Excuse me boss, I have an interview

[khen7513]

So this could be entertaining as WELL as helpful....splendid.

As a recent grad, I just started my big girl job. However, as I want to go to Med school in '09, I have 1 (and hopefully more!!) interviews coming up.

I don't think I can keep calling in sick, especially considering I just started. And I need to work to add up my personal days.

So, for you current workers, what are you guys saying/have said? Any recommendations? This should be good.

 

[SupraDOc]

I'm actually in the same boat as you except my orientation starts next month and by then I'll have knocked out 4 interviews. I was just thinking about telling them the truth and that I just need to get off for one interview. Then call in sick, family emergency...etc. One plus to my job that may help me is that I work 12hr shifts, so 3-4/week. It sucks to tell them that basically I'll be working for them for less than 1 year.

 

[khen7513]

honesty... thats an interesting way to go.

That's why I don't mind that I don't like my job. I make enough money and I won't mind leaving (knock on wood)

 

[IamAriDO]

I also work full time right now, I just said "I have (hopefully at this point....aacomas) interviews probably in oc/nov/dec and will need time off.

They seem to be pretty ok as long as I give them enough notice.

Cant wait to say...oh by the way about after fall next year...ya...um...ya...goodbye

IamAriDO

 

[forks4spoons]

Hmm.. I seem to be in the same boat as you all. (Maybe) - I've had two interviews for a position at a call center making decent money, BUT... training is for the next 6-7 weeks, Monday - Friday, 8a - 5p. So... I'm not sure. And after that, I'll be working 32.5 hours/week.. and they're VERY strict on attendance.

I'm having difficulty deciding whether or not I should actually take the job... thoughts on that?

 

[Limvostov]

I have been working for the past 3 years full time and they know full well that I have no intention of staying. I think it makes them a little mad because most of the people I work for come from top notch universities and have a PhD and don't like MD's or DO's much. That and they hired me on the thought that I would want to get a PhD while working for them... that may have something to do with it too.

I recommend getting as second job and work it casually/part time. That is what I do with my CNA position. This way if my research position is ever cut because I ask for too much time off or just don't show up when I am out of vacation time and need to interview I can fall back on the second job and still make rent payments.

Also, no one expects a CNA to stick around long so there is no guilt with quitting that job either.

 

[kdstephy]

I really think it's important to be honest with your boss- It's better for them to know exactly what's going on instead of thinking you are a flake or dishonest if you keep calling in sick. At least your boss will know that you will eventually be leaving so they aren't blindsided a year from now. Besides, they might be totally understanding and be willing to make arrangements for you to make up time or something like that. All of my supervisors are totally aware of my application and how things are going and they are really appreciative and have been willing to work around what my needs are.

 

[AMEHigh]

I've been working in the real world for a couple of years now. The job I have now I've been with since January. My immediate supervisor knows my intentions and I'm completely honest with her. I'm not sure if you're work environment is like that, but I'm lucky that mine is.

If you don't want to flat out say that you're probably going to be leaving next year I would let them know you have personal matters to take care of. If you have leave accumulated, then there's nothing they can do about it. If it comes down to it, you can take the leave unpaid if they make a big deal about it.

I would first try to be honest and go from there.

 

[Crelal]

I was in the exact same boat- started the job May 1st. There is a 6 month probationary period in which you have NO time off available AND they can get rid of you w/o notice or reason (like most jobs). I have to work to support self/family.

I was doing pretty well until I ended up with 6 interviews between 9/1 and 11/1 (the end of probation). I sat down with my supervisors, and they were actually very supportive (I had referenced a possible desire to attend Med School in the interview). I then followed up the conversation with an email re: dates I needed off and got back the same written supportive response.

That email was quickly forwarded to my home email address. Just in case I am gotten rid of prior to 11/1.

Be open with them if you don't have the time off- emphasize the numbers (i.e. 4000 applications/school, 600+ interviews, ~200 slots) so they feel a little more secure. Good luck!