefundable plane tickets, didn't realize you'd be changing jobs, etc etc and see what they say (AFTER you see it's a sure thing)

 

[CBRorBust]

Jeff!

I just wanted to say that I LOVE Bowling for Soup!!!

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Thanks everyone, yeah we usually plan for trips during Christmas & to my knowledge *wink-wink*, my father always buys non-refundable tickets. Now all I have to do is get someone to hire me.

CBRorBust - Yeah, a friend who goes to Tech got me hooked on BFS a few years ago (but I got him hooked on The Ataris & Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, so I guess turn-about is fair play ). I saw them in Ft. Worth last week & a few days ago they played a free concert & they were signing autographs. I took my sister to both shows & now she has a crush on Jaret.

 

[Pooh93]

We hired a person in July and she took off in October (our fiscal year end, busiest time of the year) for WDW. Nobody seemed to think it was a big deal. Of course, we have different management now. Ten years ago it would have been a much bigger deal.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think if you're at the point where you are pretty sure that you are going to be offered the job, tell them then. The first interview is sort of the weeding out one. The subsequent interviews are more significant.

 

[glo]

I think you should wait until you are far into the hiring process, and you know they are very serious about you. I mean if they really are serious and want you to work for them, then evryplace I have ever heard of will negotiate something. It could end up as time without pay, or borrowing against your vacation next year. Anyway, I think be honest, but do not tell them until you are far into the process and you are a good candidate.