Temp Job A:

Industry: One that I really like
Duration: 4 months with no confirmation of being hired
Hourly pay: HORRIBLE
Culture: Very laid back, friendly
Dept: 4 people (1 temp, me)
Job: n/a
*I am currently at this temp job right now.

Temp Job B:

Industry: One that I don't like
Duration: Contract to hire
Hourly Pay: Med High (I can save money after bills and rent are paid)
Culture: Micromanaging, backstabbing, rigid
Dept: mid-size
Job: n/a
*I am being submitted for this temp job and interviewed for it so it's not a done deal yet.

Do I stay at the great place/poor hourly pay temp job in hopes that they hire me full-time in 4 months? Or, do I cut and run if this 2nd temp job situation pans out, and they hire me, even though it's an industry I have no wish to work in, b/c it's awful. But it would pay my rent and bills and leave me with savings to do things outside of work and looking for work.

[hvert]

That's a tough choice. If you get a permanent job offer from Temp Job A, would the pay be better than it is now or would it still be horrible? If the pay would always be horrible, I'd be tempted to leave.

Also, if you took Job B and changed your mind, do you think A would take you back?

Originally Posted by hvert

That's a tough choice. If you get a permanent job offer from Temp Job A, would the pay be better than it is now or would it still be horrible? If the pay would always be horrible, I'd be tempted to leave.

Also, if you took Job B and changed your mind, do you think A would take you back?

Hi hvert, thanks for replying to my post. Yes, it's a tough choice. Both have pros and cons. I've done temp work for so long now, that my gut tells me to go with the higher paying temp job, for the two pros: higher hourly wage, longer length of assignment.

I once temped at great company for two years, where I filled in for the receptionist every time she went on vacation. Everyone there liked me, except for the hiring manager. He was creepy and pervy and didn't like the fact that I wouldn't let him sexually harass me. He would say something inappropriate, which I would report to the company president's assistant. This happened frequently. He was never fired either. He sexually harassed all the women at that company. Maybe I dodged a bullet not being hired there.

Another temp job at a great company ended when I asked for more pay from the account manager who negotiated my hourly wage. I was immediately by the client (whoops).

So, in this case if i stay at Temp Job A, it will be lousy pay; force me to work a second night job 7 days a week which will be hell to deal with, with no guarantee given to me by the client supervisor of my fate after 4 months there. And, the position I would be hired for, doesn't pay much above what I make hourly. So, while I would be happier, I'd still be poor as dirt if I stay at Temp Job A.

I would go with job A and downsize living expenses if possible.

I would rather work a job that I love for less hours and pay over a job that pays more that requires me to be miserable 40 hours a week. If needed, I could get a roommate or find other creative ways to downsize my living expenses to live comfortably.

Also, you could do what I do and donate plasma as an extension to your income. If you have a Grifols based plasma center nearby, you could donate 8 times per month and make an extra $345 per month which comes in handy. You would also likely qualify for services like food stamps which would further add onto your monthly pay if you work at least 20 hours a week.

There are creative ways to save money on living expenses as I've learned. Sure, they might be inconvenient, but I would argue that they are much preferable to wasting half of your life every week doing something that you hate just to support a somewhat higher standard of living.

[reb569]

I would stay with Job A and continue looking for other temp positions. Maybe the right one will come up that will give you a good working environment, better pay and be in a field you are interested in.

A good working environment is really a major positive for any job.

Good luck with your decision, it is a hard one to make.