Job Dilema..Opinions Needed

[Allexus_TN]

Here's the situation. My husband and I are broke as can be. Barely able to buy food right now. So I've been job hunting. My personal situation only leaves me room for part time, and need one full weekend off a month.
With those details in mind...here's the dilema: I interviewed tonight for a job with the hours I would want, the duties I would be able to handle, and a seemingly great boss. However, the pay is so bad that it wouldn't help us out much. Only $6.50 an hour, 16 hours a week. (The going rate for a position of this type would be around $8/hr.) I would love this job if I were going to get paid more. I'm only going to be bringing home about $60 a week, which won't quite cover the groceries. The woman also indicated she did not want to hire someone who was just going to turn around and quit.
I can't decide if I should take it and keep looking anyway, or just turn it down and keep looking and hope something else turns up. I don't want to sacrifice my integrity for a job, but I also don't want to keep struggling like we have been. This job won't make a whole lot of difference in our financial situation.
I need some non-biased opinions!!

 

[Wiggles]

If it was a last resort, I would take the job and keep looking anyway. When the application has that little box on it, "Can we contact your present employer?" put no.

For 6.50 an hour (unless it's waitressing) they shouldn't expect you to take it long term.

A little bit of money is better than no money at all, and you need to look out for you and your own first.

Have you tried any temp. agencies? I've been working a great job that I got through one, and they helped me with my resume.

Good luck.

 

[Black_Bird]

The time you would be working, you could be out looking. I wouldn't even bother. I was in the same situation and instead of taking something I knew wouldn't work out, I just respectfully declined.

 

[cymbidia]

I agree with BB with this addition: tell that employer exactly why you cannot take the job. Add details about how wonderful the job is and how difficult it is to turn it down. Then ask that kind employer if s/he has any idea where you could find a comparable job.

You never know who s/he knows, and if they think enough of you to offer you a job, and if you do a good enough job being honest and sincere about why you can't take it, then maybe maybe they'll have some kinda other lead for you.

In any case, you've made a friend (or a non-enemy) by being honest and forthright and if your situation changes, you may be able to come back to that perfect job later, when your personal needs aren't so pressing.

 

[llee69]

I agree with cymbidia. Let them know they are right other than for the pay. Who knows, they might be willing to coff up more to make it worth your time. If they wont pay more up front see if they will agree to regular pay raises or merit raises.

I have been in sales so long that for me everything is negotable.

If nothing else take it and keep looking. If you are only there a month that is 240 more than you had before right?

I disagree with Black_bird on the theory that there might not be as many opening that meet your requiremants.

 

[Darowyn]

From the people I have met the rule in TN seems the same as the one we have here.
Employment is a private club- you can only get in if you are already a member.
It's far more difficult to get a job if you are unemployed than if you are doing something already - however menial.
I turned down people myself with good paper qualifications because I was not sure that they would be able to cope with all the difficult stuff like being there every day, on time and working to deadlines. Not enough experience is what I said- no proof of work ethic is what I meant.
Take the job- if necessary tell them that you regard the wage as a starting point and you will expect more after six months when you have proved you are worth it. Either way , keep looking!
Wishing you the very best of luck
Cheers

 

[sch00lteacher]

Is this just the starting pay? Or is this it, never gonna get better?

And I agree, something is better than nothing. I've worked my share of shitty jobs over the years, usually security. Put your life on the line for minimum wage. Yee haw.

 

[MechaBlade]

I only have one piece of advice: please don't get pregnant in your current financial state.

 

[riff]

What wiggles said.

Anyone paying minimum wage is dreaming if they expect someone to stay for a long time. Take the job so you can work and get another job.

I am sure you won't be the first and you can bet you won't be the last.

 

[sabbathstorm]

Personally, I couldn't take a job that paid less than what I knew I could survive on. I worked jobs that were barely over minimum wage and ended up more in the hole than before. Factoring in travel and lunches, there just wasn't enough left to keep going. Needless to say, I only stayed for the initial three month period before I quit. I was off for a month before another job opportunity came along that was much better than the original.

