Doubts about a job offer - help me make the right decision!

[seawitchandgarden2]

I am job hunting for a part-time, permanent role to complement my freelance activities.

I have been asked to have a follow up chat for something I interviewed for last week and I assume they will offer me the role.

BUT I have my doubts that this is the right job for me. My last permanent role turned into a nightmare. I have a long term health condition and had a very rough time in the past 10 years with several surgeries and a life threatening episode about 3 years ago. My previous workplace was very unsupportive and I ended up suggesting a financial settlement to avoid me taking them to a tribunal. All of this has taken its toll on me physically and mentally and I am almost 56 and I can feel myself starting to slow down a little.

What I want is a manageable part-time role that offers some home working and where I don't have to travel too far that I can sustain long term, ideally up to retirement while I also continue to freelance for additional income. I need time to do some physical work on myself to keep my muscles and bones healthy.

My doubts about this job is that I found out more info at interview and:

• it is 4 days a week. I am concerned I will just end up doing long days and a full time workload for 4 day pay
• It is a two year contract only so I would find myself job hunting again at 58 which is really not where I want to be
• It is mainly remote working but it turns out they have projects across England and Scotland and some visits will take place as well as travel for team meetings, events and to meet funders (this is a charity). I can't see that working for me.

So my gut reaction is that this is not the role for me, but at the same time I feel guilty about turning a job offer down and I think I am letting my fear of unemployment leading my decision making.

I have some more interviews lined up and I am not desperate for money yet and could hold on for a 3 day role.

What would you do in my situation?

It sounds like you don’t want it much so you’re in a good negotiating position- if they offer ask if it could be 3 days a week.

But also have a think about if you want the job at all, more travel and just a 2 year contract isn’t ideal.

Unless your freelancing is only a few hours a week then a 4 day a week job isn’t really a part time role to complement your freelancing activities!
Are you going to end up working 6 days a week for much of the time, which sounds far from ideal with your long term health condition.

Sorry but from everything you’ve said I think this job is far from ideal for your situation. However, is something else likely to come up, how common are part time roles in your industry?

F

Thank you for the feedback so far. It is really appreciated.

Yes, I am not that keen on the role if I am completely honest. Money is OK but everything else feels wrong.

I am getting a decent trickle of job interview offers so I am reluctant to take the first job offered. I have worked for charities and small businesses in marketing, comms, fundraising, website development and project management. Charities do offer part-time roles with some remote working so I am telling myself a remote/hybrid 3 day role should not be impossible to find.

''@Ilady
F''

Not sure what this is :)

Well, it turns out the chat was just about telling me that I was their 'reserve' candidate! and that they were just waiting for the chosen candidate to confirm in writing that they are accepting their offer so they want to keep me as plan B...

Lovely.

It just confirms to me that this is not the right opportunity anyway and I will turn them down if they other person says no and they get back to me.

Honestly they could have just said this in an email instead of insisting on a Zoom meeting and keeping me wondering over the weekend but never mind.

Hi seawitchandgarden2, I read your post yesterday but I haven't have time to reply til now. I think in your situation I would continue to look for 2 to 3 days a week work without much travel.
If you take a contact for a year or two continue to look for another job.

You had your doubt's about this job. Finding the out they wanted you as there plan b has confirmed it not the right job for you. My feeling is as well that it will be a 5 day work load over 4 days.

You have to consider your own health going forward as well. Having time to do exercise, walking and rest keeps your own health as good as possible for the long term.
Your probably looking for a job like this to give you extra cash, put money into your pension and give you enough national insurance payments for a full state pension.

I have a friend in a similar position and around you age here in Ireland. She has had a few health issues and has been in busy stressful jobs in the past.
She is getting certain benefits but working part-time would improve her financial position now and in the future.
She has good previous experience. At the moment she is doing voluntary work to broaden her work experience. She applied for a job recently but it was more hours and with a higher work load than the job advert said. She did not get this job but realised like you realised this job was not going to suit her.
She has decided the type of work she wants, the hours and what travel she is willing to do for a job. She has decided to keep looking for a suitable job.

Good luck with your job hunt.