Work Dilemma..need Some Advice

Updated on October 18, 2011
J.L. asks from Monrovia, CA
6 answers

Ok so I have a bit of a dilemma.
I have been offered a job, and I am waiting on my background. It's temp through Feb, with a possibility of being hired on after, making great money and great benefits. To be considered for further employment (past Feb) I need to be on top of my game. Even if they can't offer me more employment having the experience will help getting into another position with the same benefits at another facility for the same "company". This is an opportunity I can't pass up.
I also have an interview for retail making "ok" money. It would be a no brainer kind of job, and I would only be able to work weekends. I pretty much already have the job thanks to a friend.
So here's the problem. The first position only pays monthly. That means I wouldn't get paid until December, and not having any income in between would make money really tight (like almost impossible), because of the amount of gas I would need to get to work. My boyfriend has to drive even further to work so he takes the gas efficient car, and I would have to drive the sports car. It uses a lot of gas. I am considering working 7 days a week, both jobs. If I have the retail position I would be paid bi-weekly and that would cover gas with some left over. I haven't worked in almost three years, and I have been a sahm and I am scared I am going to burn myself out, miss my family too much, and not be able to be on my "a game" for the first position.
So does anyone have any advice for me? Would you try to work both? Do you think it would be worth working 7 days a week? Would you just try to make the money work somehow and only work one?
TIA =)

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So What Happened?

Just an added...I am definately taking the first job, just have to wait on a start date. If I start next week I can get a week and a half in before payday so that would cover gas, but it depends on how quick my background will come through. BUT I have the interview and have to give a yes or no to the second position tomorrow. So I am not sure if I should just say yes to the second position and push myself through it, or decline.

More Answers

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

I'd start saving now and take the FT gig. Seven days a week is sure jumping in with both feet after being home for 3 years. Not having any weekends? That will be hard.

I've done FT + PT and frankly I couldn't handle working 7 days a week (plus a night or two, so I worked 8AM to 10PM those days) and I was in college. I burned out.

It would be one of the few times I'd consider using a credit card to float but ONLY if I paid it off IN FULL at the end of the month.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I'd take the first job. It has potential and pays good money. Adding on the second job will only burn you out. Money will be tight for the first month, but maybe you can borrow a few hundred dollars from your parents or a close friend? It's worth it to be at your best for the career potential job.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Kansas City on

If it were me and I had to go to work I'd probably take the first job (temp with great money and potential for permanent and advancement) and make the money work until December (knowing it will be tight). Sit down and make a budget of your money between now and then so you don't spend more than you have and you can make it work. Going from sahm to 7 days a week would be so difficult for me and I don't think I could do it...you have to decide what your priorities are for you. Tough decision. I hope whatever you decide is really what you want and that you're able to make it work. Pros and cons to both. Maybe sit down and make a list of pros and cons for each and go from there. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.M.

answers from New York on

I would attempt to work both jobs for now. Here's why...

You don't know how long the background check will take, what if it takes a month? What if something negative (an error exists) appears on the background check?

What are the retail hours? Lots of time retail is only in 6 hour shifts. Let them know upfront what your availibility is.

If you discover doing both isn't working, you can always quit.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would hesitate to take the weekend job. If you've been a SAHM the five day a week job will already be a big adjustment. Most of us aren't programmed to work seven days a week.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I haven't read your responses, but I've certainly been in similar situations. I believe strongly believe in the importance of life balance especially since you're a mom. Take the first and my suggestions would be, see if you can take the bus (a little extra "you" time can be a bonus if you need to be on your game) or carpool with someone. If not, how badly are you hurting for money? Can you apply for some services that my help for the next month? I know food stamps is actually available to more people than folks realize. Or perhaps you can ask for an advance after the first couple of weeks. Although to be honest all the temp work I've ever done was paid weekly, so this is unusual from my experience. Is there anything you can sell to gain a little cash? A garage sale or something you can sell on Craiglist? Do you have a credit card you can pay back at the end of the month? You'll make it work I'm sure. It would be a shame to lose the future opportunity over one month of unease. Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful
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