Which job should I take?
After three years of job-hunting and 1,601 applications, I have been offered two jobs. The first one is a permanent job that would require me to commute three hours per day, and pays $1 per hour more than the other. The second job is a six month temp-to-perm job with a far better commute--only about an hour and a half per day commute. This job will also offer overtime. I live in New England, so snowstorms can adversely affect commutes, and if my car goes into the shop for any reason, it would certainly be easier to get to the closer job.
I prefer the second job, primarily due to the commute, but also I get a better feeling about these people. But, it is temp-to-perm, so it seems a little risky. Considering that I am in dire straights after being unemployed for three years, the permanent job seems more stable. Then again, I will only make $8 per day more but will be driving for an hour and a half more each day, with wear and tear on the car.
I am having trouble making this decision. Please give me your opinions.
I think you should take the job with the 4 hr commute because its permanent. Take the bus because you won't have to worry about anything happening to your car. If an accident occurs with the bus, you get paid, have proof for the job, and probably still get to keep your job or endup being rehirable. Ensure that you do a good job so that if they should have to replace you for a short time( accident, medical, etc...) they won't consider firing you to hire the other( they srey better , more efficient, faster, brighter, more innovative, etc...)
Go with your gut feeling. A 3 hour commute is not easy especially if you live in a highly inconsistent seasonal area like New England. A snow storm can easily turn a 3 hour commute into 5 hour nightmare not to mention the wear and tear all that traveling will have on your mind and body. Take the temp to perm job and set a goal for yourself to turn it into a permanent position. Congratulations.
Thanks to all who replied. I talked to the recruiter on the temp-to-perm job and she said that there is no guarantee that the job will turn permanent, they are just hoping that they will be financially better off than they are right now and will be able to hire someone permanent, but they don't know. So I took the permanent job with the long commute. I need job security and I don't want to be out of work again in a few months. Again, thank you all for your input.