Lab Job Dilemma

[Darkskies]

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Hi,
I'm in a bit of a bind as I just recently had an interview for a laboratory position in my area. During the interview when I was asked where I see myself in the next few years, I told them that I was looking for a job and was thinking about graduate programs but the latter was for the future. I suppose I lied since I'm applying to medical school this year and I will(if I do get the job) most likely stay with them for a year only. The issue is that I felt bad that the manager kept waxing on about how proud she was of her company and how much it's grown. The supervisor also told me that this isn't just a job at McDonald's;she puts a lot of effort into her employees and is there for them while the employees put a lot of effort into learning and doing the job. I feel guilty for my white lie and I don't know if I'd be doing them a disservice by taking the job if offered and then leaving them next July.

Also, is it easy to make time for interviews while working full time?

I will really appreciate everyone's advice! Thanks in advance!

 

[flatearth22]

You need to be considerate of others and be up front and honest about your situation and your future commitment (or lack thereof) with them.

Think about it this way....when you update your schools and tell them you are working in Q-Lab under Dr.X and they decide to call Dr. X and see how you work......do you really want him to find out like that? Or in July are you just going to be like "oh yeah by the way I'll be leaving for medical school this fall.....see ya!"

Also remember that there is another person out there (probably a poor, struggling post-doc....no joke) who might need this job just to keep food on his table and take care of his family. Are you going to take away that chance from him by lying your way to the position when in fact the post-doc actually could work there longterm?

[youtube]XpDzd5Sw5HU[/youtube]

 

[V5RED]

If I am reading correctly, you led an employer to believe she was hiring a long term employee when you really plan to leave the job after a year.

That is a lie. Whether that bothers you or not depends on your own ethics.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Be careful of burning bridges. This person will be able to put 2 and 2 together and realize that you played her. She'll be pissed and won't be someone that will speak positively of you if the time comes when you need a reference. If you don't "need*" this job, I say look for something else or come out upfront about it.

*by need I mean that you will probably default on loans/payments or even be unable to have enough money for food or living.

 

[Desperad0oo7]

shame on you. Goodluck getting that LOR or explaining why you couldn't get one.

 

[Disinence2]

Yeah... probably don't lie to people. You could always defer your acceptance for a year if you really love the job and want to gain some experience though.

 

[SenseOfHumerus]

In my opinion, you should tell them about your actual plans. I know that it can be difficult to find good research positions, but it really isn’t fair to potentially screw over this group. A while ago I applied for a really interesting research position at a well known school and during my interview I honestly explained my educational situation. For that reason, I wasn’t offered the position. C'est la vie. It‘s unfortunate, but I made the right decision.

 

[235788]

Its rough. They are going to want more than 1 year out of you. I'd take the job and just see what happens, you never know you may not get in. It's too early to base all logic on what-ifs

 

[Porfirio]

Hi,
I'm in a bit of a bind as I just recently had an interview for a laboratory position in my area. During the interview when I was asked where I see myself in the next few years, I told them that I was looking for a job and was thinking about graduate programs but the latter was for the future. I suppose I lied since I'm applying to medical school this year and I will(if I do get the job) most likely stay with them for a year only. The issue is that I felt bad that the manager kept waxing on about how proud she was of her company and how much it's grown. The supervisor also told me that this isn't just a job at McDonald's;she puts a lot of effort into her employees and is there for them while the employees put a lot of effort into learning and doing the job. I feel guilty for my white lie and I don't know if I'd be doing them a disservice by taking the job if offered and then leaving them next July.

Also, is it easy to make time for interviews while working full time?

I will really appreciate everyone's advice! Thanks in advance!

So naive... The real world is hard, cruel, and doesn't care if it is fair or not.

You should have told her the truth:

"For the next few years, I see myself learning and growing in this position. I want to be an active member of your lab. As for my distant future, I know I will need more education, and I aspire to either go to graduate or medical school."

^----- That is no lie. There are absolutely no guarantees in life.


She cannot promise you anything, and you cannot promise her anything. Neither one of you know the future. She could die 2 months from now and be replaced with someone who wants to "down-size." Or you could do a crappy job, and be fired after 6 months. Would you put your life on hold for that?

