The 695 thought pad

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Crisis!

Okay, nothing truly serious is going on, but it's been eating me up the past couple weeks and I need input, and pronto, I have to make a decision in the next couple days. So, my naive hopes of actually getting the job at the NC aquarium were dashed last week when I received the standard rejection letter from them. But, on the heels of that, I have been offered the job of assistant manager at the Project Puffin Visitor Center. This would mean going to Maine for about the same amount of time, just working at the Center, talking to people and also setting up interpretive programs and such for them. All in all, it's not a bad offer. It doesn't pay much (non-profit!), and it doesn't come with the excitement of last year, nor does it mean I've actually moved out of my parent's house. I have reservations about it, feeling that it's just doesn't seem like the right decision. But, at the same time, nothing else is happening and I might as well be making money while I still work on finding the next job. And this different position won't hurt my resume, since I'll be creating some educational programs from scratch at a sort of pilot project for Audubon, as well as being able to say that I have experience with supervising others. But, then again it's at the same place as my last job, which makes me feel like it's the safe choice and I wouldn't be taking the risk I need to. And, obviously my other option is to hold out and wait for another opportunity to present itself.

I've been going back and forth over this, so, much like Sarah, I just need some thoughts on it to help give me a push in one direction or another. In the meantime, I'm going to sign up to do some substitute teaching, as scary as that sounds. I want to update more, but right now this is the only thing I can think of. PLEASE TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!!! SOON!!!

7 Comments:

At 8:02 AM, Blogger manda said...

hmmm that's a toughie.... but how many jobs in your field have presented themselves this year? not that many unless you haven't told us about them. If you had another offer I would tell you to take it instead of the puffins but it doesn't really make sense to hold out for something that you don't know exists. I know it seems sucky to go back to the 'safe job', but it's a job nonetheless. When would the puffin people need to know your answer?? I woudl keep applying elsewhere and hoping until then.

 
At 1:56 PM, Blogger SophistiKat said...

I have to let them know by Saturday, so not a lot of time. But, I'm leaning towards taking now. My dad and I talked about some budgeting and I have asked for another $1.50/hour, to help make it more worthwhile for me. Otherwise, I wouldn't really be ending up with anything leftover in the bank by the end of the season.

And you're right, why should I wait on something that doesn't exist, when I have a perfectly good job waiting on me? I just always have that persistant hope, I guess.

 
At 7:49 PM, Blogger Sarah said...

I also think you should take it. It may be going back to the same company, but it's not the same job - it's a step-up. Positions like that look AMAZING on resumes and when prospective employers see that you've handled planning and supervising it puts you ahead of anyone else who just has an undergrad and some basic experience. I think it would be foolish NOT to take it. It's only short-term and I think it may open some more doors for you as well. I'm sure doing the planning, etc. will introduce you to maybe some "higher-ups" in the organization which may lead into other positions. Anyhoo, there's my two cents :)

 
At 8:36 PM, Blogger SophistiKat said...

Thanks, guys. I'm feeling more convinced to go ahead and accept it. I just hope they will bargain with me, 'cause now that I've seen the amount of money that I will likely need this year, due to bridesmaid costs and health insurance payments, I might be eating some if they don't. We'll see. This whole negotiating thing is a new territory for me.

 
At 9:30 AM, Blogger Remi said...

Come back to Canada! No health insurance payments. You can stay on our futon and study the wierd and wonderful birds on the west coast!

 
At 1:09 PM, Blogger SophistiKat said...

I know, Canada really rocks with that free health care deal. But, as tempting as that is, I've already accepted the position. I'm going to Maine again! Hopefully it's a good move. They didn't quite give me what I asked, but they made a good compromise, so I just might end up with a positive bank account when it's over. Thanks, again, for your help.

 
At 12:46 PM, Blogger Sarah said...

Yaaaay! I'm so glad that you're taking it ;) Congrats!

 

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