Update on Gig (and Kix Needs Help!)
As you are all aware, I applied and interviewed for a state gig what seems like eons ago.
The wheels of bureaucracy turn VERY slowly, and I heard from the immediate supervisor today. Lucky me, two of my references are out of the country, so I had to supply another reference at the last minute. Not a problem, I just gave the neighbors next door.
I then found out that because this gig is a new position, there is some resistance at the upper administrative levels to make it a permanent position. The sup asked me if I would consider a temporary position for six months at higher pay but no benefits.
Sigh. I told her I'd have to think about it, but I wasn't automatically saying no. We plan to touch base again early next week.
I'm currently on disability, and I registered my Ticket to Work (a program through Social Security that gives you a cushion as you transition back into the workforce) a couple of weeks ago. Ticket to Work allows you a trial work period in which you keep your disability benefits (including Medicare) while you re-enter the work force, so I could manage for six months without getting state-provided health insurance. I guess what I need to figure out is how this temporary gig would affect my trial work period. I also need to figure out what happens with the temporary gig after six months' time. Is it "Sayonara, Tillie" or is there actually a prospect of gainful, permanent employment.
Thoughts, please! Do I take the temp gig and then just network like the devil while I'm there and hope to get something permanent, or do I turn it down and keep looking for work in an increasingly poor economy?
ARGH! Why me? When I couldn't work, there were perfect gigs all over the place. My timing continues to blow.
Kix
The wheels of bureaucracy turn VERY slowly, and I heard from the immediate supervisor today. Lucky me, two of my references are out of the country, so I had to supply another reference at the last minute. Not a problem, I just gave the neighbors next door.
I then found out that because this gig is a new position, there is some resistance at the upper administrative levels to make it a permanent position. The sup asked me if I would consider a temporary position for six months at higher pay but no benefits.
Sigh. I told her I'd have to think about it, but I wasn't automatically saying no. We plan to touch base again early next week.
I'm currently on disability, and I registered my Ticket to Work (a program through Social Security that gives you a cushion as you transition back into the workforce) a couple of weeks ago. Ticket to Work allows you a trial work period in which you keep your disability benefits (including Medicare) while you re-enter the work force, so I could manage for six months without getting state-provided health insurance. I guess what I need to figure out is how this temporary gig would affect my trial work period. I also need to figure out what happens with the temporary gig after six months' time. Is it "Sayonara, Tillie" or is there actually a prospect of gainful, permanent employment.
Thoughts, please! Do I take the temp gig and then just network like the devil while I'm there and hope to get something permanent, or do I turn it down and keep looking for work in an increasingly poor economy?
ARGH! Why me? When I couldn't work, there were perfect gigs all over the place. My timing continues to blow.
Kix
You had me for a minute there - I thought maybe "Gig" was an OHer I had not heard of yet - LOL. It's late.... Was that your mysterious message?
Early in my career I took just this sort of chance. I was working a full-time, permanent position as computer operator and had taken a few night courses in programming, but hadn't had any luck landing a programming job. The Univ. where I worked decided to change from quarters to semesters as was looking to hire programmers to make that change to all the software (grades, housing, admissions, etc) for a fixed term of 15 months. At the end of that period, the job disappeared.
I agonized about it, but ultimately decided 15 months of experience wearing the developer's hat was worth it. I'm not usually a big risk-taker, so this was major for me.
Fast foreward 3 months, they liked me so much they hired me into the first permanent position that came up! What I thought was risky, wasn't much of a risk after all.
One additional point - These days it is so hard to fire someone from gov't service after they pass their probation period, that we're even starting to hire folks much like your potential gig. It gives us a longer try-out period. Right now I have a "minion" in just such a temp position.
Take the job and do such outstanding work that they will be drooling to get you on permanent status.
Early in my career I took just this sort of chance. I was working a full-time, permanent position as computer operator and had taken a few night courses in programming, but hadn't had any luck landing a programming job. The Univ. where I worked decided to change from quarters to semesters as was looking to hire programmers to make that change to all the software (grades, housing, admissions, etc) for a fixed term of 15 months. At the end of that period, the job disappeared.
I agonized about it, but ultimately decided 15 months of experience wearing the developer's hat was worth it. I'm not usually a big risk-taker, so this was major for me.
Fast foreward 3 months, they liked me so much they hired me into the first permanent position that came up! What I thought was risky, wasn't much of a risk after all.
One additional point - These days it is so hard to fire someone from gov't service after they pass their probation period, that we're even starting to hire folks much like your potential gig. It gives us a longer try-out period. Right now I have a "minion" in just such a temp position.
Take the job and do such outstanding work that they will be drooling to get you on permanent status.
Call your social security advocate. I work for the state rehabilitation program in Louisiana and it is my understanding that you do not have to go through the waiting if you indeed need to reapply for benefits. So, you could get the job and God forbid something doesn't work out - you could transition back to social security. Of course I am just skimming over the meet and potatoes of the subject, but I go back to my first word of advice - call the advocate.
Fingers crossed this works out for you! ~Clinell
Fingers crossed this works out for you! ~Clinell
I agree about calling your advocate. From what I've previously read of your experience, I'm quite sure you'd impress them once you were on board, but sometimes the "business" reality wins out instead of the common sense reality. I tend to be quite conservative when it comes to decisions that impact my ability to have $ coming and and insurance, so I would want to know every last detail in the event of "worst case scenario".
Good luck (and peace) with this decision.
-Dawn
Good luck (and peace) with this decision.
-Dawn
(deactivated member)
on 9/20/08 1:11 am - San Antonio, TX
on 9/20/08 1:11 am - San Antonio, TX
Hmmm, once you know FOR SURE that in the event that it doesn't work out you'd still have insurance and disability, etc. I'd say go for it. Its money, its experience, and it gets you back into the work force in one form or another. No matter what (as long as you still have insurance) you are making connections that could help you land "the gig" of your future.
Kix,
You know how bad the job market is. Also the more qualified you are the less they want you. Remember the old saying the best time to get a job is when you have a job. Take the temp. gig, you got your foot in the door where you will probably have more opportunities then if you were not.
Kix, you have fantastic background,the agency you are going to should and will be thrilled to get you. I think the fact that you have Ticket to Work is going to give you the best of all worlds. Three months from now you might be moving into a permanent postion.
I wish you much luck.
Question for you, Ticket to Work is that a state run program, only in your state?
Jeanne
You know how bad the job market is. Also the more qualified you are the less they want you. Remember the old saying the best time to get a job is when you have a job. Take the temp. gig, you got your foot in the door where you will probably have more opportunities then if you were not.
Kix, you have fantastic background,the agency you are going to should and will be thrilled to get you. I think the fact that you have Ticket to Work is going to give you the best of all worlds. Three months from now you might be moving into a permanent postion.
I wish you much luck.
Question for you, Ticket to Work is that a state run program, only in your state?
Jeanne
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