So...

[johnpalmer]

This impeccably dressed gentleman asked me if I would mind a small fingerstick if the contract was offered to me, and if there were any liens upon my soul...

Er, that is... I've been told that Microsoft would be interested in having me interview for an open position.

My contract ends in August. I'm currently broke. I want to go back to school, but I think that's at least a year away, if I stay gainfully employed and build up some cash reserves. And if I don't end up going back to school, well, there are worse places to work.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Comments

[pernishus.livejournal.com]

My own attitude has always been "Job is better than No Job"... although I realize that any number of people would disagree with me on various grounds.

And I do think it isn't an entirely bad idea to see how that particular part of the corporate world works -- for a while, anyhow, and having specific monetary and educational goals firmly in view...

Holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you begin your deliberations.

[glinda-w.livejournal.com]

Also, are there educational benefits for employees, such as tuition rebates? Just a thought...

[karenkay.livejournal.com]

For a staff position? Yes, no hesitation. For a contract? If they pay well. I'm with the "Job is better than No Job" club, because the economy, especially for high tech, is not looking good.

[64tbird.livejournal.com]

Put me in the "Job is better than no job" column.

[lolleeroberts.livejournal.com]

I use PCs running Windows and Windows Vista and various incarnations of Office. I would love to know that a tiny fraction of my money is going to someone I like.

Also, education bennies. Medical bennies. Finding a job is easier if you already have one. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[ljgeoff.livejournal.com]

yeah

spontaneous answer

[andreas_schaefer]

"infiltrate and destroy the enemy from within "

Serious yes if you can stand the work be employed save money.

[wcg.livejournal.com]

Take it.

[valkyrwench.livejournal.com]

Take it. A job with Microsoft is better than no job, and I hear they don't entirely suck as employers.

[siliconshaman.livejournal.com]

Take it, but read the fine print...

[btw, a legal friend of mine actually jokingly did just that once. The client signed without batting an eye!]

[louisadkins.livejournal.com]

Read any contract carefully. Working for MS would probably be good, working for a MS contract..

I worked for a temp agency who had client who had a staffing contract for Microsoft. The amount of jerking around that MS did the client was.. notable. (It amounted to me getting 3.5 weeks training, two days OTJ ghosting, and was capped off with an Employee Appreciation day when they gave 70% of the staff a pink slip! ~ Here's your hot dog, your hamburger, and your Special Napkin - read it for your fortune!)

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

An interview costs you nothing. Take the interview. Make up your mind about the position if/when it's offered.

[nsingman.livejournal.com]

I think you should do the interview. Microsoft, from all accounts, is an interesting place to work. And if you're offered the job, I think you should take it. Even if you wanted something else, it's virtually always easier to get a job while employed than while between gigs.

[firecat]

You are wise. I agree with your views.

[gingicat]

Good luck! (In other words, I think it sounds like a good idea.)

It occurs to me that you could likely work for Microsoft and get tuition assistance for going back to school, too, if that wouldn't fill up your time too much.

[kightp.livejournal.com]

Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know, right?

Besides, after all this time as a peon, it would be interesting to see what it's like to be a serf. (-:

No harm in having options.

[(Anonymous)]

There's never harm in having more options. I've heard that Microsoft can be a good place to work.

Just be careful to keep evaluating the situation in terms of your goals and interest. I know I have a tendency to internalize an employer's needs and goals and "own" problems that really aren't mine... sometimes to the detriment of my own best interest.

And, of course, be careful of any kool aid they offer you. ;-)

-Bill

No harm in having options.

[wyang.livejournal.com]

There's never harm in having more options. I've heard that Microsoft can be a good place to work.

Just be careful to keep evaluating the situation in terms of your goals and interest. I know I have a tendency to internalize an employer's needs and goals and "own" problems that really aren't mine... sometimes to the detriment of my own best interest.

And, of course, be careful of any kool aid they offer you. ;-)

-Bill