I am a new social worker and MBA graduate who is older than 55.

Anonymous

September 3,2022 at 2:33PM UTC

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I am a new social worker and MBA graduate who is older than 55. I have had a difficult time finding a job and have two tentative offers, one is 90% certain (awaiting typical background and physical) and one is 50% (awaiting the same).

The 90 percent one is in a tiny town working at a state run nursing home that has a lot of problems - because small state/stingy government. I would be training to become their director of social work. Long hours, overtime, weekends and holidays required. Nine months allotted to pass my license exam. Living in a rural area with a lake, but not much there. I will replace the retiring director, who is retiring at the same age I am now.

The 50% job is federal - I would work a typical 40 hours a week, get federal holidays off, paid days off, time to get my license (3 years). It would require a move to another state that is not covered (it stated in the application no relocation assistance). I was a federal employee in the past.

I have already submitted my fingerprints and blood work to the federal job and have a physical on the 12th, then a wait for the final job offer (federal government is slow). I have a physical on the 13th with the state job and they are rushing me through.

Should I wait for the 50% federal offer to see if it actually happens, or take the state position? I have not worked in a year despite numerous applications and interviews.

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Holly NunnallySeptember 3,2022 at 4:20PM UTC
Is there any way you can push your state physical back a week or two?
AnonymousSeptember 3,2022 at 5:32PM UTC
Listen to your gut.
Id go for the federal. From what you say about remote area, problems, potential burnout....
Sharon GrehanSeptember 3,2022 at 6:41PM UTC
I'd ask for more time to consider the offer that is 90% until you know more about the Federal job. You could also talk to the hiring manager at the Federal job and explain that is your primary interest but you'd like a sense of whether you are a lead candidate before giving up another opportunity. That way you might have a better sense of the Federal job being a 90% chance. The other way to look at this is whether you'd be happy in the state-run nursing home, from how you describe it I'd guess no. Let that be your guiding factor and keep looking, these will not be your only options!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 4,2022 at 4:16AM UTC
I'd do both. It's not really cool to accept a position and then rescind your acceptance (trust me, no one hates that more than a recruiter) but you have to do what's bestt for you.
I would take the state offer if it comes through first and try to push out your start date as far as you can. And I would pursue the federal opportunity 100%.
It's the only way to not end up with zero jobs.
Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 7:10PM UTC
Yeah, this is the other option. If you aren't able to get them to wait a week or two for an answer then you could accept and then rescind it. That being said, you would burn bridges so make sure you are ok with that.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 7:09PM UTC
I have been in a similar position a few times. I was interviewing for two different jobs. One I wanted more but I knew the other had positives that I couldn't dismiss (plus I didn't want to pass on a job if it was the only offer I got). I was worried that I would get a job offer for the one I didn't really want before I got an offer for the one I did want and I wasn't sure how I'd juggle it. In the end, I didn't get an offer for either job but it sounds like you are much futher in the process lol. I can only give you advice for how I thought I would handle it if I actually got the offers. If you get the state offer first then see if they'll let you take a week or so before accepting. Hopefully you will get the federal offer within that time. My sister did that once with a job when she was waiting to hear back from a bigger company. I think she actually got them to wait two weeks before she accepted. In the end, she reached out to the bigger company and they indicated that she wouldn't be moving forward in the process so she took the smaller company job. But, the smaller company was willing to give her time before she accepted the offer so hopefully the state job will do that for you as well.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 7:11PM UTC
Oh, and also let the federal job know that you have had another offer but that you are really interested in the federal job and hopefully they will move things along more quickly.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 9:48PM UTC
From what I gather it seems the state job (no move right?) is trying to rush you through. But the fed job (that requires a move) is taking slow. Try to find out from the fed to see how long the typical wait process is to get to an actual start date. If the potential start date is about 4 mths, take the other job so you can 1) see what it is like, you might actually like it, without having to move 2) if you absolutely hate it, and get the fed offer in 4-6 months, then you can give your 2 weeks notice. The good thing here is atleast it gives you an opportunity to save money for the fed move if you currently cannot afford to do so without the relocation coverage. Good luck!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 5,2022 at 4:00AM UTC
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AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 9:59AM UTC
