My job is something that I have gone back and forth on for so long. I'm so indecisive.
I have one class and my internship left and I will graduate with a Degree in Website Design. My passion.
But, in order to really make a living off Website Design I wll have to devote a lot of effort and time into getting a steady following built up before I would be able to call it a reasonable job. That could take years.
So for now I work as a secretary, because it's a relevant job in my area.
The problem is, I currently only work 30 hours a week. But they are split shifts. I work an average 5 days a week, and 2 evenings. I put a lot of time in, but somehow don't come out with many hours. My job is stressful, I have no benefits, they can call me any time, day or night and need for me to do something. I have a lot of trouble getting off, especially for more than one day because I am the only secretary. If our organization has any events, I have to be here, so that might mean I have to work over my days off, or come back in the evening. Such as last week when I worked 10 days straight, and it's not an option.
My job entails so many little details and jobs, and I do not enjoy it. I have trouble keeping track of everything.
I have been here 2.5 years nearly. I only make $1.25 over minimum wage and that is after the $.50 raise I am getting next month.
While it is a stable job, I seriously feel over worked and underpaid, especially for my experience and skills. Because my schedule is so eccentric, I really do not have any time to put into developing my web design base, or getting any clients, so I feel like it is a catch 22. I can't quit until I build a business, but I can't build a business until I quit.
Ideally I would like to work somewhere 2 or 3 days a week at an active job such as waitressing, so I have a little steady cash flow, and then devote the rest of my time into web design.
I would like to be able to get web design business before we begin having children, so I can stay home and care for them, and still make money.
My mother who has a masters in nursing is currently taking an internship at a local Mental Institution. She absolutely loves it, and they are begging her to quit her current job and come work for them. She is considering it. But she told me they are also looking to hire a secretary. My aunt works there as a secretary. This isn’t just some job. This is a career. Complete with pensions, and benefits, and retirement, and all that jazz. Besides working straight week days, paid holidays off, vacations, the pay is more than twice what I am making. People fight for these jobs, but due to an expansion they are in the process of hiring over 100 people, which is usually hard to get into.
I know in less than 5 years I will be wanting to quit and become a mother. So I am trying to decide if it is worth it to disrupt my job where I am comfortable at, and try something new. Especially since being a secretary isn’t my desire. But heck. At 2 or even 3 times the pay, it might be worth it to work there 5 years. I could save up quite a tidy sum. Maybe even a thousand a month, which would really help us out.
I’m just not sure what to do. Is a job change worth it for only a few years? I would love to get out of my current job, I think about it every day. But I’m not sure if I am ready to jump into being another secretary. Mom tells me the work there is a lot better though, and I think I could put up with anything for that much money.
I am going to ask if they would let me come shadow there a couple times. To see what I would be doing. But I am not sure what their security protocols are, so that may not happen.
Even if I put my application in it might be months or a year before they call you back. I am thinking about just putting my resume in and seeing what happens.
What would you do?
Tough Job Decisions
November 13th, 2013 at 03:23 pm
November 13th, 2013 at 03:29 pm 1384356575
I would put definitely put an application in and see what happens. If it comes time for you to make a decision about a potential job switch, it is easier to know what you can realistically expect (pros and cons) once you know time and money.
I'm contemplating a return to the job force. And a position was available, part-time and at organization that I'd like to work for. However, after having a discussion with the supervisor who kindly answered all my questions, I decided it wasn't a good fit and wonderful as I thought it would be. So I am still looking.
Good luck!
November 13th, 2013 at 03:30 pm 1384356642
November 13th, 2013 at 03:32 pm 1384356771
Right now I have insurance through my parents because of obamacare. But it won't cover any kids I have. Husband has insurance through his work, but if he was to add me, it would literately cost half of everything he makes. More than 10 times what he is paying for himself!! It's crazy, and not possible.
So either I'm going to have to find a job with insurance, or pay for individual insurance, which is super pricey as well.
November 13th, 2013 at 04:29 pm 1384360194
I say go for it. When the time comes to quit the job, you will have a tidy sum saved up.
Plus, perhaps you could save up the money for your remodel next year, and wouldn't need to borrow a cent.
Good luck.
November 13th, 2013 at 04:56 pm 1384361810
November 13th, 2013 at 05:01 pm 1384362095
Now I just have to talk husband into it. He does not seem to want me to apply at a mental hospital, fearing that I would get hurt. (The inmates there are criminally insane)But my job would be well away from any inmates, separate building, lots of guards, and high security fencing. So I think he is being a little paranoid. lol
November 13th, 2013 at 07:44 pm 1384371899
November 13th, 2013 at 09:21 pm 1384377699
Even if you are leaving in 5 yrs (they cannot ask you and do NOT talk about it), you will NOT be the first to leave. With pensions and other benefits, they should have maternity leave also...and that info you can quietly get from your aunt. Also let your aunt and mother (who work there) talk to your husband about working conditions. Especially your aunt who has worked there the longest.
November 16th, 2013 at 04:47 pm 1384620469
Heck, I say go for *any* new job. I bet a fast food manager has better pay and benefits than you do currently.
Good Luck!