Would you take a job knowing it will end in 3 years?
There is a job I am interested in applying for, it's a senior level project role. My only hesitation is that the project has a 3 year timeline and the role will conclude when the project completes. I am 47. I would be 50 when this happens. Am I too old to take a job knowing I will have to job hunt at 50?
I think i would take it if that still something you like to do. I believe every job gives you unique experience and those add priceless value into your career experience.
I definitely would for the right opportunity. It’s the ultimate chance to show an employer that you are valuable enough to find a permanent role for. About 9 years ago I relocated across the country - it took me months to find a job and the one I found was a temporary grant funded position. It was set to end after the grant expired in 2 years. With no other viable alternative I took the job. Within a year I was offered a full time permanent position with the company. Not saying that my experience is typical but if it’s a good opportunity I would go for it. At the very least your building your resume.
If its a role you are interested in, I say GO FOR IT! Take on every opportunity you can, you never know what other doors may open for you.
Thank you, I have been in my current role for 12 years and the previous role for 7, I am not used to job hopping. Early in my career I had a few shorter jobs but I crave financial stability and worry about being out of work. This is with a major university and a friend pointed out the project may go longer than 3 years and the university will likely have other roles I could apply for once i have my foot in the door.
I would take the job, network within the university ensuring that people know I want to move into a longer term role with the org. It will let them know your commitment and your timeframe.
I think that job could give you the opportunity to establish your experience and probably land on another longer term senior role after that. In my experience, after working for 20 years as a staff member for various organizations, I decided to explore working independently and for the past five years I have been organizing high-level International events which are for the most part, project-based jobs (with a clear start and end time), and I love it. Having a clear end time, gives me the feeling of freedom, the clear target and results you need to achieve, the feeling of accomplishment once the event is over, and the professional growth as what you learn from one experience can immediately be used to improve the next one and help you position as an expert in your area. Now at 51, I can choose which jobs I would like to take and are continued sought for my expertise.
3 years guaranteed contract? What's the issue? Most jobs these days last a short time. Take it and after 2 years in, start shopping. You could take a different job and be put back on the curb in 6 months.
I think it depends on whether you want the role. I would look at the position to see if it aligns to my goals and what it offers. I took on a 3 year project and it worked out well. I learned a lot, gained valuable skills, and it was an exciting, interesting project that was beneficial to students. Knowing there was an end date, I started my job search with 6 months left in the contract, and was able to find a new job that started the day after the project ended.
Also, if you succeed on the project, you may be able to apply for other opportunities within the organization.
Would I take a job that had a 3-year life-span?
Yes ...
Would I take a job that had a short-life span as a more-mature worker?
Yes. I'm 57 and I would take a short-span job ...
If I needed the work, and/or
If I was going to learn new things or work in a new industry., and/or
If I was going to be able to network with a new set of people, and/or
The project was going to be a "feather in my career cap"
Absolutely! Especially if it is something you are passionate about. Even though the position "expires" after 3 years, you will have gained more skills and expertise to move on to another role.