Career Advice

[Vita]

So having moved and somewhat settled in, I have decided to change career.

I come from a retail background (ecommerce trading 9 years/customer focused roles). I used to be in a supervisor position but the hours were long and the pay wasn't great, so it became clear it wasn't worth it in the end. Progression was limited as it was if you were best friends with the higher management.

It was rather physical which I enjoyed but I found it difficult to juggle it with family life and looking after a small property portfolio. I am currently still employed by said retailer but all be it, in a lesser position.

However, one thing I will state is that said employer took longer than expected to transfer me to another location from where I was based. So this made me look for alternative employment.

I applied for a NHS entry level role recently. I had the interview but I wasn't in the right mindset for it so I'm pretty certain I haven't got it. Judging by the work environment and being sat at a desk for most parts of the day it became clear I wouldn't enjoy it, which is a shame as it was a great step in to a I.T field which my degree lines with.

So now I've got a job offer to work in Logistics Aviation for a large delivery company. Again it's an entry level role (physical which I don't mind) however it's unsociable hours and the pay is reasonable so that isn't a concern (better than the NHS role). I haven't been able to ask regarding progression yet as I was specifically headhunted by an Agency for it, probably due to Christmas coming up. Now the downside to this is it's a temporary 3 month contract with the agency sadly, and then it's up to the employer as to or whether they keep me. No job security in the long run.

My concern is what if I don't get 'permanent' employment and hand my notice in at my current retail employer. Would it be a risk some of you would be willing to take?

I like logistics and aviation in general so I do think it'll keep me interested with a fast based environment which I'm used to.

I also have another position which I applied for, and I'm waiting to hear back from the employer. It's in the Civil service and I won't know until the best part of November if I'm lucky to get a face to face interview.

TLDR; Unsure as to leave current employer to go into Logistics aviation. Logistics Aviation is a temporary 3 month contract (unsociable hours) and it's up-to the employer to decide to give me permanent employment. What would you advise?

 

[paradigm]

My biggest issue with any similar situation would be ensuring that I had a consistent and reliable income to pay for the necessities for my family. Therefore really only you can answer the question, as only you know who (if anyone) are your dependents and if you can sustain a drop or loss of income for a period of time.

I’ve been tempted to go contracting (due to the increased earning potential) for a few years now, but I’m hanging fire until I’ve built up a decent amount of savings to tide me over any “dry spell”.

 

[Vita]

We have always kept a good reserve in cases for a “rainy day”. Our outgoings are minimal and we do not live a life beyond our means.

So in a case of the employment not becoming permanent we would still be in a position to survive. I could always end up doing a job which not many want to do. I’m not shy from a hard terrible graft.

I’m a man that really takes pride in my work, somewhat becoming a workaholic - it’s just in my nature. It’s something which I want to get into. I honestly think I’d enjoy it. Yet, I guess the aspect of not being kept on may hit my confidence a little.

 

[The_Arbiter]

Have you done any research on the company to try and gauge what their staff budgets and what staff turnover are/is like? Some places with good management despite how much they like your hard work and commitment and preference to drop others for you instead can't even budge on the fixed term as it's not in their hands.

As long as you're confident on your finances you'll be fine. Having pride is what many don't have have or care these days, so much so it's meaningless to some employers. However it's a real skill and means you're ambitious enough to get out of any trouble.

There's loads of bottom of the barrel work out there depending on your location. However i remain sceptical of the next 5yrs, so personally am playing it safe. But nothing's guaranteed, so salt must be taken with that comment.

 

[Vita]

Thanks @The_Arbiter. I’ve done my research and again like I mentioned, I think they’re employing for the Christmas rush. Judging by some of the staffing reviews on indeed it isn’t a really bad place to work. Though one thing was common amongst the different locations and that is, management aren’t the best.

My take on it is, I’ll do as many hours as I possibly can to make the most of it and see from there. In the mean time I’ll keep looking at other options.


EDIT: I forgot to mention. The jobs are also listed with the employer themselves online with ‘permanent’ positions in the job description.

 

[The_Arbiter]

Given staffing is short for many companies currently, you could have a very strong chance of permanent employment as they could struggle to get enough employment the normal way. Sounds like a no brainer choice to me

 

[Vita]

Given staffing is short for many companies currently, you could have a very strong chance of permanent employment as they could struggle to get enough employment the normal way. Sounds like a no brainer choice to me

My brain/gut says to go with it so I may as well. I’ll update this thread if I become permanent or venture into another avenue.

Thanks for the replies to you both.