Job Advice Needed, Please! (WARNING: LOOOONG) - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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First, I'd like to thank everyone SO MUCH for their replies! Y'all are the best!
I am definitely going to go on the interview. I'm hoping that either they will be able to offer me this job with a bit more money and a promise at promotion, or if not, then I will still be considered for the upcoming job openings. My parents haven't actually SAID anything OUT LOUD (I get the "Whatever makes you happy" resposne), but I know they are THINKING it - I've known them too long
Quote:
Originally Posted by stretch2864
Since you mentioned that this job is at the university where you will be taking master's classes, it might be worth taking a second look even if the pay is less. It isn't uncommon for colleges and universities to offer tuition remission to full time employees and a discount on tuition for part-time employee. What you might save in tuition costs could put you money ahead in the long run.
Actually, I forgot to mention that my job I'm at now will pay for my master's classes. Since I work for the university system, I get free tuition vouchers at any of our 16 state universities. This new job would also pay for my classes, but only at this specific university - which is okay, since that's where I'm taking classes. However, I would save on the gas/wear 'n tear on my car for the commute to work and school, like someone said (not to mention precious time).
Lastly, I hope no one thought I was dissing receptionists I have no doubt that it is a difficult job - I did similar work in my internships, and I've never worked harded. : However, having done that kind of work, I'm just not sure it's for me <<shrug>> But considering I'm still trying to figure out what IS "for me," I'm willing to try anything!
Anyway! Now time to go shopping for a new "hire-me" outfit! Hey, always looking for an excuse for new clothes!
Thanks again! And keep the advice coming - I need it.
Lastly, I hope no one thought I was dissing receptionists
I didn't think that at all! It's simply that I know how it is -- you're hoping for something bigger and what's offered is "just" a receptionist job. That was a word that I used: I actually said on the phone one day, to a disgruntled caller, "I'm sorry, sir, I can't answer that question. I'm just a receptionist." After that call, my co-worker (the other receptionist, who'd trained me) told me I should never say the words "just a receptionist" -- she said the receptionist who'd trainer her a couple years before had said the same thing to her. And you can bet I passed it on when I later trained a new receptionist!
I guess I'm trying to say that I've been in exactly the position you're in: Hoping THE job comes along, but instead being disappointed by opportunites that don't seem to be quite "enough." The great part is, some of the best things come from those jobs!
Looking forward to hearing how the interview goes -- GOOD LUCK!!!
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I work at a University Press. I also started as a receptionist. I am now the Journals Manager (after being the Office Manager for many years). I have trained a ton of people at the reception desk that have gone on to become editors, marketing managers, etc..... Being at reception is definitely a way in the door.
Hope you enjoy your interview on Wednesday. We'll all be waiting to hear all about it!
It's simply that I know how it is -- you're hoping for something bigger and what's offered is "just" a receptionist job. That was a word that I used: I actually said on the phone one day, to a disgruntled caller, "I'm sorry, sir, I can't answer that question. I'm just a receptionist." After that call, my co-worker (the other receptionist, who'd trained me) told me I should never say the words "just a receptionist" -- she said the receptionist who'd trainer her a couple years before had said the same thing to her. And you can bet I passed it on when I later trained a new receptionist!
That is really good advice! I am an Office Assistant that started out as "just" a receptionist. I do still answer phones but I also run the front office. A couple of years ago I had a caller that refered to me as a pee-on. I was witty (rare for me) and snapped back with "yes but I am a pee-on with a bachelors degree."
I hope everything works out for you!!
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I hope your interview went well. I work in Admissions at small college. I started as a receptionist, and I'm moving up in the next couple of weeks to the travel and marketing coordinator. I love working in admissions, and while I started at a position that was less money, and less challenging than I would have liked, it got my foot in the door, and I was able to show them what I was capable of, and moved up quite quickly. So, my advice...take the job, most places are more likely to hire from within when they have a position open...
I can't offer any good advice that hasn't already been offered. I just wanted to wish you good luck on your interview and with any decision that you make about your future.
Thanks again, y'all My interview is this afternoon, and I'm pretty excited about it (especially since I found a great new summer suit for 50% off on Monday! ). Ironically enough, my one-year review was this morning with my current supervisor, whom I really like. The review went especially well...I think my boss is getting wind that I may be going somewhere, as she was really laying it on thick. I know she would like me to stay one more year - but I'm not sure if it's the best thing or not. If I'm offered this new job, I'll have a difficult decision to make. But that's what my mama calls a "high class problem" - a problem that's not really much of a problem!
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Just wanted to update y'all! The interview went really well. It lasted a little over 2 hours - I interviewed with two groups, sat with the person who is currently doing the job and observed her (and asked questions!) and also completed a writing sample. I think I did well - nothing caught me off guard, I felt comfortable and got a lot of laughs and head nods during my responses (always good) and I actually ended up knowing one of the ladies interviewing me - we were on a committee together last fall - it's a small world after all!
I asked the interviewers about the rate of advancement/opportunities for promotion, and I was given an answer that was positive, but a little vague (which I understand - don't want to make any promises if I turn out to be an incompetent fool ).
I'll have a difficult decision to make if it's offered. There are pros and cons to both situations, and those are definitely more clear now that I've interviewed there and had my one-year review here at my current job. I also had a very frank conversation with one of my colleagues here (who is also one of my references). He is a retired Director of Admissions at a very well-known University, who is now a consultant for us. He was able to provide more insight, and had some great suggestions. I feel better prepared if I have to make that decision. Should hear something by the end of next week.
Thanks for all the pixies, y'all! I'm sure it will all work out.
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Y'all are the best! 
I'm hoping that either they will be able to offer me this job with a bit more money and a promise at promotion, or if not, then I will still be considered for the upcoming job openings. My parents haven't actually SAID anything OUT LOUD (I get the "Whatever makes you happy" resposne), but I know they are THINKING it - I've known them too long 
I have no doubt that it is a difficult job - I did similar work in my internships, and I've never worked harded. 
: However, having done that kind of work, I'm just not sure it's for me <<shrug>> But considering I'm still trying to figure out what IS "for me," I'm willing to try anything!
Hey, always looking for an excuse for new clothes! 
I hope everything works out for you!!
Lisa 
Just wanted to update y'all! The interview went really well. It lasted a little over 2 hours - I interviewed with two groups, sat with the person who is currently doing the job and observed her (and asked questions!) and also completed a writing sample. I think I did well - nothing caught me off guard, I felt comfortable and got a lot of laughs and head nods during my responses (always good) and I actually ended up knowing one of the ladies interviewing me - we were on a committee together last fall - it's a small world after all! 
Continued pixies for you 
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