How to Defer FT by a Year?

After working so hard to secure my dream FT offer in a tough job market, I'm now facing the possibility of letting that offer go. My parents both contracted covid two months ago, but have yet to make a full recovery. They've been experiencing severe long covid symptoms that have led to hospitalization on multiple occasions over the past few weeks, and given that they're both over the age of 60 with underlying health problems, I find it extremely difficult to justify starting work this summer when something could possibly happen while I'm gone. Forced between a rock and a hard place, I know I would regret not spending any time with my parents especially since I've had little quality time with them since starting college, but I also can't fathom just giving up a job that I likely won't have a shot at getting again. The ideal situation would be to ask HR to defer my FT offer by a year, but there's always the possibility that they'll simply rescind the offer. I haven't worked at the firm yet, so there isn't anyone there that I could talk to about my situation who'd be able to support or rally behind me. 

I guess that leads to my question: has anyone had any experience asking for a 1 year deferment on their FT offer, and whether my situation would be grounds for receiving one? I'm a bit wary of sending sensitive medical information over to HR, but would that help my case at all? Should I send an email relaying this context or would it be better to schedule a call with HR? Is there any other information that would also be useful to disclose? Any tips or advice in asking, whether via email or over the phone would be immensely appreciated.

 
Most Helpful

If you are going to ask HR, then I don't see why you wouldn't tell them about your parents' condition. It's not really 'sensitive medical information'- it's very important to your story and would help your case. As much as dream jobs are important, other priorities in life come first- and it seems like you know what to choose. From the company's perspective, they might think that 1 year is too long (unless this is an analyst class intake which they do every year), but they would be quite inconsiderate imo if they don't let you delay your start for at least a few months.

Best wishes to you and your parents. 

 

As someone who was in a similar situation a few years ago, I would prioritize family. Think longer term - which are you more likely to regret? Worst case with regards to the job, you'll find another one and you'll land on your feet. I promise. 

If you do arrive upon prioritizing your family, give HR the full picture. At that point, you have nothing to lose anyways + unless they are monsters, they will try to work with you to arrive to a good decision. 

Sorry to hear you're going through this. I was there in my early 20s and can tell you it was really hard and I don't think I handled it well. It was honestly the first real professional decision I had to make. Don't stress yourself out more than you need to and I'm happy to DM you if helpful to chat more in private

 

Curious about how you worked through your situation. Were you able to defer the offer? We can do DM if that's okay with you.

 

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