Basically, here's the scenario. I'm a junior PR officer. I've quit my job at a PR company after five months. Partly, this is due to a lack of management in the department which I work (the previous manager quit and the senior management did not consult with us at all nor filled the position, and left it so that someone - i.e. me - fell unofficially into the position), but largely it's because I do not enjoy the work and have failed to perform my required duties for which I accept full responsibility.
The company has accepted this, but want to retain me on one client for a period of six weeks. I was originally attempting to handle nine clients PR campaigns, have failed miserably, and do not wish to prolong my foray in this career.
However, I have an opportunity now to work on a single client for 3-4 hours a day exclusively. I previously agreed to the idea, but so far no contract has been presented to me, I have two days left of my notice period, and after giving it some thought am not necessarily looking forward to it.
In addition, I suspect that I will be roped in to work on the other clients "unofficially", thus placing me in the same position I was before I decided to quit, for less pay.
What's your opinion? Do you think things will be better if I am working on one client? Or do you think I should cut my losses, break my gentleman's agreement and accept that it's one poor reference on my CV?
I think it's up to you to negociate the terms of your contract, i.e. no "unofficial" work. As for accepting or not the job, it depends if you have some perspectives for the next weeks or not, in terms of getting another job. I think 3-4 hours a day is not too much, and it could be interesting. After all, you can work without stressing yourself, and you might learn a thing or two. It won't necessarily improve your CV, but it can have an impact on yourself. After all, coming out of a bad experience, it could be an opportunity to show yourself that you can "do it right".
So yup, flex your muscles, negotiate your terms, and get the most out of it.
Well you know, after a string of work-related failures, I was about to quit my branch forever. Then I had one good experience that showed me not only I was able to "do it right", but also that I could prove to be a valuable and appreciated team-member. Then again, I don't live in PR hell, so...
I agree with >>2. Negociate your contract so you can't be screwed, and make this a good experience. If this doesn't happen, make it clear to yourself beforehand that you must have NO hesitation to bail out. That way you'll have no regrets, and you won't feel "trapped".
Good luck.
I think you should take that part-time work, contract be damned, and use the rest of the business hours to look for a new job.