A Sianing Interview

Went for an interview at RP today. I was excited because I want to take up a market research career. But I came out from the 3-hour interview disappointed because the details of the job were too daunting.

The work nature is fine, it is what I expect of market research. However, the working hours are crazy. The researcher there works an average of 12 to 14 hours everyday, and 18 hours when the project deadline is nearing. She is required to work the graveyard shift when there are tele-conferences with clients in the West (due to time exchange differences). She is also required to work on weekends or Public Holidays, but do get compensated by having a weekday off. Lastly, she is required to be mobilised as and when required (even if you have put on your PJs).

Their job scope is slightly different from that in other research firms. Researchers here are required to carry out fieldwork themselves, rather than wait for the data to come to them. That means she has to be an outdoor surveyor too, besides monitoring a big group of unruly part-time surveyors. At the end of it, she still has to trudge back to the office to process the data. This tough work ensures the data collected does not get 'contaminated' as much as possible.

After knowing too much, the interviewer gave me the choice to consider whether I still wish to pursue a career with them. Bong thinks the pay is ridiculously low for the amount of time spent at work. Sluggie thinks he could have earned way more than that if he slogs away at a factory for 12 hours everyday. Spongebob thinks RI is much better. Baby thinks I am better off teaching.

I am in a dilemma.