Stay out of it
Dear Prudence,
My friends Lucy and Olive have met a few times over the years. A few weeks ago, I hosted a party where they saw each other for the first time in a long time. I recently discovered that Lucy shared her struggle to find a job, so Olive recommended her for a one-year contract position at her workplace.
We’re all in our mid-20s. Olive is killing it at her corporate job. She was recently promoted and oversees a small team. Lucy’s more of a free spirit. She’s had a few short-term jobs since graduating college. She lives with her parents and travels abroad a lot, but I know she’s pretty unhappy and feels down about struggling to land a full-time job.
Lucy told me the biggest downside of this job is the really long contract term (her words, not mine). I expect she’ll quickly ask for time off to travel and won’t complete the full year, as she’s done this with previous jobs. I love my friend, but I know work isn’t her priority. And I worry it will reflect poorly on Olive, who really cares about her job. Should I give Olive a heads-up about what I know? Have a conversation with Lucy before she accepts the job? Or should I just stay out of it?
—Concerned Friend
Re: Stay out of it
If Olive really is killing it in corporate, she's savvy enough to know the potential downsides of being a professional reference for someone you only know socially. She may have made the recommendation knowing that it wouldn't matter if it didn't work out (sometimes you bring in a ton of short term contractors because you just need butts in seats, and you know half of them aren't going to work out.) If she's not that savvy, it's good to get this lesson early in her career.
Also tell her If she does decide she truly wants a permanent f/t job, this contract could be the opportunity she is looking for. If they are pleased with her work and attendance, she'd almost be a shoo-in if they have a permanent position open up that matches her skill set.
Not impossible, but I find it hard to believe that this job doesn't allow for some time off. It might be unpaid and people couldn't be excessive with it, but it's unreasonable to not allow any days off for a whole year.
And if she brings up more of a complaint again you can ask what she may be looking for in a LT position.