Nataly 38 #1 June 23, 2011 Well, not so much a promise as a job opportunity. I was offered a 5 month role with an NGO. Great experience and if it had come up about 6 months ago I would have been over the moon... Only problem is I don't have unlimited funds and this is a volunteer position. I am worried that if I don't keep pursuing (paying) opportunities, I will run into financial difficulty. I'm certain this experience will lead to a great UN/type job somewhere down the line (which is what I've been trying very hard to get for several months now), but after not working since September 2010, I am starting to find the job hunt seriously distressing... I'm not even sure if I have a question, if I need advice, if I'm simply venting or if I need someone to tell me to suck it up!! Just feeling a lot of anxiety over here at the moment!!! "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DiverMike 5 #2 June 23, 2011 It is completely how you feel about yourself when making the decision to back out. After all, you are the only person who truly cares about your well being. If you think you create possibilities of better opportunities for yourself, don't back out. If you aren't, then back out. For the same reason I jump off a perfectly good diving board. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfzombie 3 #3 June 23, 2011 also, as you don't have unlimited funds, can you afford it? if it were me, and it was a job with room and board included, like away from home, i'd take it. you could get a 2d job to pay small living expenses, convenience stores are great for that because they have flexible hours and are usually within walking/biking distance from the house. if it's gonna lead to something you've been looking for later, go for it. it's worth a little discomfort now for more comfort later.http://kitswv.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 3 #4 June 23, 2011 Sometimes things just happen out of our control. Timing is everything and if your situation has changed since you originally looked at it, then things changed. She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #5 June 23, 2011 I'm sorry If there is no pay it's not worth it. In this economy and in this world.....the answer is simple....NO.Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #6 June 23, 2011 If it was me (and I was in a similar-ish situation last year. I took very low paid work - which kept me sane(ish) and employed and proved that I have a Work-Ethic ) .. I'd take the position and build upon it... It's one of life's truisms that it's easier to get a job when you've got a job. Also, it will reduce the gap on you current C.V (people hiring hate gaps - I know it doesn't makes sense but it's one of them daft facts of life things). Also ... along the No pay front .. I disagree with Mr Shah - No paid WORK is better than No paid UNEMPLOYMENT) (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #7 June 23, 2011 Do you have enough cash to cover the bills while you are away? Will you have internet and phone access where you are volunteering so you could continue your job search? Could the volunteer position lead into a paid position with that or another NGO? There's no guarantee you'll find a suitable job if you don't go. By going, you'll widen your network, which could very well lead into the job you are dreaming about. Go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #8 June 23, 2011 +1 Beat me to it.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #9 June 23, 2011 This was in the news the other day. More and more high end companies who make high profits are asking people to work for "free" with hopes of maybe one day offering them a job. The key words are work for free for a maybe. Sadly it is not illigal (if no one says a thing), it may be unethical but not illigal. I've had a few companies call me asking if i would care to give my time as a project manager for free....Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandi 0 #10 June 23, 2011 The last time I volunteered it led to a paid position, gave me great experience and opened a lot of doors for me. In the long run I benefited tremendously by working for free for a few months. Although, I was only volunteering part-time so I was able to keep my paying job. So you need to think about long term benefits. Do you think the experience you gain will lead to the type of paid position that you want? Will you gain contacts in your field that may help you to find a job after your volunteer commitment is over? If you think it's worth it could you get a part-time job to help cover your expenses? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #11 June 23, 2011 Quote More and more high end companies who make high profits are asking people to work for "free" with hopes of maybe one day offering them a job. Do NGO's make high profits? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #12 June 23, 2011 Quote Quote More and more high end companies who make high profits are asking people to work for "free" with hopes of maybe one day offering them a job. Do NGO's make high profits? HELL YEAH! Ever see how well the owners of these NGO's get paid! The perks are SICK! Yeah you have those that really do live the life but there are others that just take the UN's money and live it up! And no working for free for the possibility of maybe one day getting a gig with the company? I'm sorry sounds like slavery to me. I know as a business manager I woud love it! But as a guy or gal on the ground....look at that guy or gal to the left of you....they are doing your job at NO pay. Good luck growing the balls to walk up and ask for a pay increase!Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Throttlebender 0 #13 June 23, 2011 Quote Do you have enough cash to cover the bills while you are away? Will you have internet and phone access where you are volunteering so you could continue your job search? Could the volunteer position lead into a paid position with that or another NGO? There's no guarantee you'll find a suitable job if you don't go. By going, you'll widen your network, which could very well lead into the job you are dreaming about. Go. AgreedLife expands or contracts in proportion to one's courage. ~Anais Nin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bolas 5 #14 June 23, 2011 WWHLD or WWTJD? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYMnAUGFuG0Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #15 June 23, 2011 I still don't really know what to do, but lots of food for thought - thanks everyone. I *want* to do the assignment... I just need to have a good hard look at if I can afford it..."There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #16 June 23, 2011 Quote This was in the news the other day. More and more high end companies who make high profits are asking people to work for "free" with hopes of maybe one day offering them a job. The key words are work for free for a maybe. Sadly it is not illegal (if no one says a thing), it may be unethical but not illegal. I've had a few companies call me asking if i would care to give my time as a project manager for free.... I know some places in Europe that has become the standard since the economy is so bad... I know a guy in Italy that graduated top of his class in international law a few years back, worked 3 years for free for a firm until he'd had enough, he now a waiter in his family owned restaurant. It's a tough call...experience can be valuable and open doors, on the other hand if you give away your services for free you've just told them you're work is 'worthless'. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #17 June 23, 2011 I know a guy in Italy that graduated top of his class in international law a few years back, worked 3 years for free for a firm until he'd had enough, he now a waiter in his families restaurant. How is that right? The firm made great money off his blood. What does he get?Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #18 June 23, 2011 Quote I know a guy in Italy that graduated top of his class in international law a few years back, worked 3 years for free for a firm until he'd had enough, he now a waiter in his families restaurant. How is that right? The firm made great money off his blood. What does he get? You bet it's wrong, like he says...after school costs and working for nothing for 3 years it will take him a decade to get on track. 'Promises don't fill the fridge' ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #19 June 23, 2011 Welcome to the new "normal" the rich will get richer, the poor will die off and the middle class can go fuck them selves HARD!Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #20 June 23, 2011 Quote This was in the news the other day. More and more high end companies who make high profits are asking people to work for "free" with hopes of maybe one day offering them a job. The key words are work for free for a maybe. Sadly it is not illigal (if no one says a thing), it may be unethical but not illigal. I've had a few companies call me asking if i would care to give my time as a project manager for free.... Illegal... Jeeze man, would you use that damn degree of yours?!?! I know I'm not as smart as you, but some days you make me wonder."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #21 June 23, 2011 Quote Quote This was in the news the other day. More and more high end companies who make high profits are asking people to work for "free" with hopes of maybe one day offering them a job. The key words are work for free for a maybe. Sadly it is not illigal (if no one says a thing), it may be unethical but not illigal. I've had a few companies call me asking if i would care to give my time as a project manager for free.... Illegal... Jeeze man, would you use that damn degree of yours?!?! I know I'm not as smart as you, but some days you make me wonder. He's more of a numbers guy... Misspelling recognition mean less than spotting a size 8 from 300 meters! It's all good! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charlie5 0 #22 June 23, 2011 Quote I still don't really know what to do, but lots of food for thought - thanks everyone. I *want* to do the assignment... I just need to have a good hard look at if I can afford it... If you REALLY want to do this assignment then you'll find away to make it work. My ex volunteered with the UN (which she hated because of the lazy work ethic) and then took a peace corps assignment in the DR even though they don't really pay you anything either, but she knows it'll open up more doors later. She's got 4 months left and already started to get job offers from a lot of places. That's something you should consider, which you stated already have. It's a big factor. Again, if you want to do it, do it. Bartend if you have to.The feather butts bounce off ya like raindrops hitting a battle-star when they come in too fast...kinda funny to watch. - airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #23 June 23, 2011 Quote spotting a size 8 from 300 meters THAT I am good at!Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #24 June 23, 2011 Quote Illegal... Jeeze man, would you use that damn degree of yours?!?! I know I'm not as smart as you, but some days you make me wonder. Don't worry 'Ski. eeneR tells us you are much more persistant than Shah."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 3 #25 June 23, 2011 Quote Don't worry 'Ski. eeneR tells us you are much more persistant than Shah. Are you trying to get yourself hurt? She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
