To apply or not to apply?

[jammygem]

I'm currently covering my manager in a year long maternity cover contract that finishes end of January. I was told yesterday that she is not returning. The job that I currently do (there are 3 of us in the same position) is being advertised, and the cut-off for applications is tonight at midnight. They have decided not to replace my manager but to just rely on whoever fills this advertised position instead.

I was only told about the permanent job yesterday evening, despite it being up for a couple of weeks not even going to start ranting about that and my bosses have encouraged me to apply.

If I don't apply, I just go back to my old 0 hours "casual" contract, with less responsibility, less stress, none of the benefits (i.e. sick pay), and no guaranteed hours.

However, since the temporary promotion, my health has suffered dramatically from all the stress. We are very understaffed and a lot of the responsibility has gone onto 'my' level of management. We are supposed to do 38 hours a week but have been doing nearly 60 for quite some time now, just to keep up with all the work - there is no overtime, we get time owed instead, but I won't ever actually receive this as we are too busy up to when my contract ends. There is zero support from our bosses, who we only ever see when something goes wrong, which is unfortunately quite frequently at the moment seeing as we are all so overworked. I had an operation a couple of weeks ago and was supposed to have 2 weeks off - I had to come back in 4 days. The job is very physical and practically revolves around heavy lifting and manual labour. Also, because we get paid in lieu, I will have to forego a payday in February if I don't get the permanent job. It is manageable financially, but the managers have form for not giving shifts to people that they feel have wronged them, and if that happens I will be financially fucked.

Obviously this is all pretty moot as I don't think I'm very good at the job anyway, (I'm often bollocked by the managers because I'm not very good at dealing with angry clients) and so probably wouldn't even get it if I did apply.

I hate the job, I hate the place, I hate my managers, I hate the stress and pressure I'm under. But I've been applying for other jobs with no luck, and I desperately need the money. Should I apply or not?

[wobblyweebles]

I would probably go back to the 0 hours contract - you said it would be just about manageable financially, and it sounds like you would be much happier at work.

Then keep on applying, and good luck.

[skylark2]

"I got a double payday - then stupidly used it to pay off my debt rather than trying to save some for when I go back to my old contract again."

I'm not sure it was a bad idea, though - that's several months interest you saved on the bit of debt you paid off, even if you have to go back into debt.

You should definitely try to do a deal with your "time owed".

[Littlef00t]

If you're owed toil could you ask for it to paid when this contract finishes as if you're having holiday even though you've started working back on you other contract. You'd get the extra pay then?

[jammygem]

Oops, sorry, I miss a payday in January and February rather.
As in, because with this managers position I get paid in lieu, I will get paid for my last month working (January) at the end of December. Then I immediately go back to my old contract, and I'll get paid for the hours that I did in February at the end of March.

To be fair, it works the other way and so when I first got the promotion I got a double payday - then stupidly used it to pay off my debt rather than trying to save some for when I go back to my old contract again. My own fault really.

[partialderivative]

I think that not enjoying your work is probably quite common.

But the fact that you like the people you work with is a huge plus.

I'm not sure... 'Better the Devil you know'?

[youareallbonkers]

what do you mean about being paid in lieu so you'll miss a payday in feb?

[InfinitySeven]

I mean, if your financial situation is as your OP suggests, then you can't afford to not have the job - having no income will be stressful, too, and that will also affect your health.

That's what I based my advice on. If you cannot survive without this job, and you're having no luck getting another job, then you have very little else that you can do other than apply and hope you find something else.

[hellsbellsmelons]

Your health is more important than ANYTHING!
Hope that helps!

Seriously though, it's a tough one, it really is.
Keep applying for other jobs and I hope you manage to get out of there soon.

[jammygem]

It's up on an outside website - usually with any jobs that come up it's mentioned to all staff and put in the weekly newsletter. I'd also been told beforehand that when the job goes 'live' they'd let me know so I can apply. It doesn't really matter though I suppose.

I'm just so sick and tired of the job. I have panic attacks thinking about going into work, so when I do on the rare occasion get a day off, I spend the whole time a mess. I do love the people I work with though, that is one big positive.

I'm just trying to weigh up whether the financial benefit is worth the risk to my health and sanity. I can't figure out of it is.

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

Don't apply if your health will suffer. If they are as short staffed as you suggest then I would assume you will still get shifts as they can't afford to do without you.

[Notbythehaironmychinnychinchin]

I'd apply but see it as a stepping stone rather than my dream job. Get it on your CV then look for something better while taking advanatge of the benefits.

I was only told about the permanent job yesterday evening, despite it being up for a couple of weeks - not sure about this. Up where? I was covering a job last year and the first time I knew about it was when I saw the advert on the organisation's website, but I wouldn't have expected them to give me a heads up on it. I think that is quite usual.

[InfinitySeven]

If they've encouraged you to apply, you can't be that bad at it!

It doesn't sound like you've got much of a choice but to apply, and keep looking elsewhere in the meantime.

[jammygem]

And before anyone suggests, I have been applying for literally any job I can find that I'm qualified for that has the hours/pay that can support me, but just no luck.