Important Job Decision

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So I may have to make an important decision about my job soon. Note I do not say my 'career' as I may very well go back to school in a completely different field in a year or two.

I currently work at a residential treatment center for boys who have a history of neglect and abuse. It is a large, reputable, private agency that works closely with state government and social services. I am a Community Living Skills Specialist, meaning that I am a step up from a direct care worker but not quite on the level of a social worker with a degree, etc.

My current job is very taxing and stressful. The hours suck and it's a long commute. I make okay money and have a good benefits package. I have the opportunity to make extra money working overtime. However I am still an hourly employee and the hours and time off suck ass. There are also a lot of stupid beaurocratic issues that make my life a mess.

I am well regarded at my current job.

I may have a chance to take on a job in my own town, very close to my home, at a small community afterschool group. I would have a great degree of authority over my own programs and it would be a much more flexible environment. I would probably take a pay cut and lose some benefits, but I have other options as far as health care as of this time. I would also have the opportunity to work an odd job once or twice during the week and still have a far more favorable schedule than I do now.

Everyone at this agency is a friend of mine and I get along well with them. I would be highly qualified for this job. I think I could get it if I want it.

I've been with my current agency part-time for 2 years and full time for only 4 months. I would feel bad quitting but I don't feel much loyalty and I doubt it would affect my career if I had to leave.

Would you guys take this chance? It's really a quality of life versus money and career thing, and since I'm not looking for a career in social work, but am likely just working for a while until I make some decisions, I am really leaning towards making the switch.

NT

[Rooster71]

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So I may have to make an important decision about my job soon. Note I do not say my 'career' as I may very well go back to school in a completely different field in a year or two.

I currently work at a residential treatment center for boys who have a history of neglect and abuse. It is a large, reputable, private agency that works closely with state government and social services. I am a Community Living Skills Specialist, meaning that I am a step up from a direct care worker but not quite on the level of a social worker with a degree, etc.

My current job is very taxing and stressful. The hours suck and it's a long commute. I make okay money and have a good benefits package. I have the opportunity to make extra money working overtime. However I am still an hourly employee and the hours and time off suck ass. There are also a lot of stupid beaurocratic issues that make my life a mess.

I am well regarded at my current job.

I may have a chance to take on a job in my own town, very close to my home, at a small community afterschool group. I would have a great degree of authority over my own programs and it would be a much more flexible environment. I would probably take a pay cut and lose some benefits, but I have other options as far as health care as of this time. I would also have the opportunity to work an odd job once or twice during the week and still have a far more favorable schedule than I do now.

Everyone at this agency is a friend of mine and I get along well with them. I would be highly qualified for this job. I think I could get it if I want it.

I've been with my current agency part-time for 2 years and full time for only 4 months. I would feel bad quitting but I don't feel much loyalty and I doubt it would affect my career if I had to leave.

Would you guys take this chance? It's really a quality of life versus money and career thing, and since I'm not looking for a career in social work, but am likely just working for a while until I make some decisions, I am really leaning towards making the switch.

NT

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If I was in your situation, I would take the job provided that 1) the cut in pay was not too much of a cut, and 2) the new job has a fairly good outlook (stability, at least some chance for advancement or increase in pay). That's my opinion, FWIW.

[plaster8]

I say go for it if that's what you want. Don't worry about the company you're leaving. It'll survive. The days of hard-core loyalty to companies are pretty much over, because so many companies aren't loyal to their employees any more.

I mean, they wouldn't hesistate to lay you off if they needed to, so don't hesistate to make a change you need/want to make.

[Topflight]

Sounds like you are just trying to talk yourself into it. You've already decided. You will switch and be happier for it.

[wacki]

You say it's a long commute. Make sure you calculate how much money you spend on your commute, as well as how much time. A hour commute both ways can equal a lot of money per year. Less stress at your job can also mean better health. Don't forget that. You can't put a price on happiness.

[TheRake]

I agree with what the others have said. Do what makes you happy! Besides poker can be a great source of extra income, and sounds like you would have some extra time to play.

You do play poker don't you? /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

TheRake

[eggzz]

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Sounds like you are just trying to talk yourself into it. You've already decided. You will switch and be happier for it.

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You hit the nail on the head. Its hard making decisions like these, but once you make them, you likely will find that it wasn't so difficult after all, and regrets will be minimal. Based on your post, you understand this is a logical move, you are seeking validation. Go for it.

[Rooster71]

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You say it's a long commute. Make sure you calculate how much money you spend on your commute, as well as how much time. A hour commute both ways can equal a lot of money per year.

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Very true. The time factor is really amazing. My previous job was a 1hr 15 min commute one way. I don't work there anymore, but in addition to the time savings I notice I am generally less fatigued throughout the day. I have medical issues that make the fatigue factor a big deal. But even without the medical problems, I think you will notice a big difference without the commute.

[Zeno]

Just to be contrary - Why not live closer to the job you now have? Is it really that hard to move closer, cut the commute, and keep the better paying job until you decide on your future?

Bureaucratic issues are a perennial problem with almost all jobs. Don’t be so sure that everything will be so rosy with your new job.

Perhaps moving away from your 'home' or own town would be a good experience and I think something that you should try. Make new friends while keeping your old friends also.

-Zeno

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Z -

I always enjoy your contrarian responses /images/graemlins/smile.gif but in this case the home town is definitely a major factor for me. The 'town' that my job is in is really not a town at all, little more than a few restaurants and a state police barracks slapped along a state highway. Also, I live with my girlfriend (and intend to continue doing so /images/graemlins/tongue.gif) and she's not going out there. For a while, when we were on the verge of breaking up, I considered taking a cheap staff apartment on the campus itself, but that didn't happen.

Probably costs me as much as 5 bucks a day for gas right now. It's a long commute and it's going to get worse in winter.

Anyway, the new job would literally be with 4 coworkers, including the boss, all of whom are about my age and are my friends. It's very stable and would be a great fit for me. The others are right that I was basically looking for an okay to go. The worst part will just be telling the old boss and working the last few weeks to collect on my vacation time etc... that is, assuming this job pans out, which is still a 'maybe.'

NT