Job Discussion Forums

[wfh]

A colleague I like, respect and value asked me to teach a two week course to a group of prospective MBA students, off-campus. I agreed, he took my CV and course outline and promised to get back to me.

He bumped into me a few times around campus and told me the organisers would contact me.

Then on Thursday he called me to apologise for them not contacting me, telling me the course was scheduled to start today (Saturday) at a time that did not suit me. I asked him to reschedule the time. I told him I was disappointed at the short notice, and that I hadn't been contacted.

Now, as far as I know, I'm due to start teaching today at 5.30pm (six hours from now), at an unknown location, to an unknown number of students. I could contact him, but I'm rather stubborn, and he promised to call me back.

So, what do I do? Do I not turn up, phone and cancel, wait for him to phone and then cancel or turn up and teach? Right now I'm feeling really disrespected and completely unvalued, even though I've prepared the entire course and will be teaching it. I know they can't run the course without me, yet they don't even have the decency to call me and organise a meeting to agree payment etc. The payment is the thing that's really bugging me. My husband reckons I should go today, teach, and meet the organisers then.

The only things stopping me from cancelling right now are: don't want to embarrass colleague who is nice, the money would be sweet, this is the type of work I'm looking to get into as I'm leaving my current post soon.

But - GAH - I hate being treated like this! I hate people thinking they can act like this and I'll just meekly turn up.

What would you do/advise?

[Glenski]

If you don't know the location, how can you go? You've done enough.

Let the other guy be the one who is embarrassed. If you do get called, tell them he had your number, failed to notify you about the start date and location and pay, and see what they say. Ball is in their court.

If they want the course badly enough, they'll reschedule...if you want to take the job. Cut out the "friend" as middleman, though.

[jdl]

Agh...we have all been there. If you want the job, you will follow it up; if not, let it go. Develop a strategy for yourself since this will not be the last time. What have you learned from this that will make 'next time' easier to manage? How will you deal will your 'valued and trusted' colleagues in the future. What can you do to make things go more smoothly when asked to do contract work? How will you protect and enhance your reputation as an organized, thorough, 'on top of it', 'go to' instructor?

This is our world. Anticipate, plan, act, adjust and maintain your integrity.

[shenyanggerry]

wfh, I don't know where you are buy it sure sounds like China. Any other countries like this?

[naturegirl321]

Try to contact him, call his cell, his secretary, if he doesn't answer, it's his fault. YOu've done all you can.