 

[metaphase]

I agree. Tell the truth. One of the major benefits that lab experience poses to give you is a letter of recommendation.

I just graduated, and am currently working in a lab that asks for a two-year commitment minimum. While I was originally planning on applying this year, I decided I'd rather do something amazing and meaningful for two years than something less for one. Now I have one more year to boost my clinical experience and take more classes (for free, since I'm an employee 😉 ), and I'm liking my job so much I'm okay with putting off applying another year.

Although I don't know your exact circumstances, if you have the chance, it might be a good idea to reconsider and apply next year - you would make good on your commitment to your employer, and likely only help your application. What you have done is very dishonest, and you have potentially taken a job from someone else who did want longer-term employment.

You should also know that almost any lab position is going to want a two-year commitment minimum... otherwise, they'd train you for 6-9 months to get good at their techniques only to have you leave. That's going to be true anywhere you go, so if you're into doing something for strictly one year, you should probably look at doing something else.

 

[FIREitUP]

The naivete is really nauseating in this place. Have you people even tried to go out in the real world and get a job? Heads up, no one really gives a crap about you, and you have to fend for yourself. As others have said there's no guarantees and you have to look out for your best interests.

 

[rHinO1]

I think you will have a problem getting time off for interviews. After awhile, you will run out of excuses.

 

[V5RED]

The naivete is really nauseating in this place. Have you people even tried to go out in the real world and get a job? Heads up, no one really gives a crap about you, and you have to fend for yourself. As others have said there's no guarantees and you have to look out for your best interests.

I have had many jobs in my life. I have never lied to get a job. When I was in a similar position where I could get a job that would have been very nice but required a long commitment, I turned it down since I knew i would not be around long enough to give that commitment.

Just because the world doesn't care about me does not mean I don't care about the world.

 

[SenseOfHumerus]

The naivete is really nauseating in this place. Have you people even tried to go out in the real world and get a job? Heads up, no one really gives a crap about you, and you have to fend for yourself. As others have said there's no guarantees and you have to look out for your best interests.

Lol . Yes actually and I've succeeded.
I realize that honest people get screwed sometimes, but I'd still rather be honest.

 

[Darkskies]

Sorry, I should have clarified. This isn't exactly a research position though it is in a hospital lab. The job is more related to being a medical technologist. Also, it seems like I'm getting differing viewpoints. If I do let them know the truth by email won't that make it more likely for me not to get the job? Even if I am discreet about it and tell them that I will most likely stay a year or so without giving them the reason why, won't they still ask me why later?

To address the conflict with interviews potential, I might just aim for a part-time position(though during the training period it is full time) Is it easy to change interview dates if the one given to you by the med school is inconvenient?.

Ugh..What should I do?????

 

[Brachyury]

OP, you do realize that pretty soon you're going to need to take time-off to go on interviews; your employer will notice that you're gone. I think what you did was terrible because not only are you screwing-over the lab, but you're also making a bad name for yourself, other students from your university, and for all pre-med students.

To pre-meds reading this thread, if you are planning on taking time-off after college--and specifically, if you are planning on getting a research tech job--with a few exceptions, most labs want a two year commitment. Why? It takes time and money to find a new candidate, and it takes months to fully train a new tech

OP, at this point, you have a few options: rescind your application from this job, or wait and apply in the following cycle. If it were me, I'd choose the latter (then again, I worked as a research tech for two years before I started med school). I'm glad I took two years off because during the first year, I didn't have to think about school: I got to enjoy me early 20's in a new, exciting city. I had hobbies, I learned a lot of life skills, and I matured as a person. In the second year, I went on interviews, and continued my post-college detox. By the time I started med school, not only did I have new energy and maturity, but I also had my name on several papers. Taking an extra year off will only make you a stronger candidate, and from my experience, I have never met another med student/resident/attending who regretted taking time-off; I have only met people who have regretted not taking time off

 

[Darkskies]

OP, you do realize that pretty soon you're going to need to take time-off to go on interviews; your employer will notice that you're gone. I think what you did was terrible because not only are you screwing-over the lab, but you're also making a bad name for yourself, other students from your university, and for all pre-med students.

