Work dilemma, unsure what to do, stressed

[Alien36]

I've been in a job for 3 weeks, it's not what was advertised at all, they also expect unpaid overtime for a job paying not much more than min wage, can request same day overtime, etc etc. Duties of job are not what was advertised and hours not. They've told me ill be paid for it then given me a contract saying I won't.

Anyway I fortunately got a new job offer the other day. The new job says I need to attend in-person for onboarding process, unfortunately their opening hours are my working hours.

I'm still in training (if you can call it that, rather just left to it) so not really meant to have time off. I have no wfh, flexi or anything. The new job is about 50-1h drive from current job depending on traffic, so can't go at lunch or anything.

No idea what to do but I know I've messed up. Ring in sick (ill not be paid and I know it's far from ideal- but as im planning to leave asap) or ask for unpaid leave but they could say no?

It's not ideal but just no idea what to do. As soon as I've signed contract with new job ill be giving my notice.

Take a sickie - I wouldn’t normally suggest that but if the job was missold to you in the first place and you’re not planning on staying then it’s fair game IMHO.

Call in sick

Yes find a way to attend that other job thing and get out of there!

Thanks, this is what I'm thinking, not really much choice. It's unfortunate the new place can't do it over zoom or teams as I could maybe do it at lunch.

Do whatever it takes to attend the onboarding at the new job.

It'll be so awkward ringing in sick after 3 weeks and having to do the return to work the next day but what can i do.

Just tell them you have 'it coming out both ends' and they might let you have a couple more days off as they won't want to catch it.

You have to wise up and play the system. Everyone in shit jobs takes a sick day to get a new one.

Sadly the other job doesn't start for 3 weeks and I need the money until then. I think I'll have to call in though, just one of those things.

Suspected norovirus or, if the onboarding in the afternoon, could you work in the morning and come down with a migraine and have to go home early?
Good luck with the new job!

Unfortunately a sick day is your only viable option here.

I once woke up with severe vertigo/ labyrinthitis such that I couldn't get up without feeling sick.
Certainly couldn't get myself to work.

It only lasted a couple of days, never had it as bad before or since.

It is totally possible to be ill 3 weeks into a job and they can't prove otherwise. Take a sickie.

I agree with the PP who said to take a sickie. Your current employer does not care about you and is taking you for a ride. Just take the one day off if that will cover the onboarding for the new employer. I wouldn't mention it to the current employer at this stage. Keep your cards close to your chest and good luck in the new job.

Just call in sick, say you’ve fhe runs, and feel nauseas,

Well - you haven't messed up! The company you have joined has.

They have not been fair with you, so taking a sickie would seem to be a reasonable way forward.

Just make sure the “onboarding” at this other job is not a day of you working for them for free with no contract at the end of it…

I would definitely expect contract to come first before any onboarding.

Honestly, just do it. I've been in a similar situation before and you'll just have to do what's best for you in these circumstances.

Thank you everyone. I thought I'd be getting a telling off for some reason!