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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to apply for a job that I potentially can't start for a year?

116 replies

Naicehamhun · 21/02/2020 10:02

IABU- don't apply and wait until I am in a position to move.

IANBU- Apply and be honest about start dates.

Background: Through a series of circumstances beyond my control I have been left as a lone parent of one 7 year old DC. DCs father is local to where I live currently but is not allowed unsupervised contact, so I have no help. I work full time in a very intensive job and have no support within 100 miles if the area I live in. I am therefore looking to move back to my hometown where there is a bit more support from family and friends.
I have found the perfect job in my home town, I am qualified and stand a good chance. The job market in that area is very limited and this is a rare opportunity.... However. I am not on any position to make the big move any time soon.
My house needs building work before it can be put on the market. The market is stagnant in my area. My mortgage will not allow me to let it out. Hometown is a lot more expensive and I stand to lose a lot of money if I rush this process and I need all the cash I can get.

I can't get this job advertisement out of my head. I feel like I would be a fool to not apply but I can not start for many months and I feel this would instantly put off the employers. They do also specify that previous applicants will not be considered and the likelihood of the same role coming up again in the next few years is very slim.
My initial thoughts were to send an opening email to them before I apply formally, explaining my circumstances and potential start dates to gauge if they will consider me as an applicant. But I feel that this could put them off if I approach it the wrong way. I am desperate to move.

OP posts:

CorianderLord · 21/02/2020 11:45

Apply if you want but honestly I don't think they'll hire you...

JosefKeller · 21/02/2020 11:46

People apply for jobs all the time without really expecting to take the job,

indeed
and this is exactly why recruitment agencies charge companies so much because of all the time wasters - which they do try to screen but still.

slipperywhensparticus · 21/02/2020 11:46

How much of a loss?

Oblomov20 · 21/02/2020 11:47

Although you aren't allowed a letting mortgage?
Could you get a friend to move it temporarily? To pay the mortgage, just until you re-arrange? Although it's not a good idea, it would suffice.

That's assuming you even get offered the job. I'd say nothing till I actually got offered it! Apply!

CorianderLord · 21/02/2020 11:48

Couldn't you just rent a small flat for the interim?

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 21/02/2020 11:48

In my limited experience, previous applicants will not be considered suggests that they've tried to fill the post before and been unsuccessful - at least that's what it meant in the places worked in - because none of the candidates fit the bill.

I think it would be a good idea to call them to see what the situation is like with the job - if they're desperate to fill it now then they won't wait, but if they're prepared to wait for the right candidate then you might be in with a chance.

On a point about your mortgage though - are you sure that it won't allow you to rent your house out at all? My mortgage company allowed renting for 1 year only, and you had to apply for permission from them, but I just failed to let them know that I hadn't returned after the year. Of course, if they'd discovered it, they could have foreclosed on the mortgage - but they didn't. I'm not recommending lying to them, by the way - just check if you're allowed to rent it for 1 year only.

Wexone · 21/02/2020 11:49

I would apply anyway,but i wouldn't tell them i can not start, if the job has just opened you ahve about two or three weeks before the closing date. Then they have to go through all applicants and arrange interviews, this could take from about two weeks to a month. Then you will have the interview. They will need to then talk throigh the cnadiadates and decide which ones to put through for a second interview, you mighthave a medical after this then they need to go through references, by the time you get to this stage, three months could have passed. Then you have to give your notice period, so this is at least a month. In the back ground i would get a few estate agents around to see what minimal building work you need to gte done to get your sale price, if you can then get it started straight away, it might take less time than you think. IF YOU ARE OFFERED the job see if you can stay with friends or family or cheap air b&b and arrange with friemds or neighbours to look after your haouse or can you short term rent to someone to look after it while you are working. Keep in mind though you have only applied, you still have to get an interview and be offered the job, i woudn't tell them at all that it will be a year before you can start, your notice period is 3 months as standard, work in the background to accomdate things in the short term. It will be hard work and painfull, but worth it. Short term pain for long term goal. You never know once you get your foot in he door you could be offered flexi compressed week etc. Best of luck

TimeForPlentyIn2020 · 21/02/2020 11:53

There is no harm. At least you get your name out there

You'd get known as a time waster.

