Should I apply for a job my workmate has applied for?

[chilliwitch]

Heres my problem,I'm in temporary employment at the mo after resigning from my previous job due to being messed about.I work in a clothes shop and really don't enjoy it but hey,it's paying my bills!!A workmate was telling me about a job she had applied for and had an interview for.Thing is this sounds like an ideal job for me,it's a admin job which I have experience of and its ideal hours to work around my children.My problem is do I apply for this job too?I feel like i'm going behind her back if I do but feel like I'm passing up a good opportunity if I don't.HELP!!!

[Noahs Ark]

I think you have to decide whether this friendship is worth having. If it is then forget the job, another one will come along and good friends are sometimes hard to find.

[chilliwitch]

Thanks for that Noah.This probably sounds really harsh but I don't really consider her a friend just a workmate,I've only known her a couple of months but still feel like i'm back stabbing her if I go for it.Having said this she's a 18 year old,still living at home where as I'm a mum of 3 with a mortgage to pay etc.I don't want to sound like me,me,me but I'm so undecided as to what to do.I keep trying to tell myself another job will come along but as I said b4 this sounds ideal and theres no guarantee I'd get the job if I applied for it.Think I may need to sleep on it!

[anniebird]

Go for it.

You must look to your own future and do what ever is right for you and your family.

Good Luck.

[chilliwitch]

Thanks Anniebird.Have slept on it.Telephoned tonight and have an interview tomorrow.Going to see how it goes then i'm going to tell my workmate once I've been.As you say I have to do what's right for my family and don't think I should feel guilty.I could've come across this job on a visit to my job centre.Fingers crossed and once again thanks!!

[natalie_1982]

I'm answering this a bit late Chilli, but I would go for it! Glad you got an interview - good luck, let us know how you get on.

P.S. One thing I would say is that I would mention it to the girl just so that she is aware though

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes - tell her you've also been looking for another job, you called into the Job Centre - and guess what? You've got an interview at the same place as her! However, be pleased for her if she pips you to the post!

[toby99]

If she has already had an interview then it is likely that the closing date has passed - check first before you say anything. If it is still open to applicants, just tell her straight that you have applied too. Tell her you saw the ad at it really appealed - otherwise you will be passing up an opportunity. I am sure she would do the same - just be honest.