To pre-meds reading this thread, if you are planning on taking time-off after college--and specifically, if you are planning on getting a research tech job--with a few exceptions, most labs want a two year commitment. Why? It takes time and money to find a new candidate, and it takes months to fully train a new tech

OP, at this point, you have a few options: rescind your application from this job, or wait and apply in the following cycle. If it were me, I'd choose the latter (then again, I worked as a research tech for two years before I started med school). I'm glad I took two years off because during the first year, I didn't have to think about school: I got to enjoy me early 20's in a new, exciting city. I had hobbies, I learned a lot of life skills, and I matured as a person. In the second year, I went on interviews, and continued my post-college detox. By the time I started med school, not only did I have new energy and maturity, but I also had my name on several papers. Taking an extra year off will only make you a stronger candidate, and from my experience, I have never met another med student/resident/attending who regretted taking time-off; I have only met people who have regretted not taking time off

I will not be taking a year off and this is not a research tech job so much as a medical technologist job(with limited responsibilities). Can someone address my latest questions, please? Thanks!

 

[V5RED]

I will not be taking a year off and this is not a research tech job so much as a medical technologist job(with limited responsibilities). Can someone address my latest questions, please? Thanks!

It is pretty simple. Are you okay lying your way into a job? If the answer is yes then take the job. If the answer is no, then don't take the job.

I can only think of two reasons you are asking this. You know it is wrong and are hoping to ease your guilty conscience or you are wondering if there is any way this deception could come back to bite you in the ass.

 

[Astarael]

I think that saying this is a terrible thing to do is probably a bit of an overreaction. This is an employer, not a spouse; you do not owe it to them to disclose every little thing in your life. You should not directly lie to them, but if you choose to not come straight out and say, "I'll be gone in a year," that would be fine (because you have no guarantee that you'll get into medical school the first time around). Further, employers really don't have a right to force you to work for them. If you wanted to quit after three months, that is totally within your right to do. It would suck for your employer, because they would have sunk a bunch of time and effort into training you, and you would likely not get a good reference from them, but it would not be an immoral action.

That being said, I do think you are approaching the situation from the wrong viewpoint. Since you know that you are only going to be around for a year, it would be a way better idea to search for a job where that kind of commitment is the norm. You could work with placement companies to find short term work, or you could do part time at any number of places (coffee shop, bookstore, etc.) This has two advantages over taking a job where they want you around for longer than a year:

1) You will be able to get time off to go on interviews.
2) You will have the support of your boss in your endeavors.

It's kind of like dating, in a way. You can either trick someone who is not right for you into dating you, or you can put the effort in on the front end to find the right fit, and have a much easier time of things later on. My advice is to go for the right fit.

 

[KLycos]

If I am reading correctly, you led an employer to believe she was hiring a long term employee when you really plan to leave the job after a year.

That is a lie. Whether that bothers you or not depends on your own ethics.

Actually it isn't a matter of just ethics, it is grounds for dismissal from your job. If you lie in an interview you will be fired when they find out.

 

[macsta]

I was actually in this same predicament when I went to my interview for a Radiology Support Assistant. I decided to just tell them the truth…unfortunately I didn't get the job. That being said, I applied to a research position at Feinberg a couple weeks later. Lo and behold I got the position!

Like Astarael said, why exactly do you want this particular job? Is it for the experience, for your MD app., or just for money?

If it's for the experience, then this job is really not worth it. Training + getting the hang of things + getting comfortable working by yourself will take a couple months in and of itself. If this job is for your AMCAS activities section, then it's still not worth it because you will have had only a couple months of experience by the time your app. is reviewed. If you are ONLY doing it for the money…then pick another job! There are tons of places that are hiring for temporary summer positions (most of them are probably a lot more relaxing too).

My advice… give the manager a call and tell her that something has been bothering you (it clearly has considering you spent the time to post it). Say that your answer may have been misleading and you want to be clear that you are also applying to post-bac programs. Explain the different scenarios of getting into Med. schools vs. not getting in. My guess is she will not end up hiring you, but at least you conscience will be free and there is a possibility she has another more temporary job available.

FYI- After being an anonymous ghost roaming the SDN forums for years, I've finally decided to man up make a profile. You have just read my first post. Woohoo!

