Job Issues

[Miles782]

I have been looking for full time work for about 8 months (lackadaisically), and about 2 months (very aggressively). I have gone on quite a few interviews, being called back for a second interview only to hear nothing after that. I got extremely frustrated/upset with the fact that I could not find a job. I would feel depressed for a day or two after not hearing anything back.

I went on an interview today(for a daycare), with the chance to do a working interview on Monday. The prospects seem promising, as the working interview seems as if it is only a preliminary to actually getting the job(but I am not sure, since they did not actually offer the job). I really like this place, it encompasses almost all of my teaching philosophies.

I got home from the interview to find that someone from a daycare that I interviewed in, back at the end of May, was asking if I was still interested in a position. I assume they hired someone and it did not work out or another position opened. This job is guaranteed, and I also really liked what they were telling me when I interviewed. They also were the type of center I could see myself working in.

I am torn between deciding if I want to take the first place, as it is a guarantee; it offers benefits, it is a small but curriculum based center, and I have been interviewing unsuccessfully for awhile.

The second place offers limited benefits through the state(not a plus), is home based and small(which I like), I would be a head teacher(as opposed to an assistant in the first place-better for a resume), and it is closer to my home(the first place is going with traffic both ways).

I want to make the right decision. I liked the first place, and was disappointed when I did not get the job. However, I am afraid that I am going to settle with daycare number 1, not b/c it is better but b/c I have been so demoralized looking for a job(and not getting one), that I want to jump on the chance to work before they change their mind. I also got a job back in September as a lead teacher and it did not work out(the director basically called me into her office at lunch and told me I was not cut out to lead a classroom). I still have a lot of uncertainly and fear that I will fail again as a lead teacher.

The first place did not call until 3:30 today(Friday), so I have to wait until Mon to give them my decision anyway, but I'm not sure what I want. I debate weather I should just forget about the second job(call them politely and tell them I was offered something), since the first one is a guarantee. Also, the first job offers the security of being an assistant, and I feel I am leaning more toward that job, b/c I am afraid of failing again.

I want to make the right decision. Not one based on my fear of not getting a job again, or fear of failing as a lead teacher.

Anyone have any advice? or encouragement?

[Katherine Reyna]

I think you are on a successful track for yourself concerning your juggling of choices. Have you tried to measure and weigh the values of each in your decision making? Don't over analyse everything. I know that it isn't easy not to do so because of the like you said the way the whole thing of not working and interviews left and right can be so demoralizing.

I would make a choice and begin working at the one with more positive enforcement to you. There were plenty of fish in the sea if it gets away. ( You know if the job you picked becomes not what you expected).