STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

Really upset

Kelly · Hermes

That sucks! Is there any way you can slip in something like "I regret we cannot work together, and I wouldn't have wasted your time if I had known this would be such a big problem for your company. I was led to believe that it wouldn't be a problem when I spoke of my plans at the first interview, which is why I continued to pursue the job" (polished up a bit, of course)

I mean, maybe the person who interviewed you first didn't pass that information along, and they can take the heat? Maybe if the company realizes that you were upfront from the beginning, and it was one of their people who is at fault, they will reconsider?

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

hmm maybe this isn't the dream job you thought it was?? Most people I know who have recently changed jobs have been able to keep their vacation plans as they were made in advance and each company was nice about it. If they are this unflexible about these plans what about other things that come up or that you want to do. Maybe this is a blessing. Otherwise I'm sorry. I know the job hunt can suck but hang in there.

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

I don't think telling them they made a mistake is going to get you very far here, just based on general principles of human nature. But they should be a little more understanding. I would just keep asking them to explain how it's not being flexible, note that it's non-refundable, and ask tehm for alternatives. I mean, from their perspective I can see how nto wanting to cancel a vacation makes it seem like you're not going to be putting the job as a high priority (no offense, I'm just playing devil's ad here..) and you have to acknowledge that, and show them that it won't be a problem. This is one of those false rules. They say it's hard and fast, but it's probably not if you can get teh right person to see your side. Good luck!

NCshopper · Hermes

Aurora wrote:

If they are this unflexible about these plans what about other things that come up or that you want to do. Maybe this is a blessing.

I tend to agree here. If they're this unflexible about this, how much of a pain in the ass is it going to be for you to take future vacations? What about family emergencies?

Being "not flexible enough" is a really vague excuse for them, but it's one of those broad excuses that can encompass a whole lot of reasons for the company to get extra work out of you in the long run. Does that make sense? Basically, they can abuse that lame excuse to get you to do what they want you to do. And if they're not going to pay you enough, then I think this offer sounded better than it actually is.

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

Thank you for the advice and input! I spent a long night thinking about it all, and their attitude has really soured me on this job. BUT if it doesn't work out, it has worked out as a nice bargaining tool for my current position. I have to look on the bright side - I actually like where I currently work, and I'm not actively looking for another position, so I'll at least get a raise out of all this. And while the other job truly is my dream job, they wouldn't be my dream employers. Expecting someone to toss $600+ down the drain, and thereby force my sister to also cancel her trip and lose her money, that's a ridiculous expectation on their part.

I did take some action yesterday, though - besides the many e-mail exchanges with the guy in charge of hiring, I also sent an e-mail to the big boss in Chicago who probably has final say on whether I'm hired or not, emphasizing my enthusiasm, as well as emphasizing the fact that my trip shouldn't be an obstacle.

joy0302 · Kate Spade

I agree with Aurora-maybe this is a sign that this is not the job for you. Generally if you tell someone in an interview that you have an upcoming vacation it is usually not a problem. I would be leery going to work somewhere that is giving you such a hassle already.