 

[FIREitUP]

Lol . Yes actually and I've succeeded. I'm not going to post my resume, but the average person on the street would immediately recognize the names of some of the people that I've worked with. All of my med school interviewers brought it up.
I realize that honest people get screwed sometimes, but I'd still rather be honest.

It's easy to be honest when you're lucky enough to land positions. After school my PI lost his grant and couldn't keep me on the payroll (bear in mind i was driving 100 miles roundtrip and was making 14/hr), I had a very difficult time securing a position since I was honest (i.e., said I was applying to medical school in the future, had taken the MCAT). It sucks to be dejected because you have aspirations beyond bull**** $30k/year jobs. People here say it's not fair because you're hurting the lab, etc. But if you for some reason dont get in this year, then you will at least have a job, rather than being jobless and school-less. Further, I found it comical that people are so worried about the research when you're getting paid minimum wage to do bitch work. Give me a break. Do what's best for you, OP.

 

[Darkskies]

It's easy to be honest when you're lucky enough to land positions. After school my PI lost his grant and couldn't keep me on the payroll (bear in mind i was driving 100 miles roundtrip and was making 14/hr), I had a very difficult time securing a position since I was honest (i.e., said I was applying to medical school in the future, had taken the MCAT). It sucks to be dejected because you have aspirations beyond bull**** $30k/year jobs. People here say it's not fair because you're hurting the lab, etc. But if you for some reason dont get in this year, then you will at least have a job, rather than being jobless and school-less. Further, I found it comical that people are so worried about the research when you're getting paid minimum wage to do bitch work. Give me a break. Do what's best for you, OP.

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I still don't know what to do. I'm fearing the backlash or anger that my employers might dole out to me once they find out I'm leaving the position..I won't be including it in my AMCAS since I should have that sent out pretty soon but when I include it in my update or refer to it during an interview, are the schools likely to call in? That would be terrible since my employers wouldn't have known that I applied.

 

[FIREitUP]

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I still don't know what to do. I'm fearing the backlash or anger that my employers might dole out to me once they find out I'm leaving the position..I won't be including it in my AMCAS since I should have that sent out pretty soon but when I include it in my update or refer to it during an interview, are the schools likely to call in? That would be terrible since my employers wouldn't have known that I applied.

Who cares if they get angry? You're moving on to better things. Unless they are Residency Directors or adcoms at schools you're applying to, they can't really do anything to jeopardize your future.

 

[235009]

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I still don't know what to do. I'm fearing the backlash or anger that my employers might dole out to me once they find out I'm leaving the position..I won't be including it in my AMCAS since I should have that sent out pretty soon but when I include it in my update or refer to it during an interview, are the schools likely to call in? That would be terrible since my employers wouldn't have known that I applied.

if you do end up getting the job you still have the chance to let them know you are applying to med school. however, what you do really depends on your chances of actually being accepted. If you have a 3.2/27 then i would say there's no reason to advertise an app cycle that'll probably be a bust but if you have a 3.9/37 then you should strongly consider letting your future boss know if you are offered the job because you will most likely be going on a bunch of interviews and will probably have an acceptance by next may.

Who cares if they get angry? You're moving on to better things. Unless they are Residency Directors or adcoms at schools you're applying to, they can't really do anything to jeopardize your future.

i don't like this extremely narrow view of the world. you never know what the future holds or who you might end up working with in the future. becoming a doctor doesn't mean that you are suddenly sheltered or have dominion over all non-doctors. 10 years down the road he might end up working with/for/in close proximity to this boss he screwed over or one of his work-mates who he also disrespected. Who knows, maybe this boss's wife/husband/friend/golf buddy is some hot shot doctor he'll need to impress down the line. Point is you never know and the best approach is to never burn any bridges.

 

[tman5890]

i don't like this extremely narrow view of the world. you never know what the future holds or who you might end up working with in the future. becoming a doctor doesn't mean that you are suddenly sheltered or have dominion over all non-doctors. 10 years down the road he might end up working with/for/in close proximity to this boss he screwed over or one of his work-mates who he also disrespected. Who knows, maybe this boss's wife/husband/friend/golf buddy is some hot shot doctor he'll need to impress down the line. Point is you never know and the best approach is to never burn any bridges.

