Job Advice Needed, Please! (WARNING: LOOOONG) About This Page:

[Disney_Scarlett]

First, I'd like to say how shocked y'all must be that I would be long-winded. And this is a BORING long winded post, so be extra-warned.

My usual "WWYD" go-to pal Allison is in the midst of studying for her last section of the CPA exam, and sent me a text message this morning asking me to not disturb her unless it's an absolute emergency. I know this isn't an absolute emergency, but I've picked up the phone 3 times to call her, but put it down each time. So will y'all help a sista out? I need advice.

I've started the search for another job. I'm not unhappy at my current one, but my responsibilities are getting ready to change, and one of my least-favorite on the list is going to go from being a minor annoyance to a major part of my job. I had planned on staying here 1 - 2 years before looking for the next gig, and I'm at the very end of my first year, so I'm really not off my timeline - plus, I think I deserve a raise (of course ).

So I've applied for a couple that I think I'm qualified for and would enjoy -- I'm trying not to get too anxious and hurried about it because I want to make sure I take the right thing. Well, I got a call today from one of the places I'd really like to work. I currently work in higher education as a Program Coordinator for our state university system, and this new position would be in the admissions office at one of those state universities. This particular office had several openings and the lady was calling me for an interview for the first of the openings I had applied for.

Well, I found out by talking to this lady that it turns out that the job isn't quite what I thought it would be. "Public relations agent" is actually head receptionist. This would be a sizeable step down for me, and not just in title/duties – also an almost 10% pay cut (the starting salary is quite low on the range posted – I was hoping for something mid-range). While the job would have other duties besides answering phones (like helping with recruiting), I think the main thing is front desk work. I really expected and felt deserving of a pay increase when I found a new job – not a decrease!

So I know like it sounds like a no-brainer - don't take the job. But there are other things to consider - with the location, I'd save some money in gas because my commute would be shorter (not nearly enough to make up to the pay difference, though), and the location is much better for me – more convenient to home, closer to my friends' work places, so more lunch buddies and such. It’s also the school I’m starting master’s degree classes at in the fall, so that would eliminate that commute from work to school in the evenings. And, I wondered if taking this job would help me "get my foot in the door" for better positions in the office. I currently live at home with the parental units, so I have no bills to speak of – so if I’m going to take a pay cut to get my foot in a door, now is the time (of course, I’m also a tightwad, and I don’t know of anyone who likes to make LESS money. ) There’s a part of me that thinks the elimination of the work-school commute is worth the pay cut in itself. It'd also be nice to have an easier gig while I suffer through difficult grad school work.

You know how I said this was an interview of the first of several jobs I’d applied for here? Well the other jobs reflect my qualifications much more and should pay more – but the postings just closed, so I have no idea if I will get an interview for them or not for quite a while (the state is so slow!)

My parents say do not take the job – they say a receptionist is probably not the best way to get my foot in the door, especially when I'm qualified for better jobs that would pay more. They also say it would be a bad impression to make that I was willing to take a job for less pay and less title (the employers know what I make since I have a government job and this job is government as well) [side note: I think they also do not want to see their daughter that they spent massive amounts of money on for a higher education being a receptionist, so they are quite biased – that’s why I don’t trust their opinion]. However, I’m 95% sure I’d get this one, where as the other ones would be much more competitive for me. So maybe it is a good way to get my foot in the door? I’m not sure I’d be happy going from what I do now to receptionist work, though (although I did enjoy doing that kind of thing in my internships…and I’m not especially happy at my job now…).

One of my friends says to go on the interview even if I’m not planning to take the job – I’ll get to meet the people and win them over with my stellar charm , and when I turn it down and explain it’s for the salary/position, they’ll consider me for the other ones that, at that point, they should be close to selecting candidates for interviews. I’m not so sure it’s very charming to waste folks time though – I’ve served on several search committees at my current position, and I hated it when people would wait until the interview to say things like, “Now I have to be able to work from home 4 days a week – is that a problem?” and we’d say, “Yes, the description explained it is an in-office position only.” And they’d be like, “Oh then I can’t take it.” Well, you just wasted THREE HOURS OF MY TIME THEN because you didn’t read the description! I’d feel like maybe I’d be doing the same thing.

I also don’t want to call and cancel my interview and sound like I’m saying, “I’m sorry, I require more money and prestige than that – please contact me when you can offer me one of these upcoming positions and write a fatter check.” I would probably take a little bit of a pay cut for one of the more “up my alley” jobs if I thought I’d move up quickly – but to take a cut for this job, not so sure. Either way, it’s likely that the upcoming openings’ interviews will be conducted by the same folks doing this receptionist one – so I don’t want to peeve them in any way, and would like to be considered for those positions if I do not take this one.

I also have to keep reminding myself that I’m not totally unhappy where I’m at now, so there is no particular rush (except for that I’d really like to work for this university and be close to grad school classes!).

Snoooooooooooze, I know. But what would you do? Now that you have ALL the background info, my main questions are:

1) Take the job or no?
2) If no, go on the interview anyway?

I scheduled the interview for Wednesday afternoon because, on the spot like that with the lady on the phone, I couldn’t make a decision in 2.2 seconds. I will call and respectfully withdraw my application from that position on Monday morning if I decide I shouldn’t even bother with the interview.

