When I graduated I was offered temporary full-time work in my department on the condition that I spend 20 hours in one section and 20 on another project. Great, I think, at least I have a job.
WOULD have been great if the two weren’t in complete competition for my time, all the time, and if I wasn’t treated like the conflicting demands were somehow my FAULT.
I’m thankful to even be employed, but if I am doing two part-time jobs in one department, cut me some slack if I occasionally have difficulty juggling responsibilities, as BOTH could be their own full time job if it wasn’t for your budget.
Oh, and FYI, now that you’ve taken away my quiet desk for the project and I have to sit at a reception desk, it WILL be distracting. It’s not my fault so don’t try to chastise me.
—Looking for a better job
This article appears in Mar 12-18, 2009.
In this economy, you’d be a fool not to grab this opportunity. Since it’s only temporary full-time, it’s not like you have to do it forever. And the experience will be invaluable and demonstrate how capable you are.
I’ve been in this exact spot.
If you can possibly do it, try to meet briefly with both supervisors and hash out an agreement along the following lines: you will work on Project A in the mornings and Project B in the afternoons…or alternating days, or some other type of compromise that will make everyone happy and have expectations of your time very clear to everyone. There will always be crisis situations and little popup things, but if you are allowed to frame your day that way and stick to it, everyone will get used to it pretty quick.
Wow, having two jobs fighting over you – I know people who would kill for that. Just stick with it, like you said it’s only temporary. At least you’re not unemployed, you do NOT want to be on that end of the stick.