OT: Disappointing news - YouLookFab Forum

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OT: Disappointing news

Maya

Veteran

I got a reply from the people I met at a job fair. They said someone at the company is leaving for 3 weeks and they would like me to come in to fill in so they can evaluate me, and also for me to see how I like working with them. Then there is this line: "I’m sorry its only temporary, but its a start to what will hopefully grow into a great working relationship."

"Great working relationship?" What does that mean? She did not say "great full time position" or "great permanent position." I am now facing the very real possibility that they may never hire me. Just use me as a fill-in or freelancer for situations like this, when there is too much work and not enough people. That is what it sounds like.

If I were doing nothing, I'd say yes. But I'm not doing nothing. This would mean having to leave both of my internships and having nothing to come back to when this short stint is over.

I am not sure what to do. I guess I needed to leave my internships at some point anyway, but I was hoping it would be because I was leaving to do a real job. Not something that is only going to last 3 weeks.

General

20 replies

Latest reply was from Lena

Louise

Veteran

Oh Maya what an awful dilema. Could it be they are hedging their bets? and if you turn out to be fab they will keep you on? x

rute

Veteran

oh, I'm sorry, only for 3 weeks, it's not worth! Send a kind reply thanking and declining.

If only it was for 6 months or an year.. but 3 weeks is nothing, you couldn't show all your potencial..

Losermom

Maya, I have had more than one "temporary job" that turned into a permanent one. I know that it's not what you are really looking for. Are you locked into your internships until a certain date?

I say jump at it to show them what you can really do. Make yourself indispensable! This is a 3 week audition that you should treat as such. And you can continue to search for a permanent job during that time.

Maya

Veteran

That's what I thought too Rute. It would take me three weeks just to get used to the place. Three weeks isn't even enough to get one project finished. How are they or I going to be able to determine anything in such a short amount of time?

OTOH, no one else is exactly falling all over themselves to hire me. This is the only real lead I have.

rute

Veteran

I'm sure more opportunities will come! Just keep looking! They all liked you and your work!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

First of all: (((HUGS))))

You *have* to look at this as an opportunity to shine, Maya. They could have not gotten back to you at all. The company has offered you the finger, now you have permission to take the hand. Do not say die. We won't let you! Semantics are semantics. Don't get hung up on the meaning of the words in the email yet.

When do you start? Chin up.

Maya

Veteran

If I took it, it would start May 27.

I emailed my boss at the Met and asked to meet with him next week. I'm going to ask him if I can take that time off and come back. I kind of wanted to leave the other internship anyway, so I'll probably just terminate that one if I end up accepting this offer.

I guess I'll just have to do the whole get there early, leave late, get everything done ahead of the deadline game for those three weeks.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I say this is great news. You can completely turn this opportunity into a job. They have opened the door a crack, and now you need to jam your foot in the door and make sure that after three weeks they can't live without you.

Go for it, be your fabulous self for three weeks, no matter how much you finish in terms of projects. Mostly, they want to know if they will like working with you.

Rosie

Veteran

Maya, this is definitely a good sign! Not exactly what you wanted, but a real indicator that they really WANT you.

Have you spoken with your internships about taking a brief break and not leaving completely? Many companies will allow that kind of thing, especially since they most likely know you are seeking full-time employment.

Kate

Veteran

Maya, another possibility if they like you but aren't able to hire you full time is someone there might know of a company that CAN hire you permanently. Networking is always a possibility. Also, if you can explain your situation to your new employers about leaving your internship(s) to take a chance on them, that will show just how much you want the job! And maybe that will encourage them to take a chance on you too!

I would definitely see if you can take some time off from your internship(s). Do they have official end dates? Regardless, I wouldn't let this opportunity pass you by because it has the potential to be so much more than 3 weeks.

Maya

Veteran

I have asked to meet with my supervisor at the Met and ask him for time off. I don't think he would say no.

Incidentally, I saw a post from one of my former and favorite internships seeking a part time communications designer. It's a nonprofit so it won't pay much but no big deal. I liked working there and I could do it 3 days a week while I continue at the Met for the other 2.

The other internship is over, I think. I got all I'm going to get out of it. I'll tell my supervisor next week. Ideally I will continue what I'm doing now, take the 3 week job at the other place, and then return to the Met and work p/t at my old internship.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Maya- I don't see this as disappointing at all.... maybe not what you wanted to hear but they are calling YOU, and not somebody else. It might only be for 3 weeks, but what do you have to lose?
I say go for it....

Maya

Veteran

I guess I am just tired of playing this game. I can't appreciate the small achievements anymore. It's at a point where hearing anything other than "you are hired for a full time, permanent position" is disappointing.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Maya- I understand and didn't mean to minimize your feelings. I can't imagine how frustrating this whole process is for you. ((big hug))

Debora

Veteran

Maya, I think this is great news and a wonderful opportunity to get your foot in the door! I hope that you can work something out with your boss at the Met. Please keep us posted and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I wish I could say something that would actually be comforting, Maya, but I do think this is a positive development. It's been my experience that most full-time jobs evolve from short-term gigs. Mine started as a brief internship, then went on in limbo for nearly three years before being acgtually finalized as permanent. It was frustrating, to be sure, but at least it was a paychecque and loggable time on the resume. I'm glad you're going to pursue this. The networking alone would make it worthwhile, and the job itself could lead to so much more.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Oh Maya I can understand your disappointment, but also see that its a great opportunity and you should feel very chuffed that they are definitely want YOU!

(hmmm this sounds a lot like the stresses of dating doesn't it LOL)

LoP

Veteran

I think this is a great opportunity Maya. You might be reading too much into her words. I think everyone said similar things. I like your idea of taking the opportunity while arranging to keep the rest around it. Good luck with it all. I can't image how stressful this situation is for you!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Maya, it sounds as though they really want to hire you but the position is not available at the moment. This IS an opportunity to make more connections within the company and be the ONLY name on their speed dial when a position does open.

I hope The Met agree to your idea of time off.

Lena

Maya, I totally understand how you feel emotionally exhausted and disappointed.

And yet. I know I'm repeating what everyone already said. I was in similar situations and people around me continued to motivate me and I got over the slump. It was really hard to keep plugging away and I disliked it greatly (to put it mildly), and it turned out well.

Please go after it! They may be using you for temp.work, or they may REALLY want you. And even if it's the former, you still have an excellent opportunity to shine and make them change their mind. It happens, and small tiny jobs do grow into bigger positions. (I totally understand your apprehension about being used for temp work; I was a foreign worker and I had similar feelings)

There's only one way to find out. If nothing else, it's good for your resume!

[hugs]