+1 Always better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Parts Unknown]

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I still don't know what to do. I'm fearing the backlash or anger that my employers might dole out to me once they find out I'm leaving the position..I won't be including it in my AMCAS since I should have that sent out pretty soon but when I include it in my update or refer to it during an interview, are the schools likely to call in? That would be terrible since my employers wouldn't have known that I applied.

Employment isn't a gentleman's sport, but there is a certain amount of professional etiquette that allows the working world to continue functioning.

A real lie would have been falsifying your credentials or other aspects of your background. Your little fib could have been phrased better (as per Porfirio's post), but there is a certain amount of mutually acknowledged deception that goes on. You put your best foot forward as a potential employee and the employer puts its best foot forward as a place to work. Everyone knows the other side has some skeletons.

This lab, or any other employer for that matter, has no business knowing that you are applying for medical school. Unless you are signing an enforceable contract to work for a specified period of time, you don't owe them anything beyond your job description. Commensurately, they don't owe you much beyond wages and an acceptable work environment. Everyone is allowed to look after their own interests, and yes, they would can you without a second thought should it become necessary.

Your situation is not exactly unique. Workers and employers the world over deal with these issues all the time. But there are some professional ground rules that will help you out. For one, a future employer generally cannot contact a current employer without your permission. Even if they do, unless a specific person has been listed as a reference, they often just speak to someone in HR who confirms that Mr. Whoever was, in fact, employed there during a given interval. Anything more opens them up to liability.

Lastly, while you may feel that this employer is making a huge investment in you, and you already feel some sense of loyalty, I can assure you that it's misplaced. Once you are gone there will be five more people just like you in no time flat. You won't be missed.

 

[Darkskies]

For one, a future employer generally cannot contact a current employer without your permission. Even if they do, unless a specific person has been listed as a reference, they often just speak to someone in HR who confirms that Mr. Whoever was, in fact, employed there during a given interval. Anything more opens them up to liability

Do the same policies apply if it's a medical school calling in and not a future employer? I'm more wary of the fact that I inadvertently told them that graduate school(med school) was for the future and implied that it wasn't until a few years later.. Won't they accuse me of lying when I do tell them the truth when I leave? Also if I obtain a part-time position, and an interview falls on a date I should be working, is it easy to call the school and have them change it to a more convenient date for me?

 

[235009]

Also if I obtain a part-time position, and an interview falls on a date I should be working, is it easy to call the school and have them change it to a more convenient date for me?

generally no but it depends on the school ...and at the schools that will let you switch the date you might be stuck with an interview that is a couple of months after the one you were offered and the earlier you interview the better your chance at most places because of rolling admissions

 

[Parts Unknown]

Do the same policies apply if it's a medical school calling in and not a future employer?

Medical schools have better things to do. It's not like you're getting a top security clearance.

Won't they accuse me of lying when I do tell them the truth when I leave?

Who cares? All is fair in love and war.

Also if I obtain a part-time position, and an interview falls on a date I should be working, is it easy to call the school and have them change it to a more convenient date for me?

That I cannot help you with. Med schools typically have limited interview dates, and I have no clue what the vacation/leave policy is in this lab job.

 

[FIREitUP]

Medical schools have better things to do. It's not like you're getting a top security clearance.



Who cares? All is fair in love and war.



That I cannot help you with. Med schools typically have limited interview dates, and I have no clue what the vacation/leave policy is in this lab job.

Parts unknown seems to always be able to articulate what I want to say in a more effective manner. I agree 100%.

 

[Darkskies]

Ok, so I was offered a position at this laboratory. There are two options. One is the full time shift that runs from 10 AM to 6 PM M-F plus one weekend a month(in which case I'd have one or two of the weekdays off) or the part-time position which runs from 10 PM to 6 AM(graveyard shift) plus two weekends a month.

I got the impression that part-timers at this place regularly work more than 20 hours a week. The earliest health check I could get would be on July 11th, so when would I probably be starting(estimate)? Also, training runs for at least 4 weeks(likely to be more) during which I'd be working full time(even if I want the part-time position) Should I take the job? If so, which one?

