Need a little advice ...

[osutuba]

I posted this on my MySpace page, but thought I would cross-post it here:

So, as many of you may know, I finally got a job after 4 months without one. The position is a contract job for 2 months (UPDATE: I found out today there is high probability I will be there longer. How long is still unknown), but it may be extended and/or go permanent. That part is very up in the air right now.

At this time, people at work know I have 2 kids. Unless they live in certain towns in the area and put two and two together, they don't know my oldest is a near-drowning survivor.

Many of you also know about the golf tournament (http://blog.myspace.com/www.golfingforaidan.com) coming up in a couple of weeks. So far, I have -- if I'm lucky -- close to 15 entrants registered. My goal is to get at least 50.

Here's my dilemma: several of the people I work with are avid golfers (golf clubs/balls/etc. in their cubes, plaques showing they placed in tournaments, etc.). Like many states in the Union, NC is an "at will" employment state. I want to tell them about the tournament, but I don't want to risk losing this position because of Aidan's condition (I know they can't terminate me on that basis, but I am paranoid ...). I really like my job and the people I work with, so I'd hate to lose it.

So what do I do? Do I let the cat out of the bag and promote the tournament in hopes to get more players at the risk of my contract not being extended or not getting a permanent position, or do I keep mum and risk having to reschedule or completely cancel the tournament due to lack of interest?

I really could use the advise of my friends out there in the world of OStateSports :)

[Pokes_Rock]

Can you stick a note or flyer up in your cube? You won't be hitting anyone up about it, but giving them the opportunity to approach you.

[osutuba]

Can you stick a note or flyer up in your cube? You won't be hitting anyone up about it, but giving them the opportunity to approach you.
That is a possibility. I'll look into it.

[Verb]

Personally, I'd keep it to myself. If they happen to find out later down the line, when you're established there, they can participate in future fundraisers.

[bleedorange]

I think you are right on with the "paranoid" part. I'm still not sure how you get from having a special needs child to getting fired, but if they did, is that really someone you want to work for?

Secondly, it sounds like this golf tourney has been more burden than help, you might find more value in "peace of mind" if you'd just forget it and focus on the "have to's" right now.

At any rate, I'm having a tough time seeing the danger in telling my co-workers "I'm having a golf tourny for my son, want to play?"

Good luck.

[jakeman]

Post a flyer in the break room. Add at the bottom in handwriting something along the lines of "or see Russell in cube #XXX".

[legelegel]

Is medical insurance coverage by this company an issue for you now that you see permanent employment possibilities in the future?

In other words are you thinking the company's management would consider not hiring you on a full time basis, because they could readily see your family medical needs and not be willing to accept that possible burden on their medical insurance coverage down the line?

[GoPokes83]

Fly that flag Tuba! Not to give Bleed a big head but he's right about "Would you really want to work for them?" Let your new employers and co-workers know now about Aidan and you'll more than likely be surprised by the positive response. BUT if you keep it hidden until after you're a full timer then there actually may be a backlash if those same folks think you were hiding something from them, and then they'll make up their own minds as to why they think you did it.

Dude... You've put so much of your life in the hands of our Lord since this horrific accident. What makes you think he'll abandon you now? If this job is meant to be then it will be, if not then there's nothing you can do about it.

[jakeman]

Dude... You've put so much of your life in the hands of our Lord since this horrific accident. What makes you think he'll abandon you now? If this job is meant to be then it will be, if not then there's nothing you can do about it.


And, there you have it.

[osutuba]

Fly that flag Tuba! Not to give Bleed a big head but he's right about "Would you really want to work for them?" Let your new employers and co-workers know now about Aidan and you'll more than likely be surprised by the positive response. BUT if you keep it hidden until after you're a full timer then there actually may be a backlash if those same folks think you were hiding something from them, and then they'll make up their own minds as to why they think you did it.

Dude... You've put so much of your life in the hands of our Lord since this horrific accident. What makes you think he'll abandon you now? If this job is meant to be then it will be, if not then there's nothing you can do about it.
I told one of the guys on my team yesterday about it and he said he was interested. I asked his advice and he said to go for it. What that and the advice of others on here and elsewhere, I went to my boss today. He said he would check to make sure there are no HR issues with me soliciting for players at work and get back with me.

BTW, my paranoia is not unfounded. I won't get into it here, but anyone wanting to know the details can PM me and I'll get back with you as soon as I can.

[CaliforniaCowboy]

You might consider approaching your boss about the idea and get his/her feedback on whether it would be appropriate, and the best way to approach it, flyer, etc..

Asking your boss shouldn't have any greater risk than posting something in the break room. Either way people will find out.

It just seems to me that asking first would help build a little trust with your management, and might help you avoid potential problems that you may not be aware of.