Something just doesn't feel right.

DWolf

2264

Something just doesn't feel right.

I've been teaching middle school after being let go from my newspaper job (not a big loss). A former editor tells me to apply at his company. He likes it, and a lot of the guys working there are like me -- late 50s, bounced around, worked for bigger papers, seen a lot of cuts.

I talked briefly with the regional president who told me it's a family-owned newspaper and more stable (for employees) than publicly traded ones. Then I interview with the editor of a sister paper by phone (I think he may have been driving during it). He gives few specifics but remains vague on others. I await the invitation to visit the site for more interviews.
A week later, I get a job offer. The letter states a decent salary but also only mentions benefits "as described in the company handbook." I received no handbook to look over or further details.

It sounds like it might be a good place to work based on what the former boss said, but I'm getting bad vibes on this. The problem is that after my last decent paper laid off most of the staff, I've jumped to the next job to get out of being out of work or being in a bad work environment. I turn 59 in five days and am tired of constant moving, which happens in this industry. However, people seem to stay with this company for a while. I sent a response asking for a chance to visit the job site, clarification on benefits, and for answers to question I sent post-interview. "I just can't take a chance again/My fingers are still burning from the last time." -- The Monkees

What do you all think?

TL;DR: I received a job offer but without specifics on benefits and without seeing the place where I'd work and feel suspicious.

suspicious

job_hunting

job_offer

advice_needed

METROlD

If you dont have a job, take it. If you have a stable job, dont do it. This is bullshit. This is the kind of a prelude to a story that ends with a person sitting there on a Friday wondering where your paycheck is and the owner isnt answering their phone.

2 years ago |

frischcode

I've had jobs that started that way and worked out great. But I would not work in the newspaper industry again. Not if I wanted any kind of job stability. When they offered me a buyout I took it. They were surprised. But they started with "we're going to rewrite the entire backend software system in six months". To which I said "No you aren't. I'd like the buyout". It took them a decade.

StillWittyMFs

Is it the Toledo Blade or Pittsburgh's paper?

therealbardman

Speak to your old boss and ask him for someone you can talk to other than him who can tell you about the company. If that conversation feels off then give it a miss.

KronianSerpent

Don't say yes or no on this. You need more information, so tell them that.

dap6000

Job scams are real. Don’t give them any bank details or anything like that. Ask for more details about the role, a copy of the employee handbook, etc. if it’s legit they should be fine with all that. If it’s a scam they will likely ghost you.

sambaah05

Doesn't sound like a job scam, unless his former boss who told him to apply is somehow in on the scam - but that feels unlikely here. But agreed on the rest, they should be willing to provide all of that without issue.

57rescraft9

Thank you for saying 'you all' instead of y'all.

BlastyMcBlastblast

i've experienced this delay before from family (read: cheap) companies, they'll wait until the absolute last minute to 'save on wages'

BobAllen2004

I worked at a small company once that was run by a husband wife, and was always seemingly on the verge of financial ruin. Besides them there was three other people including me. Used to go in at 6:00 a.m. and leave it 3:30 p.m. to avoid traffic. He called me into his office once and said he had a problem with me leaving at 3:30 everyday, and that I made more money than even he did. I just said "I'm hourly, and if I worked longer you'd have to pay me more." He never mentioned it again.

expect to be nickel and dimed at every opportunity because you're like 'family' now, and family is expected to help out for free

TheZinker

Your guts right… thats a lot of red flags… however not all small companies are bad. If the person you trust told ya it isnt bad then why not give it a try. May just be lax all the way through and if ya like that then good.

Yes, they might just be stretched thin with the other editor retired already. I'm hearing a lot of people aren't applying to newspapers anymore because they can make more writing online or for hospital PR and such. But this is also in way north Wisconsin -- harsh winters and lake effect snow. I do need to see the place first.

renamingbecauseIdontcarefordaddiesofbusiness

Could you work remotely?

No, it's a journalism job. I need to be in the coverage area.

CongratsYouAreHereNow

@op I don’t see any red flags yet. Ask for the handbook and explanation of benefits

I did, and he emailed this: "The health benefits are pretty standard insurance coverage. Medical, dental and vision are all available. Honestly, they do pretty well. I had emergency surgery about 18 months ago and once I hit the deductible I never saw another bill. Time off begins accrual as soon as an employee starts, with both sick days and vacation in a single PTO pot. Up to 80 hours can roll over from one calendar year to the next."

“Ok great, thanks for taking the time to explain! Please send the formal document for my records. Have a good day” @op

Something just doesn't feel right.

Comments (19)