Definitely discuss the wage with the employer. They may consider other options.

 

[tnguy04]

I agree

Discuss the pay, and keep looking. You never know when either will work out for you. The job market can be a tad tough right now depending on your line of work, experience, etc... Good luck, and keep up posted on how it is going.

 

[riff]

About 6 years ago I was out of work and took a minimum wage job. Way below my capabilites. I took the money, and I did such an excellent job, my boss hated to see me go.

He wound up giving me a reference that landed me the job I wanted.

I am not saying fuck them for all they are worth. I am saying TAKE THE JOB and DO YOUR BEST. Only good things, not to mention money, will come of it.

 

[freescorfr]

I think this is all good advice from Cymb, Wiggles and Riff.

I'd just add keep hold of your own self worth in these circs.. Write down every day a good thing about yourself. And good luck.

 

[Ree]

I agree with what everone is saying about discuss the pay with the interviewer. Tell her how excited you were about the position but at $6.50 an hour you just think the pay is a little low. You could always discuss an increase in pay after 90 days if your job performance was adequate and then blow their socks off. Some money is definitely better then no money. Heck, I am travelling for loan closings as a notary just to get us grocery money. It is better then nothing. I will keep my fingers crossed for you that you can get the money issue worked out with this employer. It sounds like that is where you want to be. Keep your fingers crossed for me too. I have a job interview tomorrow and then one on Thursday. Been so long since I have been on a job interview, I just hope I don't puke on their feet. LOL Best of luck!!!

 

[Wave_Rider]

Opinions from Cali...........

If you are in a situation where your combined income (all his right now) does not even cover your basic food costs........then take the job..............You indicated it would only be part time......but get your cute bottom off Lit (wink) and spend your free time to find a better paying but hopefully satisfying job........

The pay difference between your $6 and $8 job however is only about $25 a week after taxes........not a huge difference over time.

Jeez, now I truly feel awful about teasing you yesterday when you offered to "interview"........Forgive me?

Good luck...........

Just keep breathing.........slowly.......and deeply.........and keep smiling

 

[Allexus_TN]

Re: Opinions from Cali...........

Jeez, now I truly feel awful about teasing you yesterday when you offered to "interview"........Forgive me?

Of course! I didn't even think about it that way because it was all in fun.
As for getting my "cute bottom off Lit." I'll still have my evenings!

And GOOD LUCK to Ree on your interviews! Its like riding a bike hon! I'm sure you'll do fine.

I'll be making my decision by this afternoon, and will post here tonight to let everyone know!

 

[Allexus_TN]

As promised, I'm posting to let you all know my decison.

When she called and offered it to me, I explained how much I would love to work for her, how wonderful the work sounded and how the schedule was perfect for my needs, but that my financial situation needed a higher pay rate. She said she understood, and that she could not offer me any more. So I respectfully declined.

Thank you all for your opinions and suggestions. You guys really helped me sort it out better!!!

 

[Wiggles]

I'm glad you found what was best for you.

Good luck with your job hunt.

 

[sch00lteacher]

Have faith in yourself.

The right job is going to fall into your hands when you least expect it. I bet ya money on it. You sound like a really nice person. So your Karma has to be good.

You were not supposed to take that job, or you would have.

Have faith.

 

[Ree]

Sorry to hear that you weren't able to talk them into a little more money. I am sure that your job is just waiting for you. This one just isn't the one for you. Thanks for the positive vibes! Yesterday's job interview went great. It was like riding a bike. I was a little wobbly at first and then loosened up and came out ahead of the game. I am in the running for the position and I have to take some tests on Monday. Hopefully, that will go well. I am feeling really good about this one. (Even my hubby was excited, he really wanted me to get the one that I interview for on Thursday. Now he has changed his mind! Woohoo!) The hours are just what we needed to be able to keep our family on the track we are on and the pay was much more then I thought it would be, which is a nice surprise. Keep the faith, I am sure you will find a job that meets all your needs.