Urged to be Sucky

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

By my family.

Last week, I got a call (while at work) from one of the hotel/casinos I applied at over 3 months ago. I said I wasn't looking for work anymore, thank you.

I mention this to my family, and they... well, didn't SAY anything about it, but asked if I had an interview, and gave me looks like I was a huge idiot for not taking an interview. Got more of those looks when I said I'd be leaving the very small company I work at in a hell zone if I got another job and left now. It's nearly tax season, and frankly, they need me.

Sure, it's not great pay, but I'm not bitch enough to go for greener pastures when it would leave people unable to keep up on the work. There wouldn't be enough time to hire and train another person.

And yes, I MAY look for another, better paying (I'm not even making close to the national average for this type of work) job, but later. I'll have more experience, and may get a raise to a decent wage.

So, yeah, just thought I'd rant.

[bainsidhe]

From your description, it doesn't sound like there's anything particularly sucky about your family's attitude. Perhaps we're missing part of the story? It's very nice for you to stay at your current job, but that's exactly what it is: Being nice. Work is a business relationship. It's wise business to advance your skills and increase your pay. That said, what's most important is that you make the best choice for you. As long as you'll be able to find other work later on and you don't mind staying, then just politely tell your family to shush. Or shout it, if they're anything like my family.

[elsporko]

I think its odd you wouldn't even take an interview. Maybe you would have found out that is your dream job. Like what was said, work is business. Its good to be nice but in the end you have to be worried about yourself.

[JambaBamba]

You should always at least interview if you think it's something you'd be interested in. I've known of companies that have let the future employee have a starting date 3 months in the future because they were the right fit.

The nice thing about job hunting when you have a job is that you're able to be very picky and find a job you really want. If you're worried about missing time from your job and don't want to be sucky that way, a lot of companies will allow evening interviews or phone interviews during your lunch.

[MrSmiley]

Same thing happened to me once... kindof. I was looking for work desperately in the summer and applied to various places (leaving my cellphone as contact #). Then over the next few months... I ran out of money and had to call family for help (moving back with them in a different town). As soon as I was settled back in another place, I started receiving callbacks on the cellphone from interested companies. *sigh*

[RecoveringKinkoid]

If you are working for a low paying company and turning down a better job out of worry that your current company can't get along with out you, I can see why they might be urging you to reconsider. Because your way of thinking is going to get you boned and keep you boned.

First of all, they can ALWAYS get along without you. Everyone always thinks that and everyone is always wrong about it. No exceptions.

Secondly, I promise you that they will not show the same loyalty to you. I don't care how much they like you or how well they treat you. They won't take it in the neck on your behalf. There are no exceptions to this, either.

You can offer to train your replacement, and give them plenty of notice before you leave. But staying because you think you have to sacrifice for them? That is a fool's errand.

It's not sucky and it's not personal. It's business. When people start thinking business is personal, they set themselves up to be hurt.

[Sapphire Silk]

While I would agree that a job is a working relationship, not a friendly one, it is important to maintain ethical and professional behaviors with your current employer.

There's nothing wrong with taking a better job. But burning bridges behind you when you do isn't going to enhance your resume.

I can't help but wonder if maybe a family member here didn't pull strings to get HFP the interview.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I certainly wouldn't burn bridges or act unethically, either. But improving your own situation is neither of those things. You work to take care of yourself and your affairs. That is the reason you work for money. Do not make the mistake that you are doing it as a favor to anyone or any company. And NEVER allow yourself the luxury of the delusion that you cannot be replaced.

Your employer should understand this.

[wolfie]

I think you should have gone for the interview, and if you were offered a job, explained that you'd be able to start after the tax deadline (April 15 for Yanks, April 30 for Canucks) because leaving during tax season would put your current employer in a bad situation.

This should be either a neutral or a positive (i.e. if you won't crap on your current employer during a busy time, you're unlikely to do it to the new company either).