Need advice on how to juggle this...

[milestogo]

I've been looking for a job since I was laid off in May. I prefer permanent but I am in IT, so I have to consider contract.

Everything is happening at once. One of the permanent jobs I applied for has already interviewed me twice on the phone. I have a face to face interview scheduled on Tuesday.

Another permanent job interviewed me on the phone this week, and today they called and asked me for a face to face - in two weeks.

This week I was also contacted about a contract assignment which is also a good fit. I had two phone interviews today, and now I have a face to face interview scheduled on Monday. It sounds like I will probably be offered the job, and they have already said they want someone who can start right away.

I would really prefer permanent to contract, but I don't want to turn down the contract in case I don't get offers from the permanent ones. The money and locations are all in the same ball park.

I dread having to take time off to interview, but I guess I can just call it a doctors appointment.

Anyone been in this situation?

[Tobin S.]

1. It's a good problem to have.

I think you just have to decide how much more you want that permanent position over a contract. You also have to take into consideration the frequency of the opportunities being presented, i.e., if it looks like there is the potential for a lot of opportunities.

[milestogo]

4. Its a strange thing.

Until this week I've only had one face to face interview. This is all happening at once. For my last perm position I applied in October, interviewed in November, accepted the offer in December, and started in January. The companies are so slow to move on hiring for permanent positions. This is fine if you are already employed, but if you're not its quite frustrating.

I do think the market is pretty good right now. I am having no trouble finding things to apply to.

[milestogo]

6. They always seem to be in a hurry with contract positions.

I have mixed feelings on being upfront, since my last company wasn't upfront with me about eliminating my job. If I'd known I was going to lose my job I could have been looking out for myself. I know its different at the beginning of employment vs the end, but I guess I feel like I should look out for myself and accept the first job I'm offered, even if I might have to leave in a couple of weeks. That way at least I'll have something.

[Fla Dem]

8. Take whatever job you feel is the safest bet right now.

If it feels like you need to take the contract job to be on the safe side in case you don't get the permanent job, then do it. If the permanent job pans out after the face to face, then just give your notice to the contract position. You owe them nothing at this point. They hired you sure, but you are no more obligated to them than they are to you. Believe me, if something came up and they had to cut back on staff, you wouldn't even be a 2nd thought. Just so there are no hard feelings, at least offer a week notice. They probably will say forget about it, just leave, but at least you did the right thing. If you do give notice (1-2 weeks) and they accept it, tell your new employer you have to give notice and can't start right away. Most good employers will respect that and work with you on a start date.

Let us know how it all works out for you.

Good luck.

[Major Nikon]

3. Bird in hand...

I've hired a lot of people over the years and one thing I can say is that it's just not that uncommon for high demand employees to find other employment and quit soon after being hired. It's really just the nature of the business. If you can find the same employment for more pay/benefits, then it's really the fault of the losing company for not paying enough.

[milestogo]

5. Thanks for the perspective.

I have seen people leave jobs early on and wondered if they got scared off.

[Major Nikon]

7. They do it for all sorts of reasons

Found a job somewhere else. Realized the commute was too hard. Couldn't reconcile personal life with work requirements. Sometimes they just stop showing up and never tell you why. It's actually a lot better if they leave in a week or two so you can draw from other pre-selected applicants and don't have to start over.

[onethatcares]

9. remember that

permanent is only until they tire of you, or don't need you anymore.

Unless they put a clause in your hiring contract that you won't ever have to worry about the company getting rid of you.