VirtualHamster · 21/02/2020 11:54

I think if 3 month notice period is standard, then you could probably stretch it out to not starting until 6 months from now but any longer than that it's unlikely.

If it's really a niche role, they'd be headhunting people and offering them relocation packages not just putting an advert out.

Excited101 · 21/02/2020 11:55

Don’t say anything, go in and get the job and figure out the rest later. Play the long game here, getting a good job where you want to be is the hardest bit.

Mosaic123 · 21/02/2020 11:56

You could try selling your house at auction with a reserve. A house which needs work is just the kind of house that gets sold at auction.

Wakaranaihito · 21/02/2020 11:57

I worked for an organisation who hired someone we had to wait 6 months for. A week before she was due to start she contacted us to say her situation had changed and was no longer able to take up the role. I would say that unless you are clear and able to commit you would be wasting everyone's time.

If you want the job and are prepared to make the change then go for it.

lostinleaves · 21/02/2020 12:01

At best I would think you have a massive ego and feel you are so amazing everyone would be delighted to wait a year.

^ This.

ChickenyChick · 21/02/2020 12:06

apply for the job

Put your house on the market without building work (it honestly beats me why people do this, lots of potential buyers would rather do it to their own taste/standard)

If you get the job offer, take it and make things work.

If your mindset is that the job has to fit around your life, you won't get it. If you get your life to fit around the job, it can work. That is all based on my own (limited) experience

No family to help? quite a lot of people don't, they get baby sitters, child minders, next doors teenagers after school to help them out.

If you have money for building work, you have money to rent temporarily whilst you push through the sale, and to get a child midner/after school club etc.

MadameMeursault · 21/02/2020 12:10

I think you should apply. I’m a big believer in fate, and if it’s meant to happen it will. It seems perfect, you should go for it. Only regret the things you don’t do.

MadameMeursault · 21/02/2020 12:11

Oh and also what ChickenyChick said ^^

Notajogger · 21/02/2020 12:19

Contact them with a copy of your CV and explain the situation. If they look at it and you're better than other applicants they might consider you.
If they can't wait and you apply you'd just be wasting everyone's time.

74NewStreet · 21/02/2020 12:20

They won’t decide anyone is better based on the CV exclusively. People can get quite creative with their CV’s...

Dozer · 21/02/2020 12:21

Applying is a bad idea and a waste of everyone’s time unless you could sort the practicalities and start soon.

Dozer · 21/02/2020 12:21

Recruitment has nothing to do with “fate”!

TimeForPlentyIn2020 · 21/02/2020 12:23

Trouble is, if you call them and explain your situation, they will just think you are a Negative Nelly. They really will not be interested in your building work etc. etc. Make it work or don't.

Dozer · 21/02/2020 12:24

Yes, it’s really not their problem. Employers don’t spend time and money advertising vacancies a year ahead!

Puzzledandpissedoff · 21/02/2020 12:29

Don’t say anything, go in and get the job and figure out the rest later

Please don't do this. It's reasonable for recruiters to expect that folk will actually be in a position to take the job they're applied for, and they'll hardly be pleased if they offer the job only to be told "well, actually I can't start until next year"

OTOH it's a great way to earn a reputation as a timewaster ...

Original poster

Naicehamhun · 21/02/2020 12:32

Oh wow. Such a varied response from so many perspectives. You can see why I'm conflicted can't you.
For perspective on the employer. It is a really small company, no HR team so would be dealing directly with the CEO. Their blogs promote a real team feel, work life balance and keeping things local. My thought process behind being honest with them would best portray me as being loyal and fitting with the company values.

OP posts:

74NewStreet · 21/02/2020 12:32

If it’s the niche industry that op claims, she’ll have zero credibility after pulling a stunt like that.

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