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Original poster

I need advice - should I accept this job

46 replies

Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:03

I have been offered a job as a Receptionist . 30 hours a week . One day they want me to work from 9.30am - 8pm. The downside is I will not have a stool to sit on as they like to have Receptionist standing .
I am 42 and moved out of retail because of the endless standing . I started to work( sitting) for a small company but it’s only 8 hours a week ! They cannot give me more hours - I have asked . I am not having much luck finding a new job - it’s seems so tricky ! Am I being too picky refusing this job or should I grin and bear it - we do need some extra money. Standing really took a toll on my feet , Painful bunions and lower back pain.
Please help me make a decision

OP posts:
Soola · 29/09/2019 20:05

No I would not take a job where you do not have access to sitting down.

Your health is more important. You risk permanent damage.

IncrediblySadToo · 29/09/2019 20:05

I wouldn’t. A company that expects you
To stand on reception is going to be a bloody nightmare to work for. No thanks very much.

Spied · 29/09/2019 20:07

You can't be standing the entire time?
They will like you to stand to greet clients maybe but am sure you will at least have a stool to perch on during quiet periods?

Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:08

My dh thinks it will be too much for me too . I lost out on a great job a couple of weeks ago - it was between me another and I was unsuccessful Sad

OP posts:
BenWillbondsPants · 29/09/2019 20:09

I'm not sure they can force you to stand for that amount of time, that's ridiculous.

Passthecherrycoke · 29/09/2019 20:10

You’ve been offered the job, they obviously like you, so phone and ask them if you can use a chair and if not, how long you would be on your feet for at a time.

Surely though the bunions were caused by walking around, and have developed over a very long period? Do you still have them or did you have them operated on? I’m just asking as people think they need to rest with back problems but latest advice is you should be up and about and that resting can make it worse.

Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:10

No Spied standing the whole time apart from lunch breaks . I went in for a trial and was surprised by this . I could stand for 4 hours a day , but this is too much I think. It’s a shame as I really like the job apart from this . They wanted someone older to take control , but I think they will need someone younger and fitter - and I am quite fit

OP posts:
KitKat1985 · 29/09/2019 20:10

How desperate are you? Can you take this whilst you look for something else, or can you afford to turn this down until something better comes along?

WickedLemon · 29/09/2019 20:12

Nope. Don't take the job.

I can understand some standing jobs, especially in retail.

But a receptionist, no. As a PP said, a company that expects a receptionist to stand all the time will be a nightmare to work for.

Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:12

Hi passthecherry my back pain has gone since I stopped working in retail . I did ask about a stool , but I the answer was they like the receptionist standing .

OP posts:
reginafelangee · 29/09/2019 20:13

If yo do turn them down - make sure they know it's because of the standing.

They are mad to lose out on the best candidate over something like this.

funnylittlefloozie · 29/09/2019 20:15

Of course you shouldnt take it - it sounds quite ridiculous. Are they expecting you to be on your feet every moment of the day, or can you sit down when you're not greeting customers?

Passthecherrycoke · 29/09/2019 20:15

Oh no, that’s a shame.

Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:16

I asked about going to the loo and they said I can’t just go to the loo, I have to find someone who will cover and then go .

OP posts:
Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:16

Funlittle- standing all the time 😨

OP posts:
Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:18

Regina- I most definitely will. I am finding the job market tough at the moment .

OP posts:
katalavenete · 29/09/2019 20:19

I don't understand why a receptionist needs to be standing. I can't think of anywhere that does. What kind of place is it?

Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:20

Kit Kat not desperate , but I want a job and to stay at it . My last interviewer asked why I had moved jobs a lot . I explained it was due to hours etc .

OP posts:
Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:25

I don’t think they will give me a seat , there are too many people looking for jobs .

OP posts:
JesusHRooseveltChristAgain · 29/09/2019 20:32

Sounds like a health and safety issue to force someone to stand for so long, can't see their logic why the receptionist has to stand!

Original poster
Charliescar · 29/09/2019 20:35

No it’s crazy .... I have worked in the same industry as a receptionist before and was given a chair . Nobody seemed to care

OP posts:
BatshitBertha · 29/09/2019 20:38

I work in a job 33 hours a week, it is mostly standing.

Split into shifts where I swap around with other staff members (a bit like a retail environment) there are periods of sitting, and working in the back office etc. Also a coffee break morning and afternoon and lunch for an hour and a bit of walking around during the standing periods.

It has taken its toll on my feet and my back (I have colleagues who struggle with their knees)
I would never consider a job where you are required to stand fur 30hours. Never.

Decline the offer and tell them why.

Twickerhun · 29/09/2019 20:38

This is the hairdressers? Did you ask them if you could have a stool / seat?

ClemDanFango · 29/09/2019 20:40

That’s just fucking ridiculous that’s 10.5 hours standing!? They don’t even make prisoners do that! I’d run a mile.

JesusHRooseveltChristAgain · 29/09/2019 20:41

To answer your question the answer for me would be No. There's no logic for receptionist standing for 10+ hours. Good luck with the job search!