Switching Jobs Dilemma

[KAknight]

I have a problem. I am currentally working through a small contracting company and my current contract is comming to an end about two months. I have started looking for a new job so that I will be able to keep working. My problem is this. I really don't want to leave my current job early to take another one. I feel that it would give the contrancing company I work for a bad name there. My contracting company has treated better then everyone else ever has. They have become my friends, even taking me out for beers on my 21 birthday. They are by far the best contracting company I have worked for. On the other hand, I also need to be able to pay my bills after this job ends. I worry that I will not be able to find a job after that two months is over. I feel that if I get an offer I should take it while I can get it. If I did leave I would definately give two weeks notice, but I still think if I left my contract early that it would hurt the contracting company. Any advise or words of wisdom that will calm my worries?

[Roy]

Do your best to help your current company honor the contract. That will resonate with any other prospective employer. If they want you, they will wait.

[kcrispin3]

I second that notion, honor your contract with your current employer.

[MDdan]

Yeah, I once interviewed with someone who wanted me to start immediately. When I explained that I had some obligation to my current employer to give them some notice, they basically said "What do you care, you're leaving aren't you? Do you want the job or not?" The answer: NOT! They told me more in those two sentences than I had learned in the whole interview.

You're not talking about 6 months, so I think it's a reasonable request to make of a new employer. Maybe you could work both for a few weeks, or come up with some compromise. Don't burn bridges, that's my advice.

Good luck.

[KAknight]

What I am worried about is the current economy. Layoffs are happening left & right. If I pass on a job I will not be able to find another for weeks or even months.

[kendo]

i'll have to give that a fourth

and agree with MDdan where will you be as an employee in the future for a company that would require you quit without notice and like roy said if they want you they will wait -- you have a good relationship that will prove invaluable down the road when references are checked wouldn't be wise to waste that

my 2cents

ken

[MDdan]

I understand your concern, but think about the value of all the contacts you've made. Your contracting company, all the folks you're working with on your contract, and even folks who are somehow connected to them. When you add up all the people who you have, I assume, impressed with your work, they are a huge resource.

Their favorable impression of you is probably worth more than a week of pay, and may result in a future opportunity for you.

Having said that, I had to leave a previous position early than I expected because of another job opportunity. I guess it's a tradeoff, and you have to decide what's best. But don't underestimate the value of good references and good contacts that may lead to future opportunities. Those things are MORE valuable in a tight job market.

LOL..I better stop with the career counselling, cause I'm not exactely a guru at this.

[MrMikeL]

A few thoughts from someone with 20 years in the biz:

1. Do NOT burn any bridges. You'll want references from everyone you work with, so don't piss anyone off.

2. Have you spoken to your current contract company about new opportunities after this one? If you all have such a good thing going, maybe they're already looking on your behalf - check this out ASAP.

3. You would be wise to tell your current client where you are at, and to also discuss this with your contract company (see #2 above). Do not wait, do not walk, but RUN to all of them and open this discussion NOW. If things don't work out, and the perfect job comes along, no one can say they didn't know your status or intentions.

4. If the PERFECT job comes along, and you really feel like you must take it or lose out, then don't sweat leaving a contract early (see #2 & #3 above). If you've laid the groundwork, everyone will understand the situation. If they choose to be upset, that's their problem, not yours. Though you may lose a reference or two, as long as you didn't burn a bridge (see #1 above), then you are well within your rights to leave early and take that PERFECT job.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[Roy]

Let me add something that comes to mind after reading MDdan's first post.

An interview is a two-way street. Remember that while they're checking out a prospective employee, you're evaluating a potential employer. Some jobs aren't worth taking ... for many subtle reasons.