How many days would I have to take off for an interview? Is it easy to take days off for interviews? I'm just wondering if I'd have difficulties with scheduling interviews and juggling this job. I'm not sure how flexible they are. I'd gladly cover more hours if I'm allowed the time off for interviews. The issue obviously is that they don't know I'm applying to med schools.

I'm applying to 26 AMCAS MD schools, 2 Texas MD schools, 1 Texas DO school and 7 AACOMAS DO schools. My GPA is a 3.47(AMCAS+TMDSAS) and my MCAT is a 32. Is it easy to complete secondaries while working a full-time job?

I would really like some advice on this..I'm really conflicted as to what to do. I know I definitely need a job for the money so my parents don't continue having to pay for my loans and also I know I'll need more money to pay for secondaries....Thanks so much for all replies in advance!!!!

 

[Darkskies]

Will anyone please answer?

 

[whiteshadodw]

Ok, so I was offered a position at this laboratory. There are two options. One is the full time shift that runs from 10 AM to 6 PM M-F plus one weekend a month(in which case I'd have one or two of the weekdays off) or the part-time position which runs from 10 PM to 6 AM(graveyard shift) plus two weekends a month.

I got the impression that part-timers at this place regularly work more than 20 hours a week. The earliest health check I could get would be on July 11th, so when would I probably be starting(estimate)? Also, training runs for at least 4 weeks(likely to be more) during which I'd be working full time(even if I want the part-time position) Should I take the job? If so, which one?

How many days would I have to take off for an interview? Is it easy to take days off for interviews? I'm just wondering if I'd have difficulties with scheduling interviews and juggling this job. I'm not sure how flexible they are. I'd gladly cover more hours if I'm allowed the time off for interviews. The issue obviously is that they don't know I'm applying to med schools.

I'm applying to 26 AMCAS MD schools, 2 Texas MD schools, 1 Texas DO school and 7 AACOMAS DO schools. My GPA is a 3.47(AMCAS+TMDSAS) and my MCAT is a 32. Is it easy to complete secondaries while working a full-time job?

I would really like some advice on this..I'm really conflicted as to what to do. I know I definitely need a job for the money so my parents don't continue having to pay for my loans and also I know I'll need more money to pay for secondaries....Thanks so much for all replies in advance!!!!

depends on how many secondaries you get back. 30+ schools? if you even get back half (15-20) secondaries it will be tough, but manageable. if you get over 20 secondaries, i would strongly consider not sending some in to those schools.

 

[RookTookIt]

Very few schools screen for secondaries, so you will probably get about 35 secondaries. It's a lot, but not impossible. I worked full time and probably could've completed that many. I also worked in a lab and I often had enough downtime in between experiments to bang out an essay or at least fill in the stupid stuff in the applications. Not sure if you'll have that same option. You say you need the job for the money, so I would take the full-time gig and just budget your time wisely. Also, you'll probably only get benefits if you're a full-time worker (if that's important).

And nobody can tell you how many days you'll need off for interviews or if it'll be easy for you to take that time. You'll have to find out how many days of vacation/personal/sick leave you get and whether or not you'll get to even use those in your first few months. Also, nobody knows the answer about your start date based on your health check. Talk to the job.

 

[Xiao]

here are some realities that may help put things in perspective:

-lab tech jobs pay close to minimum wage 30-35k
-you will most likely be performing a few repetitive tests
-this is NOT a career job (don't expect to move vertically from a tech position)
-how are the vacation and benefits? --prob not great
-there will be limited training beyond teaching you how to perform the tests
-nobody is truly certain of the future. an employee may hate the job and leave after a month. likewise, a good manager will not hesitate to fire a consistently under-performing employee.

your hiring manager says they invest ALOT in their employees, but how do they exactly do that? do they offer higher than market pay? large bonuses? special benefits?--unless it's something tangible, this claim is nearly meaningless.

remember, the company tries to put its best foot forward just as the candidate does. the hiring process is a 2-way courtship.

by all means, do your best at the job--be a profitable asset--make the company glad they had hired you. but don't feel indebted to your employers, especially when they have not delivered anything beyond vague promises.

