Hi IM's
I am currently job searching after having been out of the workforce for a few years (most places don't even let you know you haven't been successful in getting an interview, what is that? It wasn't like it when I worked before!). I have expertise in one area but am looking for work that I have a little experience in as I can no longer do the other. I also started studying at uni (but it is on hold currently) towards my dream career. I have a disability and am on DSP so I don't have requirements of working, I just really miss the responsibility working holds and the guaranteed adult interaction.
I have had two interviews this week for two very different roles.
Role 1: Very close to my dream job, I started studying at uni and it is the area of expertise I am hoping to specialise in down the track, it will lead eventually to full time hours, however I will need to complete 40hrs of online coursework (I don't have to pay for it) and then do (I believe unpaid) observation sessions (watching someone else do the job) for 2-3hr blocks, at least 4 maybe more of these sessions, then complete a compulsory assessment day (approx 8hrs) and pay nearly $300 to do this day and possibly (as long as I pass) become certified to perform the work. Once I do all of this I will be start being given my own case load and have several weekly meetings. There will be some flexibility around work hours as each session I will run will be 2.5-3hrs and meetings usually 1-2hrs (all of which I will be paid for), it will be quite a high stress role and end up probably longish hours, however as I mentioned it is close to my dream role. I was told I was offered the job on the spot (subject to the terms)
Role 2: Part-time hours perfect for school pick-up/drop off so I will not need to place my older child in care at all, still in an area I feel passionately about but nowhere near close to my dream job, however it will give me more experience and I will feel 100% comfortable doing it.
I'm not 100% sure if I will be offered role 2, I do have a good feeling about it, but they were interviewing more people this week and I will know next week if I have been successful.
I had quite a severe mental breakdown last year that I was hospitalised for over a month for. I had thought I was ready to go back to uni full time however I didn't cope with it, I had been somewhat unstable with my mental health in the lead up to the breakdown and my medication (that I had been on for nearly 15 years) stopped working really before I even got back in to uni, I just hadn't realised it.
I am petrified of ending back where I was last year. I feel in a much better place etc. I am concerned that if I do accept role 1, that I will end up back in that place, but I also don't want to possibly miss the opportunity of a lifetime, that I may not ever get again (it will be wonderful to have the certification and to have the work on my resume).
I don't have much family support close to me, if I did it would be a no-brainer for me.
I am aware I don't even know if it is an issue as such because I don't know if I have been offered role 2, however I want to have my answer in case I am offered it.
I am wondering what other IM's would do in the same/similar situation. Maybe you have had a similar predicament?
1 Replies
I would take role 2 if I was in your position, knowing what you went through I wouldn't risk yourself getting back to that mental state. Role 2 sounds more enjoyable and you can work around your kids which is something many take for granted.
Before committing to full time work, I'd try and go back to uni and cope with that first as a tester for yourself. Complete your studies and then aim for role 1 if you can handle it.
Good luck whatever you choose :)