Obviously employment of either is your priority. You need work to earn your $.
Second priority is your work life balance
Third is career opportunity.
The state job offers employment, career development (training for the director position)
The federal job offers you employment, work-life balance.
Since your priority is employment you take whichever is offered.
Balanced372207September 5,2022 at 12:25PM UTC
If it were me, I would take the state job for now, problems not withstanding.
If the federal job comes through, then fine, you could resign the state job. I'm not really a gambling person, but I say 90% odds are better than 40% odds. I am saying this based on what I have found to be a HUGE factor in the job market, which is age discrimination. I know it well....I am 69 years old. Been there, done that, have the entire jogging suit.
Shelby CSeptember 5,2022 at 2:01PM UTC
Agree.
VirginiaSeptember 5,2022 at 12:27PM UTC
If life balance is your goal, then go with the federal job. However, the 90% job knows your worth and you'll be in charge. You might also be able to do some amazing things in that position that would streamline the need for you to be "present" at all times. I also think it will be more rewarding in the long run. If you've already been in the federal government, you know that you'll be taking orders from someone who might not even know as much as you do. I would prefer to be in charge than take orders any day of the week.
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
Another option is to keep looking!! Here is a position where you could use your new social work degree, begin work immediately, stay where you are, and keep looking for the ideal position. Good luck and please let us know what you decide! https://www.makinwellness.com/careers/
Crystal HowellSeptember 5,2022 at 12:53PM UTC
I would check with aarp.org jobs for seniors in your area with your credentials might produce something good?
I would pass on the state job, they always have issues within nursing homes, they are always in the news. Hours seem daunting.
Follow through with the Federal job, squeeze in a recruiter, plenty are on here?
Keep your options open, don't work yourself to death.
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 2:23PM UTC
Take the job offered first. You can always quit the state job for the federal job. Put your stuff in storage, rent a room, and wait.
I am discouraged to hear your job search problems. I am looking for a job now, at age 59.
Balanced372207September 5,2022 at 6:11PM UTC
It can be very discouraging. I am 69, and am afraid to make a move because the places I can move to are very limited, employment wise.
Balanced372207September 5,2022 at 6:14PM UTC
Maybe she lives in an area that does not have CPA agencies in each county. All states aren't the same.
AnonymousSeptember 5,2022 at 9:52PM UTC
Take the first job that makes you an offer. Then if the other one comes through, it's a professional notice that another offer that was in process during my search has come to fruition, and I feel it's a better fit. My apologies. Believe me when I tell you that no employer will ever consider your needs first (before theirs), so you need to do so! Best of luck to you.
Maureen B. WeisnerSeptember 6,2022 at 12:43AM UTC
In my opinion, a state position in a rural area at a facility that is already problematic has red flags written all over it. Long hours, underpaid, underperforming, very likely a dysfunctional staff, high expectations for you, open-ended hours and limited support from anywhere is not a good place to land. Even if you were Superwoman, the likelihood of a turn-around is very small and do you really want to be the replacement for the director? When it's a mess going in, your time and efforts will result in very little change and the frustration and social limitations will outweigh anything that you can reasonably implement. This is not a career builder.
Is the federal job in a state where you would like to live? If you have years into a pension plan from your previous position, it may also give you some seniority. Is there opportunity to grow? Are you seeking a job or a career?
As suggested by others, if you choose to wait on the second position, you can continue to network and explore other possibilities. Ageism is real despite degrees and qualifications. Maintaining a positive attitude is challenging especially after a year of interviews.
Have you circled back to your grad program cohort for support and ideas? Is your LinkedIn profile up to date? It helps to focus on the basics of strategic networking and thinking about how your skill set fits into a variety of settings. Good luck as you continue!
Damie WilsonSeptember 9,2022 at 2:07PM UTC
Bloom where you are planted.
You might be more effective in that rural state job where you don't have to make so many sacrifices to see if you're a good fit. That federal job in another state will always be there as well.
AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 1:58PM UTC
Do you have a passion for the state nursing home job? If so, it's a field in great need of dedicated people. And it sounds like you'd have a lot of opportunity. But that kind of opportunity means challenges first and if you don't have a passion for it, or don't think the fast pace and high demands are where you thrive, it sounds like burnout could hit fast. Do you want to stay where you live? Do you need employment as quickly as possible? Make your pros and cons list based on priorities. And remember that you don't have to stay with the state job forever if you start there.