 

[Darkskies]

Thanks for the replies, guys. What would you do? Would you take the job in my position? I'm mainly worried about whether I'd be able to take time off for interviews and if I'd have enough time to complete all my secondaries without feeling burnt-out.

The manager said she'll call me tomorrow to answer my questions but does anyone know some tactful ways for me to ask her whether I'd be able to take time off for interviews(without mentioning interviews lol) even during the training period and the like?

Please reply as I welcome all comments and I'm really looking for some advice! Thanks!

 

[kami333]

I thought you said you needed the money (and I assume benefits) so I don't see why you wouldn't take the job. Unless you have some other prospects lined up, by which I mean not just applied to a job but have call-backs/soft offers in hand.

Regardless of part-time or full-time, the biggest obstacle is going to be your scheduling flexibility. Medical tech-like jobs usually have schedules set in advance in order to prevent gaps in coverage but how far in advance and whether you can switch shifts with another person afterward is something you are going to have to ask your supervisor. If you have met any of your future coworkers already you could try quietly asking them what the practice is and whether is differs from official policy too. When you talk to her, just ask her about scheduling and how it's done, is there seniority, etc without mentioning a specific reason, if she asks just say it's personal.

Personally I would take the full-time position since with a 10PM-6AM shift you are probably going to take the shift before an interview off and also the shift right after an interview (unless it's within a 3hr driving range) unless you have those days off so I don't see what you are gain from being part-time other than less money.

 

[Darkskies]

That makes sense. Yes, I do need the job for money since I feel guilty about my parents paying for my loans and they've been grumbling about it. I've applied to some other jobs but haven't heard back yet from any..

I just got the impression that this workplace is very busy and I am only worried about scheduling interviews otherwise I would take the job in a heartbeat.. I guess the overall sentiment is that I should take this job and then see what I can do about taking days off for interviews?

I thought you said you needed the money (and I assume benefits) so I don't see why you wouldn't take the job. Unless you have some other prospects lined up, by which I mean not just applied to a job but have call-backs/soft offers in hand.

Regardless of part-time or full-time, the biggest obstacle is going to be your scheduling flexibility. Medical tech-like jobs usually have schedules set in advance in order to prevent gaps in coverage but how far in advance and whether you can switch shifts with another person afterward is something you are going to have to ask your supervisor. If you have met any of your future coworkers already you could try quietly asking them what the practice is and whether is differs from official policy too. When you talk to her, just ask her about scheduling and how it's done, is there seniority, etc without mentioning a specific reason, if she asks just say it's personal.

Personally I would take the full-time position since with a 10PM-6AM shift you are probably going to take the shift before an interview off and also the shift right after an interview (unless it's within a 3hr driving range) unless you have those days off so I don't see what you are gain from being part-time other than less money.

 

[blackbird]

What would you do? Would you take the job in my position?

Yes, I would take the job. I'm not telling you what to do, but I am telling you what I did if that helps at all. I just graduated from undergrad last month and started applying for jobs with the intention of working full time while I apply for medical school. I have bills to pay and loan payments to make, without a job I probably can't afford all the application fees and expenses for interviews and would defer my loans. I have to keep in mind that my ultimate goal is to become a physician; there is nothing wrong with trying other careers or taking another job to help you on your way. Well, eventually I got an interview at a lab as a full time microbiologist. During the interview they asked me about my commitment and I was honest that this is the type of work that I want to do (I did not say how long I wanted to do it for and they did not ask). Was I going to risk getting a job that I am apparently qualified for because I felt a little guilty? No, I need to look out for myself.
My co-workers are currently struggling because the last person in my position just quit and I know it takes a lot to train us, but I was hired without any guarantee that I will stay for a particular period of time. My job is to be a great employee and I take pride in my work no matter what I do. In that case, Parts Unknown is giving you very logical, realistic advice that I was happy to read. Keep in mind once you leave there will be plenty of people applying for that job and you're employer won't have trouble finding a replacement.
This does not mean that you won't feel bad about it. Also, you should check their policy for sick days/ vacations days, I took the job before knowing what time I would have off. I think it will work out, I just know that I am very fortunate to have a decent job. Good luck! I hope my experience is helpful to you.