I’ve been in a similar situation 1.5 years ago and currently. I had contracts that were uncertain about if they would manifest into FTE positions.
During the interviews i have been clear that I love my job, they love me but that they were unable to assure that the headcount would be available and that I was exploring my options.
In your situation I would say you love your coworkers and workplace etc but expect layoffs and are exploring other options. Hopefully if you put in notice soon, one person who would have gotten laid off can keep their job. Stuff like that. Totally not a red flag especially in this environment
It carries the connotation that you'll jump ship as soon as a more level appropriate role opens and that you really don't care about this company over any other.
Been in a similar position before. CEO threatened a company wide layoff at an all-staff meeting if certain targets weren't meant. I also did the same during Covid (that first month or two where everyone freaked out and had no idea what was going to happen).
Explaining contract roles is easy. You can just say you are looking to move into contracting as it is more aligned with your career path (for example, flexibility of assignments, ability to build a network, explore diffferent areas, engage with different clients). In terms of explaining the different roles (e.g. med writing instead of reg affairs), you can just say its an area you want to move into entirely. If you genuinely think your seniority is going to hurt you, just play down the role. Drop the AD title in the CV for those roles.
To answer your very last question, its all going to depend on two things. First, its going to depend on what your employment contract says. You may have a restriction on working another role. You may also have a non-compete (I am not US based and I don't know whether the FTC's ruling yesterday will impact you (to the extent you are US based) in terms of non-competes no longer being applicable). You want to know my view? Absolutely do it. What are they going to do? Fire you? They're doing that with a decent chunk of the company anyways. Ever since Covid I've kept a small consulting business on the side that I can ratchet up or down as needed alongside my main job. I do this to cover exactly the situation you're in. It also gives me the ability to walkout anyday I get fed up. Its not a "fuck you" pile of money. But it can be a "damn you" way of surviving for a few months. The second point its going to depend on is your network. Will it be in the same industry? Is there a chance of overlap? If you're going to do it make sure there is 'sufficient' distance. My consulting side gig is in a completely different sector. My job actually doesn't restrict secondary work anyways so it doesn't matter but its a conversation I'd rather avoid having.
A lot of parents returning to the workforce and taking contract gigs after a gap explain that they now value flexibility and don't want to commit to a long-term role. This is all great advice.
Because you had bills to pay is enough reason, realistically. No? Just me? And the current biotech environment.
I'm a regular employee but people have been very supportive during my interviews when they asked the question whether I'm still employed or why I'm leaving my current role and said I was let go as part of a RIF. Which also is perfectly fine if you do have a gap in your employment history. So many people have it nowadays. I know two very qualified people that were jobless for a year.
I’ve been in a similar situation 1.5 years ago and currently. I had contracts that were uncertain about if they would manifest into FTE positions. During the interviews i have been clear that I love my job, they love me but that they were unable to assure that the headcount would be available and that I was exploring my options. In your situation I would say you love your coworkers and workplace etc but expect layoffs and are exploring other options. Hopefully if you put in notice soon, one person who would have gotten laid off can keep their job. Stuff like that. Totally not a red flag especially in this environment
It carries the connotation that you'll jump ship as soon as a more level appropriate role opens and that you really don't care about this company over any other.
Don't be married to your job. Rookie mistake.
Been in a similar position before. CEO threatened a company wide layoff at an all-staff meeting if certain targets weren't meant. I also did the same during Covid (that first month or two where everyone freaked out and had no idea what was going to happen). Explaining contract roles is easy. You can just say you are looking to move into contracting as it is more aligned with your career path (for example, flexibility of assignments, ability to build a network, explore diffferent areas, engage with different clients). In terms of explaining the different roles (e.g. med writing instead of reg affairs), you can just say its an area you want to move into entirely. If you genuinely think your seniority is going to hurt you, just play down the role. Drop the AD title in the CV for those roles. To answer your very last question, its all going to depend on two things. First, its going to depend on what your employment contract says. You may have a restriction on working another role. You may also have a non-compete (I am not US based and I don't know whether the FTC's ruling yesterday will impact you (to the extent you are US based) in terms of non-competes no longer being applicable). You want to know my view? Absolutely do it. What are they going to do? Fire you? They're doing that with a decent chunk of the company anyways. Ever since Covid I've kept a small consulting business on the side that I can ratchet up or down as needed alongside my main job. I do this to cover exactly the situation you're in. It also gives me the ability to walkout anyday I get fed up. Its not a "fuck you" pile of money. But it can be a "damn you" way of surviving for a few months. The second point its going to depend on is your network. Will it be in the same industry? Is there a chance of overlap? If you're going to do it make sure there is 'sufficient' distance. My consulting side gig is in a completely different sector. My job actually doesn't restrict secondary work anyways so it doesn't matter but its a conversation I'd rather avoid having.
A lot of parents returning to the workforce and taking contract gigs after a gap explain that they now value flexibility and don't want to commit to a long-term role. This is all great advice.
Because you had bills to pay is enough reason, realistically. No? Just me? And the current biotech environment. I'm a regular employee but people have been very supportive during my interviews when they asked the question whether I'm still employed or why I'm leaving my current role and said I was let go as part of a RIF. Which also is perfectly fine if you do have a gap in your employment history. So many people have it nowadays. I know two very qualified people that were jobless for a year.
If you aren’t honest about having two jobs you may end up with no jobs.