Sunday, July 28, 2013

Work Quandry


For the past month I have been thinking work. Work, work. Why is it on my mind even more than normal? Because I went to an interview a month ago. The lead up to the interview is that I have worked at my job for almost 6 years. It was the first and only job offer after I graduated. I know I would work there since A) they are always hiring and B) they pay well. Three years ago I changed locations to one closer to home. It went from a 45 minute to a 30 minute commute (all back roads!). I haven’t been as happy at this location due to not having a buddy at work. It took until this past year to have someone to hang out with and go to lunch.


Months back I started applying for jobs. I figured what the heck put yourself out there and see what comes of it. I had a couple interviews at a place not far from me. One paid too low and the other was for a supervisor, so it paid more. I turned down the first (it is the same job title I have now and level of education but paid $14,000 less) and the second never called back. I don’t blame them. My supervisory experience is as a manager of a pizza place, not an office.

A month ago I went on an interview that turned out to not be what I thought it was. It wasn’t even what I had applied for. The lady had pulled my resume since I checked it was okay to if I fit other positions in the company. The lady interviewing was so nice. I dazzled her with my usually annoying enthusiasm for my work. Then she hit me that it was working in a school. Okay, I didn’t see that coming. I don’t usually apply for stuff with children. I have PTSD from my last gig with kids.


I told her sure, I would be interested but that it came down to the money. The starting rate was too low for me. She said she could get me about where I would like to be. She sent me for the company’s testing – computer, email and typing. The next week I tested well. The following week they sent me for a drug test and fingerprinting. Then I received the call about the pay. I told the HR lady that I would call her back the next day with an answer. I went home to talk to the husband.

I knew that leaving my current job would involve less pay. The “real world” as I call it pays a lot less. It ranges from 4 to 14 thousand dollars less. I am licensed and now have almost 10 years of experience in the field, so I can deal with a few thousand less than I make now. I even rented out my house that has been empty for a while since the crazy lady moved out. I figured the deal I gave a friend’s brother would bring in the difference in pay.


When I talked to the husband he surprised me with saying he thinks I should stay at the current job due to the money. There is also a possibility of making more money with the new company. Of course the benefits aren’t as good and insurance is twice as much money. It may come out to be a draw depending on what the new company offers (allegedly offers are coming soon).

Then this week the company I turned down the job has called about other job opportunities. Either they want their monies worth after the drug and background checks or they are desperate. I told the HR lady that the reasons for not taking the position was the distance – it was twice the miles, which means twice the gas. The company did approve me for $2000 more than the starting pay for my license. The nice HR lady said that amount would be applied for the position she called me about. She said it was located in the area that I said I would be interested in (the same distance or 10-15 minutes longer depending on what part of town). She sent my resume to the hiring person. This is a big company in this area and most likely who I would work for if I left where I am at.


I am conflicted. I enjoy my work. I like the 30 minute drive. I like a couple people I work with. I am very good at my job. I like making a good wage. I am not afraid of hard work.

I do want to branch out and learn more. I want opportunities. My current job I am what I am (unless I get another degree). I don’t want to spend 20 years where I am. I see what it does to my coworkers (low empathy and thinks everyone fakes it).

Now I wait. I get into my “super fed up and I will do anything to get out of that place” modes. I also have my “I could use the extra money” modes.


No matter what I look at jobs as you make them what you want. There are the minimum expectations. After that it is flexible to do more. The annoying parts are also something that I can work on in my own head.


I try to tell myself there is no wrong answer. No matter what I will be helping people. 

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