WWYD?

[Timtamtaffee]

I was meant to start a new job today. I arrived at the designated meeting point where one of my new colleagues said she would meet me in order to walk to our office. I waited over half an hour and they never showed up (I was in the right location as it's a pretty deserted place where the building is). I tried calling the office number several times and no one answered (there should be a few people milling about). I walked around but couldn't find the office at all so I left.

Once home, I called HR who were very apologetic (I found their number on an email they had sent). They have promised to contact the new manager but it has really, really put me off working there. It isn't my primary job, it would just be to enhance my pay as CoL has hit hard.

I'm just left with a sour taste as the first time I went to meet them, at a different location, they were 20 minutes late (full of apologies) and then today, I was left for 30 minutes without any contact at all. They have my number - surely if there was an issue, they could've been in touch?

What would you do? Cut your losses and move on (as I say, I have another job which I love) or would you try again and hope that 3rd time is lucky?

How much do you want the job?

Hard to say how symptomatic this is at such an early stage. They may be disorganised on the admin aspect but also friendly, flexible and dedicated to the actual work aspect. Or they may be a complete bin fire of a company. You'll need to at least get your foot inside the door before you can make up your mind, surely.

That all sounds a bit weird to me. I think I'd probably walk away.

For me, once being late is bad, twice and not being able to contact them would put me right off. If they are this disorganised with a new starter, imagine how they might treat you once you are working there. I would like for a different extra job.

What kind of job is it? sounds like one of these dodgy sales 'companies'

Providing you are sure that it is a ligament company and everything is above board ( it sounds a bit dodgy to me ) I would give them one more chance but if things don't go like clockwork then I'd ditch them

It's not sparkling is it? I'd give them another chance because I'm a softie because Squiblet is right, they might be dedicated, lovely and flexible. But yes, be wary going forward.

Great minds think alike @HerMammy

It's all above board and when we met the first time, they were really enthusiastic and I though, OK, bad first impression by their lateness but they seem nice and were really keen to have me on board. What massively irked me was that I had arranged childcare for today so that I would be on time (arrived 5 minutes before actual meeting time) and then ended up stood waiting around. I don't really need the job, it was more of doing something in my spare time, but it has left me with a bad taste.

What's probably worse is that my current manager highlighted my CV to this other company (they are friends) and so I'm worried it will reflect badly on me if I walk away now. But, to be honest, I don't want to sign a contract for a job that will just put more issues in my life. I've spoken with my partner and he said to just walk away as he can't abide the rudeness.

Ok so it is a ligament company, I eoukd get in contact with them again and see how it goes , apologies are great and much needed but is it just lip service?

As for your current boss, I would not worry at all about it reflecting badly on you if you don't take the job , , explain to your boss ( carefully) that they were late & didn't show up so you don't think it will be a wise move.
It may also give your boss the heads up so they are a bit more wary about sending recommendations.

Thanks @ScottBakula that's really helpful advice. I have emailed my manager today just to let her know that there has been a blip with the other role. I'll see if I hear anything from the other role today / tomorrow and go from there.

That's definitely the right thing to do, hopefully the new company will get their act together and it proves to be a good second income and possibly even a stepping stone in the future to another job .

If not , then you have nothing to lose and still have a good job with a manager that obviously respects you and thinks you are good at your current and potential new job.

Let us know how you get on 🙂

Sounds a bit weird. Why weren’t you just going to the place of employment rather than this “designated meeting point” in order to meet somebody and walk there. And why was a colleague meeting you rather than your new manager or at least their assistant / admin staff. Very peculiar, I don’t think I would make a massive effort to try again.

@ScottBakula thank you 🙂 I think it has helped knowing that this was just a supplementary role, but I was pleased to have been recommended by my current manager. I still haven't heard anything from the new people (!) so I've emailed the HR team asking for a pause as I want to have a good mull over whether or not this is right for me.

@Mortimercat we arranged to meet elsewhere because last time they were in a hurry (they were late) so it was a very breezy catch up outside (I had another meeting to get to so it was literally a meet / greet / go situation). Yesterday was meant to be the "proper" introduction and take me around the office etc, but they said beforehand that it was a difficult place to find. I previously met the person who was meant to be my new line manager and she was the one who said she would meet me - she tapped the details of my start date into her phone in front of me and we had some back-and-forth emails afterwards which confirmed the start date etc, so I'm really disappointed that they don't seem to follow through with their verbal plans. I would've understood if I had an email / text / phone call from them to apologise and reschedule, but I have literally heard nothing from them.

Agree this sounds very strange! Anywhere I have ever worked I would have just arrived at the office at day one and presented myself to reception to get settled in.

Best of luck