Should I go on this interview?

[Qestia]

A job in my field opened up and I applied for it. But, I don't think I actually really want a new job now. Longterm it would probably be a better situation than my current one though.

Pros: My former boss knows the boss, and she's really nice. It would have better long-term growth potential than my current job--I could advance my education, and advance within the company (it's a larger company). The company has more resources for professional development. The commute's not bad. Also it's fairly flexible.

Cons: I make about the same money working part-time (my current position) and because I'm PT my DS won't have to be in after-school care at all when he starts K in Sept. I'm my own boss here, there I'd be much lower on the totem pole. Also, I like working for a small company, knowing everyone, being part of things, even though that has its downside too-- mostly IRT to gossip.

Anyway I'm supposed to go for a formal interview next week and I just don't know if I should bother. My work has a lot of annoyances, and it is sort of dead-end, but it's a good paying job with good benefits, unbeatable commute, and the after-school care thing is just too good to walk away from. But if I were to cancel the interview, how could I without burning bridges?

My DH says it doesn't hurt to talk to people... but I don't know...

[Carita]

Do you think there might be any chance that this job could be turned into a PT job?
At the same time - do you think you'll ever want to go FT, and if so, when? Is there any reason why staying at your current job for a few more years would prevent you from moving over to a company like this in the future?

If you think there's a possibility or that this company might consider you for a PT job at this position or elsewhere in the company with the same ability to get professional dev opportunities, then I think its worth an interview.

If you think that going back to FT and focusing on you career is something that you might want in the near future, then I would go on the interview.

Otherwise I would send a very nice note citing a change in family situation (or some other vague thing) prevents you from considering FT positions at this time, so you are withdrawing your application from consideration. Also add that you felt withdrawing would increase their chances of having a successful search and should a PT opportunity arise, you would be very interested. (or something along those lines).

[Qestia]

Thanks for your feedback. I don't really want to be fulltime, ideally, until the kids graduate from high school. So, in about 15 years. I did have an informal conversation with the hiring manager and she said the job was absolutely full-time. When I write that out I wonder why I would even consider going on the interview. Still, it is a big company, so maybe something else might open up? And they seem to like me a lot so far in our interactions, so I wonder if I'd be able to talk them into it?

I welcome any other feedback, even, especially(!) people who may think I'm nuts for one reason or another!

[~pi]

I agree with your DH -- it never hurts to see what's out there. It can enhance your value at your current job, and you just never know, you know?

Also, the hiring manager might say one thing on the phone (i.e., it's absolutely full time) but if they really like you, they might consider part time.

In your shoes, I would not bring up the part time thing until/if you get an offer.

[snarky]

I'm with your DH, go to the interview. At the very least, you will practice your interview skills in a non-threatening setting (since you don't care whether or not you get the job). Since you know you'll have to leave your dead-end job eventually, this is useful practice.

It's also kind of fun interviewing when you don't care whether or not you get the job. You get to learn about new industries, ask what it's like for other people to do their jobs, get demos of cool products, etc. Then again I am weird and I like job interviews.

The interview doesn't commit you to anything, you can always back out from proceeding after the interview. I have done it recently a couple of times and it is totally professional and does not burn bridges. Sure, the hiring manager doesn't like it, but it's better for you to back out when it's not a fit than for them to hire an unhappy employee.

[Qestia]

Reviving this.

I went on the interview, I really like them, they really like me, they want me to come back next week for a second. The second involves meeting NINE additional people, takes a half day, I'm supposed to bring work samples, have a meal with the original two interviewers afterward.

Should I go through with this?

The deadline for signing DS up for afterschool care has passed, so I have committed myself to part-time work for the foreseeable future (and I am ecstatic that I am sticking to my guns on this). I don't want to waste NINE people's time on this.

In other news though, I found out my supervisor at my current hob is likely leaving, however it was her supervisor who really approved my part-time schedule here, so I think I'm okay...

what should I do?

[~pi]

You should go. It is totally reasonable to explore your options. This is part of their job. If at some point you need to explain (or justify it to yourself) think about the following:

- If it seems like a really good fit, we might be able to work out a part-time option after all.

- I am really interested in this company -- there is more opportunity for long-term growth, more opportunity for advancement -- and I wanted to take the opportunity to explore my options.

- Even if it this doesn't work out this time because of your requirement for full time and my requirement to stay part time, I'd really like to be on your radar for any future opportunities.

And congrats! Sounds like they like you!

[Qestia]

thanks for the encouragement! I really do like them and hope we can work something out. But I am also proud of myself for sticking to my guns. I'll keep you guys posted!

[Qestia]

Following up. I was offered the job today! While they do want me to be full-time, they are 100% flexible and totally willing to let me work at home/wierd hours to accomodate my son's school schedule. It's wonderful! I'm thrilled.

[~pi]

Congratulations!!!