Job Situation?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
Job Situation?
9
Tue, 05-16-2006 - 1:38pm

I just applied for a job, it's 18-20 hours a week library tech. I talked to the manager on the phone and it seems like I have a good chance at it.

Pros:
Hours are 18-20 hours per week. That's More hours than I have now- and DAYTIME hours! (Now I work 2 evenings a week, 5-9pm. For a total of 8 hours/week).
More money than I make now- $11/hr. (Now I make $9/hr.)

Cons:
A longer commute- maybe half an hour. (Now I have a 15 minute commute.)
Same job position- I was hoping to break into a different field like secretarial.

So I need advice. I'm not sure if this would be a good career move for me or not, if they even offered it to me. Am I aiming too low, should I wait for a full time job or at least more hours? Is it foolish to go from one parttime job to another?

And another question- should I keep both jobs or quit my current one? Even if I keep both jobs, I won't be working full time- it will be 28 hours per week most weeks. But I know it will be more stressful working two jobs at once.

DH's going to be unemployed (Yet again!) at the end of May, so I really have to think about this. I was planning to look for a full time job, but then I saw this one and sent in my resume. But I'm not sure what would be the wisest career move.

Plus, I am scared to death to ask people to be references. And I'm always scared of starting a new situation. So I want to be sure it's the right choice.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
In reply to: bluerains
Tue, 05-16-2006 - 4:44pm

Hi Blue,


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2005
In reply to: bluerains
Wed, 05-17-2006 - 5:07pm

If it were me I'd take the new job and quit the old one. I wouldn't be able to handle 2 jobs. Still, you've got to do what you feel is right. I think that Lori is right that this might lead to more opportunities.


Will dh be getting unemployment benefits or assistance? The responsibility should not fall solely on your shoulders.


Good luck and congrats on the prospect.

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Amanda

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
In reply to: bluerains
Wed, 05-17-2006 - 9:26pm

They didn't call yet, so I guess I was excited over nothing. I just thought I was so qualified for the job, and the manager said she would call yesterday to schedule an interview, but did not.

And I just found out my hours will be cut at my present job for the summer...no more Saturdays! So, that means I am right to go IF I can get hired somewhere else...and that is the question.

I am ready to leave, but can I find a better job or is this the best I can get?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
In reply to: bluerains
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 1:39pm

They just called, I have an interview tomarrow and now I feel sick I'm so nervous. My biggest fear is to get the job and then do a bad job at it. And finding a new place and driving somewhere new.

I almost regret applying, I'm so nervous.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2005
In reply to: bluerains
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 3:37pm

Big changes like that are bound to make us nervous. They would make anyone nervous. I know how you feel about starting a new job. It is nerve wracking, but you said yourself that you know you are qualified and you've done the same work before so you should be fine. By the end of the first day you will probably feel more comfortable.


Good luck with the interview.

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Amanda

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
In reply to: bluerains
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 9:32pm

Hi Blue,


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
In reply to: bluerains
Fri, 05-19-2006 - 10:22am

Update: Stress Overload, Cancelled Interview

Last night DH came home at 6:30pm and informed me his car was breaking down, and I had to drive him to the auto repair shop, and he forgot to tell me that he would need my car to go to work! I was so stressed out, but on the way to drop off his car we also drove to the place I applied to.

Even though it's not far physically, I realized it will be a very stressful commute becasue there is Soooooooo much traffic in this area. Horns honking, my stress level skyrocked so much that I almost blanked out while driving- and had a total panic attack.

So this morning I called and cancelled the interview. I don't know if it was the right thing to do, but I thougth maybe DH needing my car was a sign from God or something. Or am I just using it as an excuse?

I do have second doubts- did I just cave in to fear and do the wrong thing? Or was it really too much for me to handle, and I did the right thing? I don't know. The sad thing is, it was only about 7 miles away- I just can't stand city traffic! And I live in a very congested city area with way too many cars- I need to find a really close job! Also the drivers here are SO RUDE- they beep all the time, cut you off, never let people into traffic, speed like crazy- it is horrible.

There was a commercial on TV that said, "In Massachusetts good drivers pay more so that bad drivers don't have to." And I say, "What do you mean, there are actually good drivers in Massachusetts?" No offense to anyone, and maybe it's better in rural areas, but drivers in my area are the rudest I have ever seen and I have lived in four states and seen a lot. I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack in the car one of these days.

So in short, I'm disappointed in myself for cancelling the interview, because DH was willing to go to work late so I could go, but I can't stand to drive there every day.

It's so sad that a 7 mile commute was too much for me. City driving is major sensory overload for me. The noise, and so much to pay attention to, and the speed- my senses can't handle it and try to shut down. And that's not safe.




Edited 5/19/2006 10:28 am ET by bluerains
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
In reply to: bluerains
Fri, 05-19-2006 - 12:48pm

Hi Blue,


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2005
In reply to: bluerains
Wed, 05-24-2006 - 3:55pm

Sorry to hear that you got so stressed. I would be too.


It's unfortunate that you cancelled the interview, but maybe that is your subconscious telling you that it's not the right move for you right now.


Will they reschedule the appointment for you?


Good luck either way.

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Amanda