Thank you all so much for reading this novel. I know it’s not as exciting at my never-ending TR. I would truly appreciate ALL suggestions and opinions! I'm just starting out in the working world, and find all this stuff stressful and confusing - I'm never sure if I'm doing the right thing. :

[Colexis Mom]

You, long winded Nah........ (ya know I luv ya sista )!

I'd go for option 2 (at least go on the interview). It certainly won't hurt anything, and will get you back in that interviewing mode. Plus, you'd have time to talk to the interviewer and maybe explain your goals/positions you were looking for, and that in itself might open up other possibilites. At least you could find out more about the department/positions and if it's even possible to move up from "public relations" to the next step that you want to take!

As for the money issue, I guess you're the only one who can answer that. It sounds like you're at least in the position that if you had to, it wouldn't hurt you to take a decrease, but I wouldn't commit to anything unless you know if it's going to work for you. No need to worry about that until the job is offered. And then if it is, remember to negotiate (I read someone recently that women don't negotiate their salaries enough and that's one reason we're paid less than men)!

Best of luck to you with the interview

[graygables]

Exclude the parental units' opinions regarding how much they spent vs. your happiness. Sorry, but I HATE that about my mother, "after all we did for you..." As if I did NOTHING for myself.

One thing...would you get a discount on grad school tuition (or are there any other bennies) of being an employee? That would play into the decision.

In my old age, I'm all about simplifying, so if it were me, I'd take the job that cuts down on my travel time. Yes, it's a pay cut, but with the rising cost of gas, that might just mean something in the near future. I also consider things like risk, you are *safer* not having to drive back and forth, plus the wear and tear on your car.

In my old age, I also don't care about titles. They are meaningless in the end ("it's just an empty cup"). If it is an opportunity that moves you forward, then by all means do it. I would certainly go for the interview no matter what. You never know what opportunities might arise.

Good luck with your decision!

[RobinKay6573]

Go to the interview. It can't hurt. They might actually offer you more then is posted because you have more experience. No one says you have to take the position if it is offered to you. :goodluck:

[stretch2864]

If I were you, I would at least go to the interview. Of course this is coming from someone who has been out of work for four months and can't seem to get an interview! 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. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[clio]

I'd say go to the interview. My DSis started out as a phone operator at our local college and has worked her way up from there. She and her family get all their classes for free which is good with one sone in college and the other in high school. I'd find exactly what the job entails before making a decision and maybe they'll offer you more because of your experience.
Liz

[travismom]

Go on the interview, you never know what will happen. Personally, I would take the lower pay job for several reasons. One - your foot would be in the door, two-I've worked for a college and they paid a portion of my tuition as long as I was employed with the university, and three-it would be less stress on you while you get your masters'.
But first - go to the interview and see what happens.

good luck and let us know what happens!!!

[disneydani]

I agree with everyone else. Going on an interview will never hurt you. And, after they chat with you, realize your current position and past experiences, it may lead to a different offer. If not, it is always good to brush up on your interview skills, anyway! Good luck!

danielle

[JaimeandChad]

I concur, do the interview. Find out more.

[bonphil]

I agree with everyone, go for the interview. It's always good to improve your skills!

[whoSEZ]

Just have to tell you this: My first job in the "real world" (after working about 18 months of fast food and part-time administrative work while still living with my parental units ) was receptionist for a financial services company. Within 6 months, I was promoted to HR Receptionist, and 9 months after that, I was promoted to Recruiting Assistant. Had I stayed, I'm sure I would have eventually made Recruiter. Two big lessons I learned from working as a receptionist: (1) Never, ever say to yourself or anyone that you're "just" a receptionist (as in, "I'm sorry I can't answer that question, sir, I'm just the receptionist." ). Try not to even THINK it. I know it's hard -- believe me, it took a lot for me to take that position, after working so hard to get my degree and believing I deserved something more in line with my career goals. Using the words "just a receptionist" is demeaning to the position and to yourself. (2) If you want to get a foot in the door, the receptionist position is THE place to be. From there, you get to know every department, every position, and most of the people involved. It's great for helping you decide whether there are jobs there that you might want to apply for if/when they become available.

For what it's worth, I definitely think the shorter commute and working where you're taking classes are big perks!

I'd go to the interview. If you feel comfortable doing so, tell them you have concerns about it not being a good fit and see where the conversation goes. You never know!

Good luck!

[GoofyMom]

I gotta go with the others! At least do the interview. Remember too, that they aren't the only ones conducting an interview -- you should be interviewing them, also. After all, if you are going to be expected to put in "x" hours of your life per week into a job, you should make sure that it is at a place that is right for you. You may find out after this interview that you wouldn't be interested in any of the other positions either. And if you do take this job, would you be disqualified from any of the other jobs that you have applied for if it takes a couple of months or so for them to get to the interviewing process?

I agree with Sandy, as somebody who has been a receptionist (and a mighty good one too ) that you shouldn't think of it as "just" the receptionist. Some places would absolutely fall apart without their receptionist.

[Teresa]

I have nothing to add to the other's opinions. I agree with them all. Go on the interview, see if they offer tuition free/reduced, take your parents' opinion into account, but don't let it sway you, and NEVER think "Oh, that's JUST a receptionist job, too far beneath me" I was a receptionist for a national firm's HR department. It's not easy.

[Grammy Grumpy]

Go for the interview. You get to know them, they get to know you. If this one isn't quite what you want/need at least you'll have more information on the function of the office and anticipate what might become available at a later date.

[MAria R]

I agree go on the interview and than take it from there. You never know what may happen. Good luck!!!