Jobby Things

Night_Sprite

I need some feedback about a job thing. 

There is a weekend job at a library near here.  It would last the academic year.  H is vying pretty hard for a promotion at work so the likelihood of us moving after I finish school is becoming less and less.

Reasons to apply

More professional experience
Potential place for me to work as a librarian after graduation

A part time job I could have after school

Reasons not to apply

Programming heavy semester

Burn out
Seeing H less
Less able to travel on weekends
Lots of other experiences
Other girl has worked there longer and would probably get a real job over me. 

I know the not list is longer, but job seeking is something I worry about.  What do you think?

npasquale16

Do you have any professional experience in the library field? (I know you said this job will offer more experience) If not, I might take it.  It will look great on your resume and also provide more experience, which is definitely a plus when applying for jobs.  Also, the extra money will help.  It does suck that you won't be able to do as many things on the weekends, but with jobs, I think more in terms of long term benefits. 

Disclaimer--I usually work at least one or two side jobs during the school year and summer so I may or may not be a workaholic

What does your H think you should do?

Night_Sprite

I had a fellowship and reference job during my library degree and have two GAs during the second degree.  So I already have library experience, it'd just be a different library.  

npasquale16

Well, it seems like you already have enough background to be hired.  How do you feel about it?  Do you feel like you should take it because it's a good opportunity?  Or do you actually want the job and are excited at the thought of working there?

Night_Sprite

I would rather not work there for all the "not apply" reasons, but I'd also like a job after I graduate and this could help, so I'm waffling.  Usually I know what I want to do and do it, but in this scenario, I really don't know.  

npasquale16

You have a lot more cons on your list.  Unless you wouldn't feel bad quitting if it's too demanding or doesn't give you enough time, I wouldn't go for it.  If you wouldn't feel bad quitting after a few weeks/months, then try it out.

redheadfsu

I would say take it, because in this job market a graduating student needs as much experience as they can get. So many of my friends are being told that they just don't have enough even though they worked in their field during school.

BecW2be

What red said.

puokgirl

Is it a different type of library from the ones you worked at before?  If all of your experience is in a public library and this particular job is in a university or special library you'll gain different experience than you had before.  It's a thought, but I know I'm less confident applying for positions in university or special libraries because all of my experience is in the public setting.

Do you need the money?  If so, is the amount of money worth the travel time, time away from H and lack of flexibility?

Will taking the position affect your financial aid status (if you're getting any)?

Will you receive longer checkout periods on library materials?  It might help with any research projects you have to do to complete your degree.

As a side note: One of my friends quit her job to go back to school.  Now that she's running low on money, she's trying to find a job.  She's been unemployed for over a year and the number one reason why they won't hire her is because she doesn't have any recent work experience.  Think about the way accepting/declining this particular position will affect your opportunities for the future.

Don't worry about the other girl who has been there longer getting the permanent job over you.  I was a relatively new hire and scored lower on the civil service exam, but I was promoted over someone else because of my reputation in the library system and previous experience.

kpwedkk

If you have any free time to volunteer, ask if you can volunteer at the library, that way you build experience, without being a hassle to the library.