Career Advice: What Would You Do?

Pulse

Pulse

Pulse

Soldato
Joined
25 Jul 2006
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Location
Taunton
I've recently applied for 2 jobs, have had initial interviews and have been asked back for both of them. The problem is that they are both completely different and I appreciate that I might not hear back after this interview from either of them, I'm just wondering what you'd do?

I'm currently a Warehouse Manager for a supermarket on £20.5K

Job 1. Large nationwide company. £23K for 3 Months, then £31K. Hours are 11Hr shifts (Including 1hr lunch) between 6am-10pm 5/7 days.

Job 2. Small local firm, but well established. £20K. Set hours 8.30-5.30 Mon-Fri.

Now I'm not sure what to do because I currently work weekends when my partner doesn't and I don't know if it's worth missing out on that much of pay difference. I can afford to take the slight pay cut for job 2 and would much prefer the working hours but if I was to be accepted for both I don't know which I'd choose. Good money, crap hours. Same money, much better hours and routine.
 
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I work some odd hours at times and some extended periods at times. But in no way in hell would I want a contract for £31k with 11hour shifts. Not a chance in hell.

That said my skill set is completely different from yours so I have no idea if thats a good salary or not.
 
Well currently I do 9 or 10 hour shifts for 20.5K so massive jump for me.

Edit: I should apologize, that is also including lunch hour, so only 50.
 
Pulse said:
I've recently applied for 2 jobs, have had initial interviews and have been asked back for both of them. The problem is that they are both completely different and I appreciate that I might not hear back after this interview from either of them, I'm just wondering what you'd do?

I'm currently a Warehouse Manager for a supermarket on £20.5K

Job 1. Large nationwide company. £23K for 3 Months, then £31K. Hours are 11Hr shifts between 6am-10pm 5/7 days.

Job 2. Small local firm, but well established. £20K. Set hours 8.30-5.30 Mon-Fri.

Now I'm not sure what to do because I currently work weekends when my partner doesn't and I don't know if it's worth missing out on that much of pay difference. I can afford to take the slight pay cut for job 2 and would much prefer the working hours but if I was to be accepted for both I don't know which I'd choose. Good money, crap hours. Same money, much better hours and routine.
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That's a big difference in pay - all depends on whether you need/want the money or not. Sounds like you're already doing the crap hours. Also think about progression potential (if you wan that) - in a small local firm there may not be many/any roles you can move into vs a large national company, which may mean £20.5k for the next few years vs £31k moving to £35k in the space of a few years.

Basically, what's more important - life outside of work, or money and/or job progression.
 
Go for the money and see how you get on, you can always negotiate your hours once you have proven yourself.

If you take Job 2 then you'd always be wondering how things would have worked out.
 
Pulse said:
Edit: I should apologize, that is also including lunch hour, so only 50.
Click to expand...

There's no point in looking at it like that because it's not like you're really getting an hour of your day back, you'll still be in work mode.
I'd personally try and negotiate the salary up a bit on job 2 because I don't like to spend my life at work.
 
Job 1 for 3 months works out at 8.85GBP an hour @ 50hrs per week
Job 1 after that is 11.92GBP an hour @ 50hrs per week

Job 2 is a steady 9.62GBP an hour @ 40hrs per week.
 
I'd go with job 2 personally as those hours are awful. How do you have a life if you do such harsh shifts each day?

Edit: money isn't everything either. If you are happy at the moment on the same wage as job 2 then I'd definitely do that. Can see job one as a "burnout job" were you get lured by the higher wage and then never get a chance to even spend it lol
 
Got for job 2 if you can afford it.

Working such long hours without being in a well paid management position or having your own business is an utter waste of time. Odds are, you'll burn out and get nowhere in the long term.

Job 2 gives you some flexibility. You can get a part time job if money becomes an issue or you can do courses to improve yourself or explore other types of work. Like others have already said, more time with family/friends/your other half is also very important.
 
Job 1 sounds really bad. 11 hours shifts (presumably at random times) between 6am and 10pm? Where are you supposed to have a social life?
 
Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. Job 1 is a deputy manager position where I'd basically be in charge of everything and everyone. Job 2 is an assistant manager position. You've given me plenty to think about and I think now, out of the 2, I'd go for the 2nd one. I don't need the money right now, and I'm only 24 so don't want to burn out yet.
 
In my opinion, at your age it's the perfect time to apply yourself and work yourself hard to progress your career before you have a family to think about.
 
I'd be sure to ask about the progression at job 2, seem keen to do well and that and being a small place they might have a way to get you up to the manager role...?
 
Just thought I'd let you guys know the outcome. The decision was made very easy for me;

I got down to the last 2 for Job 2 but as the other candidate had experience in their market after having worked for a customer they served, they beat me to the post.

But Job 1 after a very lengthy interview process have offered me the job!

Thank you all for your advice.
 
At least the decision was made easy, and the extra money is always welcome early in your life to pay off debts, build up a deposit for a house etc.
In the future you can then try to cut down the house, perhaps move to a 4 day week etc.
 
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