I have been out of work for quite a long time now. A friend called (Leo)and said that an acquaintance of ours(Bill) was looking for help. I went and talked to Bill and was offered a job.
Here is the problem: The offer is outside my chosen field, and about half what I can make with my current job qualifications.
I feel that it would be unfair to Bill to accept this position since as soon as something comes available that meet my criteria regarding pay and job satisfaction, I will take the new offer. That means all the time and expense that Bill and his company expend training me will be for naught. I don’t really see me doing this type work for the rest of my working days.
My wife feels that this is the chance that Bill takes with all new employees. He probably hires many people knowing that they may not like the work and leave.
Money is getting tight right now and she feels that any job, even if I know I won’t like it, is better than nothing.
I feel that it might cause hard feelings with Bill and even Leo if I take this job knowing I might be leaving at any time. I doubt that Bill would have offered me the position under temporary conditions.
I can also see my wifes point as well. While we are not destitute yet, Sure would be nice to have a paycheck or two to help tide us over untill a better position comes along.
So what say you “O Minions of Common Sense”?
Money is money.
Does Bill know it may possibly be temporary? If so, go for it. If not, explain it to him.
Who knows, you may decide you like this new path and stay with it.
Did you send or give Bill a resume? If so he’s read it and knows about your qualifications and knows the job he offered you is outside your field.
That being said, any employer knows he or she is taking a chance that a person isn’t going to stay in a job forever when hired. If you need a job, take it. Bob has hired for this position before and probably will many times again. Don’t sweat it.
And somehow, it seems it’s easier to find a job while you’re employed–something about self-image, I think. At the same time, it would be best if Bill and Leo know your situation.
I agree with what Swampbear said.
Also, you say you have been out of work for “quite a long time” and money is getting tight. Do you really have an option here? The welfare of your family, which will be improved by your going to work, should be a greater concern than some possible hard feelings with the friend of a friend.
Helpful hint: During your interview, don’t apologize for some hypothetical job change that may not happen at some undefined point in the future. Act like you really want to work on this job. That will be the truth, since it beats the hell out of no job.
Good luck!
I had the same problem. After getting laid off last March, I went to work for my friend while I studied for a new field. I just told him what my long term plans were before he hired me. I promised him that I would work for him for at least 1 year and would give him a month or two notice before I left. When I was looking for some entry level stuff in my field, I told him him ahead of time what I was doing. Just be upfront with him.
As long as you did not lie in the interview, (“Oh, I’ve always wanted a career in your industry.”), take the job. If you find work in your field, you owe it to Bill to give enough notice for quitting. Other than that, you owe an honest day’s work for a day’s pay and honesty in your relationship with Bill–nothing more.