Career Dilemma
May 28, 2008
Update: I turned down the job offer from the high school. After a lot of thought, discussion, and even some helpful comments from some faithful readers, I decided that I didn’t really want to work there. Ultimately it came down to money, and the degree to which our lifestyle would have to change if I took that job. On top of that, I really do enjoy the job that I have, so the incentive to move wasn’t really there. I’m comfortable with my decision, and thank you to those who helped me decide!
First, I apologize for neglecting the blog for the past few weeks. Mostly it’s because we haven’t uploaded any new pictures of Xander since Christmas, and I’m tired of reusing old ones. I’m hoping by this weekend we’ll have a huge batch up, and I’ve got a few posts ready and waiting once we do.
Right now though, I’m having a career dilemma. Currently I work in a University library. I supervise about 30 student employees, do tech support and library support and I love my job. Unfortunately, it’s an un-benefited position. This means that I get paid when I’m here, and I don’t get paid when I’m not here. I work 7.5 hours a day, 5 days a week. 8am-4:30pm. I like my students and I like my colleagues. Zach and I have one car. I drop him off at work, drop Xander off at day care, and then drive myself to work. We also both work at the same university for the same department, so I interact with him professionally on a regular basis, which I enjoy. In 5 years or so when Xander is in school, I could likely shift my hours to 7am-3pm, and then be home with Xander after school. We would have to figure out some sort of day camp or something, because I don’t have summers off.
Today I got offered a job at the local high school. Working in their library and doing some technical support for students. The pay is a little less, and it’s only for 186 days out of the year. This means I would likely have to find some sort of seasonal employment for the summer. But, it’s a benefited position. Medical, dental, retirement, life insurance, 2 paid weeks off during the school year, and summers off. So when Xander is in school, I could have summers off with him. The hours are from 10am-6pm, so I wouldn’t be able to pick Xander up from day care anymore. We would need to find another car.
So now I’m stuck. Do I take the job with less pay and benefits with slightly more challenging hours that will eventually coincide with my kid’s schedule? Or, do I stay in the job that I have and continue on without benefits? I’m on Zach’s medical plan, so that isn’t a huge concern. But, I can’t take sick days with Xander. We can’t take any family vacations, I’m almost 30 and I don’t have any retirement money invested, and I certainly can’t rely on social security to help me out in 50 years.
I have to let the high school know by Friday what I’m going to do, and I don’t know how to decide. So, if anyone out there has any thoughts or suggestions that might help me make my decision, I’d love to hear them!
Hi Sara,
I’ve been following your blog since I was newly pregnant (I now have a beautiful 6-month-old girl, Honor Anne), and I felt I should comment on this one.
I also work for a university (I’m the editor in the publications dept. and also the new media developer) and I’m wondering why your university doesn’t provide you with benefits? Is it a union job?
I, too, am concerned about retirement and how money, work hours, and job flexibility mesh with my family obligations.
I would take the high school job if I was in your place. Although you have benefits through your husband (and I’m assuming they’re good ones, as mine are), having that time off in the summer and being able to work different hours might prove to be priceless.
Plus, if it’s a public high school, I’m sure it’s union. I can’t tell you how much I love being in a protected position that has guaranteed step pay raises every year. And I’m sure the level of benefits and retirement options is no too shabby either.
And, although it means getting another car, your schedules could overlap a bit, providing you more time with Xander (that’s the one that would clinch it for me!) Although I am spoiled a bit because I telecommute, I feel the less time spent in day care and the more time with me the better.
Good luck with your decision!
Hi Sara;
I found your blog through a google search and wanted to let you know you have a new reader! My name is Sara, too (it’s a good one!), and I have a nearly-two year old son, so we have several things in common.
Just wanted to say hi and wish you a great day!
–Sara
Hi Stormy - I appreciate your comments and suggestions - my job at the university is a newly created position, and they haven’t convinced the powers that be to create a benefited line for it yet. We you factor in projected lower attendance for the next few years, and the astronomical rise in energy costs, I’m not sure when they’ll manage to convince anyone that there is spare money to fund me unfortunately. The university does give everyone a slight raise each year, so that’s not a huge concern. I am a bit jealous of your ability to telecommute and spend more time with your little girl - it sounds like you’ve got a pretty good job going on! But, I’m happy with my decision too
Hi Sara - thanks for commenting - I always love to hear from new readers! It sounds like we do have quite a bit in common (starting with that great name)
I hope you and your son are having a great day today!