urgent help needed, two tricky opportunities (updated)

I've been actively looking for a job since January. Few months ago, the director of a client company contacted me wondering if I wanted a job, but due to sickness in family I couldn't work. So this week I emailed him letting him know I was now available for work. He responded back today asking if I wanted full-time or contract (maybe a good sign).

But I just got another call from a recruiter and the first thing he said was that the salary is challenging due to market, blah blah blah. Basically, the salary (it's for a contract) is 15% less that what I was making in my previous job. He said I'm a good fit for the contract. My concern is I don't want to look desperate and he may wonder why I accept a pay cut. Maybe I should mention about the recession?

My dellimna is whether I should jump and get the contract or wait for the other company to offer me something. My savings are running out fast, and the job market is gloomy. Please give me your insight.

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Comments

networker050184

If you need money then take the first offer you get. No point turning down a sure thing for a maybe when you need a job. You can always quit and go to the other job if it comes through with more money (or just a better opportunity in general). That is what probationary periods are for, so both sides (you and the employer) can decide if you made the right choice.

apena7

A 15% pay cut sounds bad, but at least it's better than your current salary (which is $0). If you're a good fit for the job, I would recommend that you take it. Take anything that will keep you afloat so you don't have to burn through your savings.

Paul Boz

15% less than something is still more than nothing.

binarysoul

Thanks folks for the replies. I have to clarify the fact that I will be glad to get the contract and no doubt having a paycheck is better than no paycheck.

I'm stressed a bit because of the timing. I have a feeling the client company has something for me and I really don't want to sound like a fool telling him the next day I got a job (he may wonder why I contacted him in the first place). It's possible I may turn down the contract job, but not sure yet. I will update.

contentpros

I think many people will agree that it always seems easier to find a job when you are employed then when you are actively looking and like everyone else has said something is better then nothing.

Take a few minutes to chat up a recruiter if you are a solid candidate they will want to keep you in their rolodex for future use. Take the time to establish a repore with the recruiter and and make sure they understand you as a candidate and what you are looking for in a prospective employer. Social engineer as much information as you can from the recruiter. Sometimes they will tell you exactly who the company is etc. its ok to be upfront with them and tell them you are currently entertaining an offer but you have not made a decision.

People seem to forget that the recruiter is providing a service to you as a candidate as well as to the client. Make sure that you are getting value from that service since you are the recruiters key asset.

Don't be afraid to stop a recruiter from giving you the run around by saying your client is looking for somebody with good communication skills correct? and when they say yes answer with what you do and do not want and pay range what is acceptable and where you are willing to compromise if they offer other benefits.

Even if you are not currently employed your time is valuable too!

Kaminsky

binarysoul wrote: »

I'm stressed a bit because of the timing. I have a feeling the client company has something for me and I really don't want to sound like a fool telling him the next day I got a job (he may wonder why I contacted him in the first place). It's possible I may turn down the contract job, but not sure yet. I will update.

Contact the client company again and discuss what they have in mind. Also discuss time scales involved. If they're too long just say that that is a bit too far away for you. Just be up front.. They are after you because you are a pro so be a pro about the negotiations. Shows you know your worth.

The permy offer would be the better offer in the current climate. You've no idea how long the contract job would last and would you get another straight after that ?

binarysoul

Ok guys, it took some guts, but I did turn down the contract!

It all came down to protecting my financial and career objectives in the long run. It's gonna be a challenge moving ahead, but I will remain focused.

I took the risk in hope of reward down the road.