This is an anonymous post from an Elpha member.

Job search and taking a contract job

Sherrie218·Feb 19, 2021

Posted in:Advice Job Hunting Career Growth

Hi - I was laid off in the spring of 2020. I took a job over the summer which was not a good fit so I left- I was in meetings 8-9 hours a day and then working 2-3 hours every night. I was miserable and not able to support my kids during the pandemic (I would have hated it during normal times too). I have been job searching since I left that role, but nervous about taking another stressful job with no flexibility. So I decided to take a part time contract role for 6 months. My question is - what should I tell the companies that I'm currently interviewing with? I would like to stay in touch with them as I will be job searching again in 6 months and am optimistic that by then the kids will be in school, will have activities to go to and we will be able to hire someone to drive them.I am nervous to say that I'm taking a contract job (I don't need to say it's part time, right?) as I fear they will think that's a red flag.Any advice what to tell these companies that will leave the door open for a future hire?Thank you!

beccawilliams·Feb 19, 2021

Hi Rebecca. You could tell them you've accepted a contract role for six months that will allow you the flexibility you need to re-evaluate priorities and would like to follow up in four months (or whenever it makes sense along the way) to see what their hiring pipeline looks like at that time.I don't personally know of any stigma attached to contract roles in general (although sometimes contract folks within companies are treated differently than W-2 folks) and it's none of their business that it's part-time, so I wouldn't feel a need to volunteer that. Anyone who'd fault you for accepting or declining any kind of role (whatever the details) right now probably isn't someone you want to work with anyway.

lirida·May 28, 2021

Hi, I think you should be transparent with these companies about your start date. Confirm with them that they are OK with you starting at the time you want. That opens up the conversation about whether you should interview now or closer to your start date.