Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
(OP)
Hello everyone,
I'll be finishing my M.S. in Structural Engineering this semester and preparing to join the workforce when that time comes. Obviously the job market is pretty tough right now with limited new design (although from my perspective the bridge design market and forensics engineering side of structural engineering seem to be doing "okay" by comparison). I've spoken with several companies in the Fall and intend to speak with several more in the coming weeks. I haven't had any interviews yet largely because the companies I spoke with in the Fall were even more unsure of the future market as they are now and said I wouldn't hear much back until Feb/March (just using this information to preface why I haven't asked this question already).
In any case, upon graduation I'd really like to take something on the order of two months to travel as much as I can. I can't see myself getting another opportunity to have this much "free" time between now and possibly retirement. So my question becomes, in your experience, do employers have rigid start dates? Do you think this type of market has adversely affected my chance of traveling (perhaps to the point where instead of two months off, I might be looking at a year or more off due to unemployment -- or at least beginning Ph.D work)? Is it a bad idea to start off roughly 2 months behind my peers? I suppose these will be some questions I'll ask in interviews, but I don't know if it's something I should try to negotiate at risk of not being hired. Thanks to any thoughts/suggestions.
I'll be finishing my M.S. in Structural Engineering this semester and preparing to join the workforce when that time comes. Obviously the job market is pretty tough right now with limited new design (although from my perspective the bridge design market and forensics engineering side of structural engineering seem to be doing "okay" by comparison). I've spoken with several companies in the Fall and intend to speak with several more in the coming weeks. I haven't had any interviews yet largely because the companies I spoke with in the Fall were even more unsure of the future market as they are now and said I wouldn't hear much back until Feb/March (just using this information to preface why I haven't asked this question already).
In any case, upon graduation I'd really like to take something on the order of two months to travel as much as I can. I can't see myself getting another opportunity to have this much "free" time between now and possibly retirement. So my question becomes, in your experience, do employers have rigid start dates? Do you think this type of market has adversely affected my chance of traveling (perhaps to the point where instead of two months off, I might be looking at a year or more off due to unemployment -- or at least beginning Ph.D work)? Is it a bad idea to start off roughly 2 months behind my peers? I suppose these will be some questions I'll ask in interviews, but I don't know if it's something I should try to negotiate at risk of not being hired. Thanks to any thoughts/suggestions.





RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
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RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
2 months is nada.
Fe
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
Phil
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
But, like I said before, you need to determine what your negotiation points are, first, before broaching the subject.
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RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
I definately agree with ischgl99 though, that you should wait for the offer. The only exception I might consider is if they said something at the interview about it being awhile before they were ready to bring you in. If they indicate that they would prefer a later start date, by all means indicate that you are open to it. I would still probably not give them a specific time period though.
-- MechEng2005
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
So finish college, go on holiday, then look for a job!
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
I don't think a recent graduate with a few months of nothing between graduating and applying for a job is a big deal at all. Especially when you can make up some good story of how you wanted to get some more culture and somehow relate that to engineering, I have been able to relate my field every single time I go out of the country. It's the people who fluff their resumes just for fluff that I would be worried about.
Civil Development Group, LLC
Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
you'd rather vacation for a couple of months before starting work. sort of tells others about your priorities, i.e. play before work.
". . . do employers have rigid start dates?"
some do and some do not - depends upon employer. typical and most professional employment offers do have a deadline to respond (accept or decline). after which, a start date is negotiated or it could be included in the offer. imagine this, an employment offer is made and you make no mention to employer about taking a 2-month vacation. you accept the offer within the stated deadline. you then mention you are taking a 2-month vacation and would like to start then. ask yourself, is this a fair deal for the employer whom MAY be expecting you to start work sooner?
"Do you think this type of market has adversely affected my chance of traveling (perhaps to the point where instead of two months off, I might be looking at a year or more off due to unemployment -- or at least beginning Ph.D work)?"
if you want to work, then you should find employment.
"Is it a bad idea to start off roughly 2 months behind my peers?"
as the question is asked, not really. however, starting 2-months after offer is accepted MAY very well sour relations with employer. only you can determine and judge this based on your correspondence.
"I suppose these will be some questions I'll ask in interviews, but I don't know if it's something I should try to negotiate at risk of not being hired."
what is your principle objective? employment or vacation. again, only you can decide this as you are the one involved in communications with potential employer. If they pose the question during the interview, and you are aware of the work load, their need, and if you believe you will enjoy yourself there, then you have a decision to make.
each an every individual is unique with regards to therapeutic time-off. only you can make that decision since you are aware of all correspondence with prospective employers.
i'd also state this, if no employment offer is made at time of graduation or when you plan to vacation, then do as you so please. certainly make plans accordingly and enjoy yourself.
hope this helps . . .
-pmover
RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
you bet.
The longest I have had off work (including being unemployed, when I was not able to go off on holiday), since starting work at the age of 18, is 8 weeks, and that includes uni. That's been 31 years. Someone who accepts that as a likelihood and plans to ameliorate its effect is showing foresight.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Is it okay to ask for a delayed starting date?
I don't feel completely ready to go back to a full time job, but my personal situation has changed, so I've had to get serious about finding employment.. I wish I didn't have to.
"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"