Let me start by saying, I know I'm lucky to have this problem. I was let go from my job recently, and with no new prospects, I signed up for a few consulting opportunities. they are going well, and I am enjoying the work. A couple of them have the potential to turn into a full-time opportunity. One of them I have told I will work for them through the beginning of next year. The other one told me they will look at their budget in the first quarter and consider moving me to full time if they can, but no guarantee. Another asked me to put something on my calendar for Feb, so they obviously want to keep working with me for a while.
Here's my problem - I've been asked to interview for a full-time dream job at a dream company. With a great salary, benefits, the works. They would probably want me to start no later than the first of the year. Now, it's no given that I'll actually get the job. It's just an interview. But if I was offered the job, I'd be at a crossroads.
Choose the full-time job with security, a great title, work I'm familiar with, a clear career trajectory, etc. But burn some newly built bridges with a couple of really great companies who have put their trust in me.
Or choose to stay independent, with no guaranteed job prospects past the winter - only a hope. Continue consulting - which is interesting work but stresses me out with the uneven hours and uncertainty, no benefits, working on my own, etc. I wouldn't be burning any bridges, but I'd be giving up the chance to significantly move my career forward and get a job with security.
Advice? If it helps, I am not new in my career. I am mid-senior to senior level and that is the position I would be interviewing for.
Thank you in advance for sharing your wisdom!
17 Comments
17 Comments
Kadhra Edgerly
71
Leadership ninja/future data scientist
11/11/20 at 4:07PM UTC
What is important to you? From what you wrote, it sounds like there is hesitation with staying independent. Personally, I would interview with your dream job and take it if it was offered to you. I wouldn't consider what you are doing burning bridges either. If they have already expressed interest in you, that just shows you what an asset you are to any company! I find it's all in how you present the information to them. Good luck!
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Anonymous
11/11/20 at 9:23PM UTC
I appreciate your perspective. I'm definitely uncomfortable being out here on my own. Security and stability are definitely high on my list of priorities. Thank you!
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Lauren Wechter
31
Accounting & Finance in Austin, TX
11/11/20 at 4:43PM UTC
I agree with Kadhra. It sounds like you know the right decision for you, but you are worried about burning bridges with the companies you are consulting with. In my experience, companies that are choosing to contract out work rather than hire someone full-time know that there is always a risk of that person finding a full-time job and leaving early. Obviously, it's not ideal but I wouldn't stress about it too much.
If you do get offered this dream job, you can just explain to the other companies that you had planned to see these contracts all the way through but that this opportunity came up and you can't pass it up given that it's what you want to do, it's full-time, and gives you the security that you're looking for. If the full-time company gives you some flexibility on your start-date, you could offer to keep working with the other companies until you start so they have time to find a replacement.
In the end, you have to do what's best for your career, as companies will always do what's best for the company. Good luck and congrats on the opportunity!
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1 Reply
Anonymous
11/11/20 at 9:27PM UTC
Thank you. I lean toward being an empath. So maybe I tend to consider others' perspectives a little too much! Thanks for the nudge toward doing "what's best for me"
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Sarah Daniel
72
creative visual merchandising and store design
11/11/20 at 6:37PM UTC
Do what is best for you! Interview with your dream job and see where it takes you. There is no guarantee that the consulting gigs actually turn into full-time work. I think any reasonable company would understand your need to take the full-time job with stability.
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1 Reply
Anonymous
11/13/20 at 2:12PM UTC
Thank you for your advice! I appreciate it. My interview is today :)
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Diannah r
26
Positive reinforcement based trainer and mentor
11/11/20 at 7:05PM UTC
I agree with doing the interview... I know that, if I had that opportunity and didn't at least do the interview, then I would always wonder and probably kick myself later on. I don't know what work you're doing, so don't know if this is possible, but... if you are offered the dream job (that right there tells me you should at least try for it!), would you be able to tell them that you have some obligations in the beginning of the year and need to fulfill them either before starting or before going full time? That way you have time to explain to the existing clients that, while you really appreciate their trust in you and the work they have given you, you've been offered a chance at something you've always wanted, so will complete your contract with them and then need to focus on the new position. Just a thought...
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1 Reply
Anonymous
11/13/20 at 2:13PM UTC
Thank you. I appreciate your perspective. I'm interviewing today and will see what happens!
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1 Reply
Diannah r
26
Positive reinforcement based trainer and mentor
11/17/20 at 5:06PM UTC
Would love to hear the outcome!
1 Reply
Anonymous
12/10/20 at 1:54PM UTC
I didn't get the position. They hired someone internally. The hiring manager did say the team enjoyed speaking with me, and there are lots of positions to be posted in the near future. She'll keep my resume on file. I'm ok with that. The universe has spoken! :)
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Cara Houser
1.77k
Be Audacious - carahouser.com
11/11/20 at 8:08PM UTC
Keep all of your options open and let them develop. Who knows what will come of your various efforts until you play them out.
If you receive an offer that is truly as dreamy as you hope, then it sounds like you are leaning toward that. The fact that you are consulting gives you extra leverage in that negotiation since you don't "need" to settle for anything below your goal.
Sounds like you are somewhat uneasy with consulting, but perhaps haven't done it long enough to really know whether it has the potential to meet your career goals even better.
If you take the dream job, you can graciously wean off the others and perhaps refer them to a capable colleague, or invite them to follow you into your new company (if the work is sufficiently relevant). Best to you.
User edited comment on 11/13/20 at 5:13PM UTC
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1 Reply
Anonymous
11/13/20 at 2:20PM UTC
I really like the security and predictability of a full-time job, and the uncertainty that comes with consulting does make me uneasy. But maybe it's good for me to get out of my comfort zone a bit! Thanks for your advice.
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Heather
206
Editorial Director
11/12/20 at 2:15PM UTC
Take the dream job if they offer, and just let them know (only while accepting the offer) that you have some previous commitments that will need to be addressed but should be done by february. Any reasonable employer would be happy to work with you on something like that. I've onboarded a ton of previous freelancers and we just work flexible time into their contract at the beginning so that they can do both. It's alot of work to do both, but I've seen alot of people do it successfully.
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User deleted comment on 11/13/20 at 2:17PM UTC
Anonymous
11/13/20 at 2:17PM UTC
I appreciate your perspective. I know the company has a very tight timeline for hiring, but I hope if it's a good fit, they would be flexible with onboarding. Thank you!
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Rachel Romero
28
Mid-Market Account Executive
11/12/20 at 2:26PM UTC
I would do the interview and see where it goes! I don't think you will be burning any bridges if that opportunity turns into an offer. I think they would understand and not take it personally, after all it is business. Would there be an opportunity to do both or would it be a conflict of interest?
It will also give you some time to get further into your consulting opportunities to decide if it is something you could do long-term. Personally it sounds like more work, where I prefer focusing on what I am good at and letting a company run the logistics but you would be able to make your own hours and choose your clients. GOOD LUCK!
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Anonymous
11/13/20 at 2:15PM UTC
Thank you. I agree there are pros and cons for both. I hate being at this point in my career and feeling so unsure! I hope I'll receive a clear sign of which way to go.
1 Reply
Rachel Romero
28
Mid-Market Account Executive
11/13/20 at 2:30PM UTC
I would absolutely ask for a sign! Relax and think about what your "sign" would be, so many times for me its been a pineapple or a turtle haha. Set the intention that if a see the sign than you'll know this is the best route. If you don't see it than you know that wasn't the right route for you. I know it sounds silly but you'd be surprised, works for me every time! Even if it is to just feel a little more assurance as you move forward.
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