Friday afternoon during the school run, I had a call from a recruiter who saw my profile on Seek, liked it, and wanted my CV for a position they want to fill. They were upfront about the pay rate, and I’m not going to lie – it’s amazing! I said to them to email the details, and I’ll have a think about it.
I spent the weekend entertaining my kiddo, as it was pouring rain and I’m a single parent. So when the daughter is with me, I have to do everything myself. I’m not complaining, just setting the scene as a “I wasn’t thinking about a job I didn’t seek out” kind of thing.
10:18am Monday, I have a call from the recruiter asking why I haven’t responded to their email. I said something about still getting stuff together, and ended the call. Today (Tuesday) at 12:13pm I received an email from them asking why haven’t I sent my application yet.
Here’s the thing. Yes, I am currently unemployed but that is mostly by choice. I resigned from my last job because of a medical condition that meant I couldn’t do it anymore, but I haven’t been actively job seeking because it’s really nice being able to make medical appointments without having to worry about fitting them around work, rest when I’m exhausted or in pain, and actually spend some quality time with my daughter after barely seeing her last year.
What I didn’t say to this recruiter yesterday (but probably should have) is that I haven’t sent them the info they want because I’m still weighing up the benefits of taking this job. Am I going to be able to leave a few hours early once every 2 weeks to take my daughter to her swimming lessons? Will I be able to make and go to my medical appointments? Will I be able to work remotely when my conditions prevent me going to the office? When I get my service dog, will they accommodate it even while it’s training? As good as the pay is, is it worth the inevitable toll the job will take on my health?
Looking at my call logs and emails, I’m seriously considering telling this recruiter that he is way to pushy considering he approached me. This company frankly sounds like a nightmare to work with if they’re already tossing out red flags before they even have my CV.
I appreciate that I am in a position of privilege to be able to be picky about what work I apply for or take on, but please remember that you are your most valuable asset. If you don’t look after yourself, no one else will do it for you. I’ll admit that I really do need the money from employment, but I’ve spent decades neglecting my health for the sake of my employer. If I want to actually enjoy my life, I need to start looking after myself.
Oh, and I had actually sent an application for another job elsewhere before they called me yesterday. I’m just really not enthusiastic about what they’re offering.