STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

laken1 · Hermes

Torn about job decision...

NCshopper · Hermes

Hmm...I'd be really cautious about being at someone's disposal. It sounds like it's a situation where she could easily take advantage of you and you could end up working far more than you'd like and sitting in traffic more than you'd like.

Also, you're overqualified and not getting paid all that great, which makes me think that the novelty could wear off quickly, and you'd be left in a job that isn't that challenging for you and doesn't offer you the financial incentive to sit in traffic for that long.

You also might want to look at why you want a job in the first place: is it money? something to do with your time? a new opportunity? If this job doesn't sound like it's going to fulfill your wants, then you'd probably be better off continuing the job search.

I don't mean to say that you shouldn't take the job--I just think that if you're in a position to hold out for a *great* job, then you shouldn't settle for one that isn't as ideal as it could be. Kinda like dating--if you're in no hurry, then why settle for someone that isn't great?

laken1 · Hermes

Thanks for the thoughtful comments - I guess my real issue is that I really don't know what I want to be when I grow up! I did the whole 10-14 hour a day, lose sleep over it corporate thing & I know I don't want to do that again. But I'm being a picky bitch I guess - I want something that is part time, just to have extra $$ (we are paying off bills, saving for a house, me a car, etc - not that we don't NEED the money, but I don't *have* to have it), get out of my house. I think I've just become complacent because I haven't been working in over a year & now I find myself not even doing house stuff because I feel like "oh, I can do that tomorrow" kind of thing. I think if I'm busy I get more things done! If that makes any sense at all. So that's what I'm looking for, something that will fill some of my time but won't stress me out of my mind or anything. Which is why I applied for the other job & now this presented itself & confused me.....

My husband & I basically figured out that from a tax standpoint if I make under $30,000 that's ok, but after that I need to make at least $70,000 in order for us to be in basically the same "take home" position, after we figure in the tax issues, my clothing allowance, and gas, etc. And that doesn't even take into account that then no one is home to do laundry, cook, clean, etc, so either we fit that in & argue about it or I do it & resent him or we hire a house keeper, which makes it less practical for me to work....UGH! Just thinking about it all makes my head hurt. I don't want to be the stressed out bitch I become when I am working a job that requires the effort that making $60K+ demands. You know? So I guess I'm just venting more than anything, trying to find something I like but is fulfilling. The question of the universe I suppose!

gruiz · Kenneth Cole

It sounds to me like this job has more negatives than positives. Yes, you'll have access to wonderful designer clothes, but you didn't want a commute. What bothers me even more about the situation is that this woman could call you at any time. That means you could never make solid plans to do anything because you could get called into work. That'll get old really fast.

I would explain your concerns to the temp agency lady. You'd love to take the job, but can't be at someone's beck and call. You need to know your schedule in advance. See what she has to say about the situation.

Elle · Hermes

It sounds to me like you have a bad feeling about this. But of course, why wouldn't you do it? You're not doing anything else, right? WRONG! While this job could bring in a couple extra bucks, it would probably be spent at the sample sales before it ever saw the light of day AND you'd have to sit in hours of traffic everyday, which also means gas money AND since it's a job and not a career it's just a matter of time before you hated it enough to leave AND it sounds like it could get old really fast if you're schedule isn't set, etc, etc.

It may sound okay in theory, but in practice it would be bad news bears I'm afraid. Besides, it could end up keeping you from getting a job with more perks and fewer drawbacks that could be right around the corner. Count your blessings and run in the other direction, I say .

NCshopper · Hermes

Hey Laken,

I totally understand what you mean about having too much time on your hands and thus not getting anything done. I notice at work that when I'm super busy I get a million things done, but if I have some free time, I put things off (hello, Style Thread!)

Anyway, I was thinking about your situation and it reminded me of my mom a few years ago. She wanted some part time work just for something to do. She frequented a consignment shop ALL the time and made friends with the owners, who eventually asked her if she wanted to help out at the consignment shop if someone was sick and couldn't make it to work, basically as a substitute. It worked out great for her for a number of years until she and my dad started travelling so frequently that she couldn't do it anymore. I don't know if that's something you'd want to do, but it's an idea.

laken1 · Hermes

Thanks guys - I'm going to call her today & pass. i just can't get a peaceful feeling about it. I told my MIL the story last night & she said it's my spirit telling me it's not right & I should listen to myself! (I used to think she was nuts, but i've started believing her!).

I have 2 other possible opportunities after the first of the year, so maybe one of those is meant to be.

#1, NCShopper, interesting you said that. I've been approached about putting some goods in a market on a consignment basis - like a "recycled" deal - we do lots of garage / estate sales & I think i have a good eye on buying for resale on ebay, so that may be possible if it's not too costly.

#2, one of my husband's friends just bought a business & is discussing the possibility of me helping him out from my home. After he gets it up & running, him going back to work, me answering the phone (at my house) & basic day to day book stuff. that I could do in my pjs!

I'm a firm believer in that what is supposed to work out will, so...

Thanks for the input though, it really gave me a lot to think about. And made me think I'm not crazy for turning down a job where I can purchase designer goods at wholesale....Really really, thank you. It's so nice to have a sounding board of women that I can trust...

And LMonet, I re-read your post & I think I told you almost the same thing! Funny I didn't apply my own advice to myself!

-- Edited by laken1 at 12:38, 2005-11-09