Work Problems; A Tough Choice To Make in a few HOURS! (((HELP)))?

Question

I recently got a full time job offer doing school counseling, and I currently work part time in a supermarket. I was supposed to start work on the 18th of OCTOBER but it was moved up to the Tenth of this month. Here's the problem.... I want to keep both jobs in order to afford an apartment. I just found out not even 30 minutes ago that I have a last minute Orientation TODAY at six oclock at the counseling job.. but I have to work tonight at the Market job at 6:30! I know the choice would be to call out from the MARKET job, but I did last week-- 3 times, because I was injured, and they're already Pissed because of that. Today I called and asked what time i was coming in, so I know if i call out now, It will seem like i'm totally bluffing. I desperately need to go to the counseling job, but i don't want to get fired from the market job... WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?!?!?!?

Answer 1

The job at the market is much easier to replace. Put your effort into the job that is hard to come by...

Answer 2

If you want to keep the counseling job, maybe you should look for another job other then the supermarket one. Try waitressing most places always need workers, Plus cash in hand when you go home every night. I think though and I'm sure you know this too, if you call in there is a big chance for loosing that job at the supermarket. I am not going to give you an excuse to tell them. Other then telling them your going to be in tonight but your running late. I can't see the orientation taking too long.

Answer 3

If the counseling job just informed you 30 minutes ago that you have an orientation to attend, it should not be a surprise that you have a prior arrangement. They should expect that you currently have a job to support yourself (it is over a month before the counseling job begins)...

My advice? Call your new supervisor and say, "I look forward to joining your team, however I have a prior commitment with my current employer that I must attend to. When would be a good time for me to make-up this orientation?"

Your new employer will RESPECT the fact that you value your current employer's time and are not the type of person that backs out last minute. They will find another time for you to do this orientation - especially if they just told you about it becuase I'm sure you're not the only person in this situation.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Well that stinks that the people at the market job will be pissed at you for calling out again, but it would be even worse if the people at the counseling job got pissed at you for missing orientation.

Call out of the market job, tell them you will pick up another shift or work a double or something. Try to make it up to them somehow. Don't miss out on a new opportunity though.

And if they fire you, you can always get another market job somewhere else.

Answer 5

If it's a market job you should have no problem finding another like it pretty fast. This counseling job sounds like more pay and the choice is quite obvious. If you lose out on the market job don't sweat it. Jobs like that are easy to find. Just be honest with your boss and I'm sure he/she will appreciate it. You're trying to make a living like everyone else right? Hope it goes well.

Answer 6

You have answered your own question. I have been moonlightig for over 15 years.
RULE 1: No part time/extra job can ever conflict with your main job.
Rule 2 if a second or part time job can't be flexible find one that can.

While the extra $ are nice they provide extras and extras wont extist if living necessities have to come from a single part time job.


Call off. You are persuing a career not just a job. You can explain that once the school year stabilizes that you reliability will increase but for now you need the flexibility. If they wont/cant accommodate you then it's GOOD BYE

Answer 7

reschedule the counseling orientation. Did'nt you tell them you were already employed? They can't be serious to think you can make it to an important session like an orientation with only 30 minutes notice Call them back and say "I'm sorry I am unable to attend this meeting with such short notice. I have other responsibilities and even though I have tried I am unable to reschedule a previous appointment. They should be willing to do this for you . I would with the hope you would show me (the new employer) the same courtesy in the future.

Answer 8

The counseling job will open more doors to other great jobs. Besides, if the market job is need for you, they will handle this for now. Of-course, it depends on how long you have been at the market job anyways. There are always market jobs somewhere else. I would suggest do what you can for the counseling job.

Answer 9

I think that at this point your best bet is to call (or it would be even better if you could go in person) and talk to your manager. Explain the situation to them and let them know that you feel bad about the unexpected orientation but that you want both jobs and want to be upfront with them because that is what is fair. Maybe if you could think of someone who would fill in for you or some other type of solution to the fact that they are going to be short staffed. If worse comes to worse, would it be difficult for you to find a different part time job that will work with your schedule? This could be tough so you need to know how far you are willing to go before speaking to anyone...good luck!

Answer 10

Work full time in the counseling job and quit the market job if they aren't understanding. Find a job that is more flexible and understanding. I'm thinking supermarket jobs are a dime a dozen and school jobs are not.

Answer 11

I would le the counseling job know that you can't make the orientation. Be very appologetic but explain that you are not available on such short notice and that you have a previous engagement that is very important and that you cannot break. You're telling the truth without talking about your other job.