Can't Decide (advice for a job)

Lately I've been trying to look for a job and I have applied everywhere that I am suited (mostly retail) and so far no avail, but recently my dad who works in a hospital found a vacancy in the restaurant that they have there and I am meant to work as a caterer. Out of curiosity I tried it out (even though It has nothing to do with what I am good at) nonetheless I did it and they said they want me to work for them. I would say Hooray but the thing is I don't like the job, I just did it for the sake of it. However though I recently got a call from one of the uni's that I applied to and said they will give me an offer, while after that I happen to stumble on a vacancy about a Game Tester which I am actually good at so I applied for it.

But now I need to decide cause where I live now its around 12 midnight and I need to give my answer to my employer for the caterer position by 9 am and I doubt that the Game Tester people will give me an answer before then so I either decide to drop the caterer and wait for the Game tester which would mean that I would lose the caterer position being offered to me or I could take that position but not get the Game tester if ever they want me?? So since I cant decide this I want you to help me.. :) thanks.

First thing I have to ask: What was it about the catering job that you didn't like?

A job is better than no job.

Take the catering job, and if ever you get a definite affirmative for the game testing position, drop catering and go for it.

Sure- it may make you seem like an ass, but if you have the option between a job you love and one you aren't too fond of...

Basically- if you hate your job- that ain't healthy.

hating your job could lead to many conflicts later on, especially if you stay in the same job with the same people. particularly so, it will probably become well known you aren't particularly fond of the job and when hard times roll around youll probably be the first on the chopping block.

so yea, if you can be ABSOLUTELY SURE you can get another job, go ahead and ditch the one you dislike.

Thats what I'm thinking. I have a motto "If you dont enjoy it, dont do it" and the thing is, I actually thought the people that I worked with were really nice and friendly it's just the actually catering job that I dont like, and if I dont enjoy it I would come out as an ass and I dont like that..But thats my personal opinion..My financial opinion is saying that if I dont get the Game tester job then I would end up with no job and like you said "A job is better than no job." so both my personal and financial opinion clash which is why I cant decide.

I do have a additional question. My friends say that if I do accept the job, is it true that I have to wait for at least 3 months before I can successfully make a resignation or is it longer?? What I am thinking is I could do the job and while in the sideline I could actually find work that I like and once I do I quit within 3 months and transfer to a job.

I would have to say, be wary about being a video game tester. It's probably not what you think it is.

http://www.cracked.com/article_17066_6-dream-jobs-that-would-actually-suck.html

The first part of that articles pretty much sums it up.

The problem with being a videogame tester is that ANYBODY is qualified to become a videogame tester, there's no special skills involved. So I think that's a big factor, knowing that you could be replaced since they're pretty much a dime a dozen.




Again, what don't you like about the job?

Good strategy for approaching the job market; just apply and accept anything you can, really. Once you got something you're keen on- you can always just turn the other ones down.

Never wait around for a reply from a potential employer- keep sending out those resumes.

Also, I call bullshit on the whole resignation thing. Although probably true, due to whatever the hell paperwork, I find that it oftentimes depends on your boss. I quit plenty of jobs under three months, and never had any hassles cashing in for the time I was working.

Probably more difficult if you're working for large firm, though- I wouldn't really know. (I worked mostly in trades/labour).

Well I wouldn't say anybody is qualified. For someone who never played many video games, they can't really do the job. There are people I know that take FOREVER just to understand the basic concept/controls of a game they are trying to play because they don't have much experience in video games.

However, are there a ton of people who are qualified to be video game testers? Of course, look at how many people in the world play.

Also, catering doesn't take a whole lot of skill either. (No offense). Im sure the number of people that qualify to be a caterer is definitely high enough that someone could be replaced just as easily as a video game tester.

Mod Note: Moved to the Random section. I understand that the situation can be considered serious to the thread starter, but it may not be the same for others. As such, I believe Random would be a more appropriate section for this thread.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Getting back on topic, I would think it might be wise to take up the catering job first since it is more or less confirmed. You can try to hold out for the game testing position, but what if they take a long time to reply? I believe your decision lies with how optimistic or pessimistic you are about your available options.

Fuck, This thread just reminded me that I should look for a new job!

Id wait for the Game Tester job BTW... Get on their asses, Make some phone calls!

Catering jobs aren't that bad are they?

No there not, it was really easy to do, serve people, take out the bins, clean the tables, make coffee and fill in the stalls that are empty of foods or beverages. So yea pretty easy to do.

Which is why I decided to take the caterer job for now cause at least Im earning 6.20 per hour which is good pay. So while I work I can search some jobs that I actually like, and once I do I can quit my caterer one.

Problem solved!

Sometimes a job that isn't so great is depended on a great group of people to make it tolerable. That's what I found mostly in retail - most retail sucks no matter what, but you end up (hopefully) building good relationships with your fellow coworkers around you. Mostly just some release from all the bullshit in the retail world.

Keep your catering job - if a better offer comes around, quit your current job and take the new one. Some income is better than no income, and nobody said you'd have to keep the job forever.

-edit-

Er, disregard. I suppose you figured it out for yourself ;p

edited your title to make it more clear to readers.

Unless you signed a contract of some sort with penalties, you are under no obligation to stay with those people if you decide to take another job. Your friends most likely told you that to prevent you from doing a dick move of quitting right after being hired.

Most employers will understand if you quit because you found a better job opportunity, just thank them for their time and leave amicably. But there is no legal law binding you to working for someone.

You've already made your choice, but if the quality control job calls you tomorrow then you should know you can quit your job without fear of reprisal.