Should I stay or should I go?

[shady_jady]

I have been in my current job as a travel advisor for 6 months. I work in a small web-based company consisting of just 3 members of staff. I say 3, but one has just left to go to University. I now do my own job, and hers... basically running the place as the boss is never here. I get paid �9,000 a year which is not much for my own job as a lead administrator, but now I have taken on both roles I am finding it increasingly difficult. I have asked my boss for a pay rise twice and he just fobs me off with non-committal answers. He has now told me that he is relocating the business up north in a few months and making me redundant, offering no redundancy money. I am working myself into the ground with this job and really want to just walk out now. Should I do this before I have another job to go in to? I used to feel guilty about leaving the boss with no one to do the job, but now I'm past caring. Does it look bad for prospective employers if I am unemployed?

Thanks!

[VillageVicar]

Legally, I don�t think he can make you redundant without compensating you. However, it would depend on the length of time you�ve been there, of course.

Considering the low wage�which is typical for the industry, how about doing a quick search for a few ideas at: http://www.traveljobsearch.com/

I�m sure you�ll be able to find something that not only appeals to you, but is more rewarding. Would you consider relocating by chance?

Best of luck

Fr Bill

[river]

It may not look fantastic but if you're only looking for a salary of �9k you'll easily be able to find another job. Retails for example especially with Christmas temps being advertised all over the place. try marks and spencer they usually keep on their temps plus pay well and have an excellent staff shop with heavily discounted products. Or alternatively go around to local agencies and get work through them.

You could say the reason for being out of work is that your last employer took advantage of staff - briefly explain the situation and that you were fortunate enough to be in a position where you could leave that postion and look else where.

Dont put up with rubbish like that and if he even says anything tell him you've been in contact with the CAB Citizens advice and you'll be speak to a solicitor with regard to taking him to an employment tribunal.

Walk girl walk!

[shady_jady]

Thanks both of you!
River... I'm definately looking for more than �9k! I was promised a pay rise to �12k after 3 months when I took the job, but haven't received this after 6 months! I'd never have taken the job if I knew I'd be stuck on �9k. I have 4 A Levels and feel I'm not being challenged enough and I'd definately like to be paid more, as we all would! Basically, if I walk out now and am unemployed, would this look bad to prospective employers? I have heard that it doesn't look good to prospective employers when you yourself are unemployed.

[VillageVicar]

Shady you are correct. My guess is that you are relatively young. May I offer a suggestion please. In any interview, a savvy prospective employer will ask you not only why have you chosen to leave your current employer, but what you did not like about them. These types of questions are not designed to �get the gossip.� They�re designed to determine maturity, sensibilities, confidentiality and professionalism. May I suggest, that if you are asked these questions that you simply state: You feel you�ve learned all there was within the confines of your current job role and you want the opportunity to apply your talents in mutually growing with a company that offers you the challenges you enjoy. Its certainly all right to say that your current employer has �alluded� to moving their company outside of the region and for this reason, you felt it might be the right time for you to explore new opportunities. I hope you find this beneficial. Very best luck.

Fr Bill

[shady_jady]

Thanks VillageVicar!

I have a few interviews coming up, so will definately put these methods into practice!

Thanks again.

[ojread2]

He sounds like fun! I'd go, no notice, just leave when you get alternate employment

As for redundancy, I think you have to be employed for 2 years before you get any payout, otherwise you get your notice and any holiday owing too you

ojx

[shady_jady]

Thanks ojread2, I was pretty sure 6 months didn't constitute any payout. I would love to leave now, the problem is I'm struggling to find alternative work. Being only 20, a lot of places won't touch me with a 10ft barge pole because I am 'too young', as well as the fact that I don't have a degree. This is not because I'm not capable (I was accepted into all 6 of my Uni applications), I just decided it wasn't for me, employers just don't take this into account. This next job has to be a real career move for me, I don't want to keep going from one admin job to the next. My dream is to be a freelance makeup artist, but the course fees are horrendous (typically in excess of �4,000 for a 4 week course). Plus I'm not sure I have the confidence to pull off a career in this industry. I'm totally at a loss as to where to turn next. I don't know what I am qualified to do with only 4 A Levels. Hmmm...

[VillageVicar]

Shady, don't limit yourself. There ARE lots of opportunities out there..it just takes time. Whilst you're working on the substance part...the daily grind of work, follow your dream by offering to photographic houses to do makeup work for free in exchange for the learning experience. It's a good start. Many years ago I used to pay young people per face with the understanding that they may have to re-do the face several times over to get it right. But it was good experience for them and with a nice reference, it lead them to other opportunities. Even ballet schools are great places to consider for when they do shows. They'll place your name on their programmes, which gives you a bit of instant validation. May I please ask...are you by chance in the London area?

Fr Bill

[shady_jady]

VillageVicar... Thanks for that, it certainly does sound like a good idea! I am based in Hertfordshire, about 25 miles north of London and am definately prepared to travel to London in order to carry out my dream. This is where all the makeup schools with the high prices are. The idea was to work for a while and save the money to do a course. As I am being paid such a pitiful wage, I currently only have �400.00 saved. Not going to get me far! I have heard that this type of career is built on experience and not qualifications, so those ideas you have mentioned would definately be a way forward!

[ojread2]

I don't know who these things work but could you find a job with on the job training? Where by you are employed, probably on a pretty low wage, but they pay for your training? If it only takes 4 weeks then doing a day a week at college you would be trained within 6 months.

Or could you find a sponser?

[VillageVicar]

Shady, the reason I asked is that I know/knew of a travel company, that is exclusively internet based, who were actively recruiting for both here and for work at one of their reservation centres in the Sub Continent. That link I provided arlier in the thread may just lead you to that.

I would suggest that it's seldom...almost daft for Theatre groups, photographic houses, etc to advertise for what I've suggested...however the ads DO occasionally appear. And I quite often see 'strip ads' (the kind where people create strips with the contact number attached), in 'back of house' in theatres for performers to have their cosmetics applied by people in training.
Next week, I may be able to find some listings for you. I'm supposed to be in London...but have an extremely full dance card...but I'll see if I can have a look and will post whatever I can here. Best of luck

Fr Bill

[shady_jady]

Thanks VillageVicar!
That would be beyond fantastic. That definately soungs like the sort of experience I would need. There are so many theatres, dance schools etc out there, I'm sure something good will come of it!

[shady_jady]

Thanks Ian, that's some good advice too. I agree with you, everyone is so helpful. It really helps when you don't know where to turn.
I wish you the best of luck with your future. It sounds like you deserve a break! And I totally understand the 'I did this on my own mentality'. You go for it!

Good luck!

[shady_jady]

p.s one day we'll both be millionaires!