Interesting potential job dilemma

Curio

Curio

Curio

Soldato
Joined
14 Mar 2004
Posts
8,040
Location
Brit in the USA
This is kind of a strange situation......not sure what to think or do.

Firstly, I'm not going into the whole back story because it would take too long. Essentially, my wife wants to leave her (very nice) job and half-jokingly suggested to her boss that I should take her place. We've often joked about it because I have a crappy part-time retail job while I finish my degree, and she has the kind of job I want. Strangely, her boss seemed very interested in the idea! He doesn't want to lose her, but understands why she wants out. At the same time, it would be much easier for him if I took her place - less hassle finding somebody else and training would be easy.....I feel like I know the job anyway :) He's also met me before and we got on pretty well. So there's a chance this could actually happen.

Now, this feels very strange to me. I've never heard of this happen before and it seems all wrong. Maybe it's a male pride thing? It seems like I would always feel as if my wife got me the job....and the company lost the person they really valued and got the "reserve" instead. It just seems.....odd.

On the other hand, maybe I should just swallow my pride - it's a good job and, with the economy and job market like it is, I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, right?

I dunno....the whole situation is weirding me out. So....what do you guys think? How do you think you would feel in my situation?
 
If you want the job, and it is the sort of thing you want to do, and you know how to do to it,[kosh] JUMP!, JUMP NOW! [/kosh]

Sounds like some period of time while the strange feeling persists and then a decent working life. Go for it.
 
This also has the potential to improve your sex life.

Not that I'm saying it needs improving, or anything like that... just that it probably could get better.
 
Do it. You already know and like him and he already knows and likes you, you have some insight into the job, and you want the job.

Take this job or regret your foolish male pride forever.
 
It's all about networking, some of the best jobs arise that way. I've not applied for a job in my industry since my first one. Mostly due to luck of course, and being in the right place at the right time. But if it wasn't for friends, people I've worked with in the past and things like that, I'd never have had the chance to work for my last 3 employers, two of whom weren't actually hiring when they asked me to come in based on recommendations.

I suppose what I'm saying is, don't think of it as a bad thing, think of it as an opportunity that's only open to you, it's a blessing!
 
You have to keep in mind that some jobs aren't advertised... My dad got loads of jobs through word of mouth.. he got jobs without even applying, he simply knew a few people that simply recommended him... So If you think it's unsual, It's not at all..

So I say if you're confident that you can do the job better than most people, then go for it ;)
 
Curio said:
This is kind of a strange situation......not sure what to think or do.

Firstly, I'm not going into the whole back story because it would take too long. Essentially, my wife wants to leave her (very nice) job and half-jokingly suggested to her boss that I should take her place. We've often joked about it because I have a crappy part-time retail job while I finish my degree, and she has the kind of job I want. Strangely, her boss seemed very interested in the idea! He doesn't want to lose her, but understands why she wants out. At the same time, it would be much easier for him if I took her place - less hassle finding somebody else and training would be easy.....I feel like I know the job anyway :) He's also met me before and we got on pretty well. So there's a chance this could actually happen.

Now, this feels very strange to me. I've never heard of this happen before and it seems all wrong. Maybe it's a male pride thing? It seems like I would always feel as if my wife got me the job....and the company lost the person they really valued and got the "reserve" instead. It just seems.....odd.

On the other hand, maybe I should just swallow my pride - it's a good job and, with the economy and job market like it is, I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, right?

I dunno....the whole situation is weirding me out. So....what do you guys think? How do you think you would feel in my situation?
Click to expand...

Do it- seems like it's a win-win situation. Male pride can be a ridiculously restrictive thing- don't let that stand in the way of you getting a job you want. It seems like it's what would make you and your wife both happy, so that can't be a bad thing- definitely swallow your pride.
 
If it's a good job and you think you'd be interested in doing it then there's no real reason not to go for it. If it makes your male pride feel any better then look to the fact you've never heard of anyone else doing it and imagine yourself a trailblazer, a pioneer of job swapping, an argonaut of employment...

Essentially as said you'd have networked your way to a better job, there's no right or wrong way to do that so just because the circumstances are a little unusual is no reason not to try it.
 
Thanks guys - very helpful. I was actually expecting at least some replies suggesting it could be awkward in some way. Guess I just have to adjust my view of the situation.

I'm interested to know quite how it could improve my sex life though :D
 
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