Leaving a Contract Early for a Permanent Job
Dear Deb,
Q. As a corollary question about juggling multiple job offers based on last week's blog, I wanted to ask the following: During my job search, the offer that "popped" first was a 90 day initial commitment with no guarantee of additional work and I let the employer know that a permanent role was my preference.
The question becomes if one of the other CFO positions that I have interviewed for is offered within the 90 day time period, how much damage to my "brand" would there be in accepting that full-time, permanent role as long as I worked a transition plan in order to hand-off the consulting project to another individual?' As you might guess after a long drought of inactivity, I find myself in this position. I appreciate your thoughts. - GS, Michigan
A. Of course you should continue to pursue opportunities. The rules of engagement for contract work are different than full-time opportunities. You were very clear from the start that you were looking for full-time, permanent employment. Since this position is clearly 'temporary' you would be doing yourself a disservice by stopping your search. In 90 days, this engagement will end - then what?
If one of the full-time opportunities becomes available, you should pursue it with vigor. You must be true to yourself first. Of course, I advocate a transition plan as you have referenced. There is no brand damage here - your intentions were clear up front. If a full-time position that is aligned with your goals presents itself and works out for you, by all means TAKE IT.
If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears weekly on Fridays at http://www.careersdonewrite.com/blog.