Need Advice

Success101

I currently work help desk making close to 50k a year. I just started about 3 weeks ago, but the job isn't really my cup of tea; however, I can do what is asked. I don't enjoy sitting at a desk all day answering phones (literally all day they ring). The co-workers believe in a "you can't get up and get a drink of water/food/bathroom". They encourage the use of cheating on exams, using ****, etc.

I can take another job, but it's a 6-9 month contract. Pay is about mid 40's with $50 meal allowance and $25 travel allowance per day. There will be a lot of traveling, I believe the weekends are off. Description is along the lines of setting up workstations, printers, etc. My worry is after this contract is finished then what? It's just me and my spouse, no kids.

All comments welcomed. Thanks.

higherho

Happiness is key, if you don't have a family to support than think about number 1, yourself.

J_86

It's very hard to work at some place where you are not happy. It's probably only going to get worse if you are feeling this way and have only been working there three weeks.

That's kind of the nature of contact work, once the contract ends then it's either extended or on to the next one. You have just weigh out the benefits vs the negatives. Are you ok with the pay cut, ok with the traveling, it only being a contract job..etc.

lordy

It sounds like you have made your decision to get out of there.

Are you scared that you won't find anything once that contract expires? If so, you need to work on your employability. But don't worry too much, if you are dedicated you will make it.

Success101

lordy wrote: »

It sounds like you have made your decision to get out of there.

Are you scared that you won't find anything once that contract expires? If so, you need to work on your employability. But don't worry too much, if you are dedicated you will make it.

Of course I'm concerned about finding employment afterwards. I don't know how the economy is looking in Germany, but over here it's no secret.

lordy

The economy is never good enough to make a bold move.

If you are not happy with the job you have then change. If the contract is your only option right now then go with it but keep looking for opportunities.

Ivanjam

Success101 - luckily it's just a contract and not a permanent job. Start looking for something else 2-3 months before the contract ends - could be something permanent or another contract, at least you will be away from that negative place.

kgb

Sounds more like a discussion between you and your spouse.

Regardless of what anyone here says, if your spouse isn't supportive life will be miserable.

I'll throw my 2cents on the table though...

Traveling a lot means you aren't home, with your spouse...or it's not overnight travel?? That's a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle...

What's to stop you from staying there and working on whatever skill set you are missing and applying for other jobs. It's not where you want to be, cool, understood. It pays better than the other job... I personally say, deal with the suck, learn whatever, get another job.

nel

hey man, its not an easy one.

Ive been in a similar situation where answering phones was quite common and its sucked donkey balls big time. i hated helpdesk work.

From what you have said, you are going to leave sooner or later. Only leave if you have something to go to i say. Its easier to find work when you have a job from experience.

In regards to contracting, speak to your spouse, make them aware of the pro's and cons. I would highly recommend to have a decent amount of savings or be able to rely on your spouses wage alone if you were to contract. This is something you have to strongly consider if you have items such as loans, mortgages and so forth. Plus, would you and your spouse be happy with lots of time away from home?

W Stewart

Does your spouse have any income that can help you in between jobs? If you make a pretty decent amount per contract, just make sure that you have some money saved up inbetween looking for contracts. After this one ends you can either look for another(which may not be too difficult once you've got some experience on your resume from the current contract you're considering) or look for a more permanent position. I've done the you can't get up to use the bathroom helpdesk jobs and they're not fun. If they're encouraging braindumping on top of that then I would get out of there. You do need to talk it oer with your spouse however. If she has a job it can make things a lot easier.