NH&F Related: Job WWYD

[emuni04]

So, I (likely) will have an offer for a new part time position at a non-profit. I have been looking to transition back to the non-profit world, and also downgrade to PT to spend more time with my daughter/ditch my crazy commute. The position itself would be great. There is one catch: should I be offered the position, I would need to attend a training next week OOT M-W.

I think this is sort of a far fetched requirement. I mean, OK, I understand that they want people at training, but I don't even have an official offer. Say I get an official offer tomorrow or Wednesday, that basically gives me a few days to go to this training.

I am currently employed FT. My company has been great to me and I am not going to screw them over and not give a two week notice. 

Am I crazy in thinking this is a far fetched demand? I feel like I can't even think clearly about the perks of this career move because this sudden training requirement is hanging over my head.
 

[wambam]

They're asking you to attend training without sufficient notice (i.e. not enough time to give your current employer notice)? That seems super shady to me. As much as the opportunity sounds great for you and your current life situation, I wouldn't be okay with it.

[Susie]

How frequently is this training offered? If you get an offer, I think it would at least be reasonable to ask if it's being offered/you can do it at a later date. As long as you are with your current employer that's where your obligations lie - most prospective employers consider that a good thing. Even if you have an offer in hand, would you really have negotiations wrapped up by Monday?

[emuni04]

I am supposed to have an in person interview over lunch tomorrow. Do I broach this topic prior to even interviewing or wait until tomorrow? I agree that it is a unprofessional/weird to have this training expectation. If it's truly a make or break situation, then part of me doesn't even want to waste time meeting tomorrow (FTR, I have already had one interview with the agency).

[wambam]

I would go ahead with the planned interview tomorrow. When they ask if you have questions, bring it up then.

[tuggyruns]

I agree with wambam I would also add- I would have serious reservations in regards to working for a company who would force you too not give a 2 week notice to your current employer.

[emuni04]

Thanks! You guys have backed up my wariness

To be fair, I don't know if this training is an absolute requirement, or just a preference. I'll know more tomorrow. It just surprises me because the job requirements asked for a fairly high level of education, etc. I don't understand how they think they can just grab someone and get them in the door so quickly....if I were in their shoes, I would assume that any good candidate has a fair chance of currently being employed and therefore will need to provide a leave notice to their employer as a professional courtesy.

[juliahenry]

Certain aspects of my work are nonprofit, at relatively high level, requiring specific education, skills etc, so I get what you're describing.

What you mention does not sound all that unusual to me. In my area of stuff, those training/education sessions often come along very infrequently and there may be a real desire to get you to the training before the opportunity is gone. As well, nonprofits sometimes tend to have a fairly...flexible...attitude to some of the things that the rest of the world would find unacceptable, in terms of HR etc. I think there's often a sense that "we're doing good and important work, so of course people will want to help/volunteer and not be paid for work/prioritize our stuff"

Keep in mind that is is most likely coming out of their deep desire to make the appointment work, as well as their passion for the mission of the nonprofit. You can and should push back, but I don't think it needs to be a particularly negative experience.

Good luck.