Only taking working pupil job short-term: should I tell employers?

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TwinnyOlive

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Hi all

I've got a working pupil position offered to me and its something I really want to do, but, I'm unsure whether I should tell them that I'm potentially only going to be staying for 6 months (approx) or whether I shouldn't as plans aren't 100%. I basically have a university place offered to me, which I think I'll take and starts end of September but in the meantime really want to continue working with horses (currently on a gap year).

I feel I should be honest & tell them that I'm only planning to stay for 6 months ish, however, I'm concerned they won't then want to employ me and instead want to find someone longer term and I really don't want to miss out on the opportunity. I know people in the horse world do move around lots, but equally don't want to feel/come across dishonest if I did take the job and then later leave for uni. I'm going to meet them this week and wondering if and how I should broach the subject?

Any advice is much appreciated.
 
No one can tell you what to do, but in your position I would be honest and tell them. Speaking honestly I would never give a great reference to someone who I felt had hidden their intentions from me at the outset, and trust me they will know. There are plenty of summer positions that could suit you, people looking for help over the season, why not try one of those and walk away with a great reference rather than a disappointed employer. And good luck at Uni!
 
If you are not certain that you are going to university i would keep quiet. You say you dont know 100% what your plans are and it may be that you decide against uni and this WP position is what you have been looking for. You could maybe mention that uni is a possibility in the future but you could also run the risk of losing the place if your future employers think you arent going to stay.
 
I would be honest with them but I don't think a WP position for 6 months would be a problem for most yards unless they have actually specified they want longer. A WP position is not intended to be permanent and most will move around as it suits them for different opportunities. You may find they view it positively, you are more likely to stay the full 6 months as you have a clear end date. Don't underestimate how "flaky" many people taking these types of positions turn out to be - staying only a few weeks and leaving with no notice for spurious reasons (generally laziness...) is only too common.
 
I would be honest - you are wondering about it now... if you don't say anything it will be constantly on your mind and you want enjoy it.

You can be totally honest and tell them you have a university place but you are not 100% sure you will be taking it up.
 
There is absolutely no certainty that you will go to uni in 6 months, you might want to leave and get married in 6 months, you might decide to swan off to the other side of the world as a groom in 6 months.

And bear in mind that some 'working pupil' positions seem to only last for the busy summer season - and many of the so called working pupils are given the big E when things get very quiet for the winter months. Obviously not all positions advertised for working pupils are as fleeting and loaded in the employer's favour as my example, but many are.

Keep quiet take the job and play it by ear.
 
Oh no - the divided views haven't helped but thank you all for your responses. I feel I should mention the possibility of uni but perhaps emphasise on it not being set in stone? Definitely am going to meet them and mention it in person as I am seriously interested and committed for at least 6 months if I then definitely go to uni.

Any ideas on how to broach it so I'm not dishonest but equally not highlighting it too much.
 
TwinnyOlive said:
Oh no - the divided views haven't helped but thank you all for your responses. I feel I should mention the possibility of uni but perhaps emphasise on it not being set in stone? Definitely am going to meet them and mention it in person as I am seriously interested and committed for at least 6 months if I then definitely go to uni.

Any ideas on how to broach it so I'm not dishonest but equally not highlighting it too much.
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I think you sound as if you have a very sensible approach and I think they will appreciate your honesty.

I also believe that with being honest you can turn this to your advantage. Most yards need more help in summer, so saying that you can definitely be available until September, that then there is a chance of going to uni, but that you will let them know well in advance, might be of great interest to them. You never know it might even lead to summer jobs for the coming years. And if it does not you sound very sensible and I am quite sure that some yard will welcome the chance of someone to work summers for a few years.

Great approach - well done you.
 
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