I'm not sure...(suggestions needed pls)

I'm not so sure the working world is for me. I'm a trained Library Tech, and I've been doing volunteer work in libraries since I graduated two years ago. Still, after two years, a library has yet to say, "I'll pay you".

I have had paid work; one was a summer library job. Most of my experience comes from either field placements or volunteer work.

I love libraries with an enormous passion. They are a huge part of my life. That is why I volunteer my services for free, because I love it so much.

All the job postings seem so managerial. I'm not a people person. I'd rather be working with the books than telling others what to do. Another thing is, I'm on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), so its kind of tricky to have a job AND be on ODSP, as they will cut your pay if you earn too much.

I like having flexibility. You dont have that in a 9-5 job. Plus, I'm afraid that if I do get job, I wont have the energy to do the stuff that I want to do. At least with volunteer work, YOU get to decide when you want to work. I hate the insecurity; knowing that I might have to do this job search thing AGAIN in 6, 9 12 months. You can volunteer forever.

I can commit. I just see so many people get so bogged down with work these days, they dont have time for anything else. That scares me. I don't want to work, really. I love my volunteer work, it would be wicked if I could get paid for it...

I dont know. Maybe I should try specializing in research or stack maintenance or something. I'm just confused I guess.

Another thing is, I just met this woman who I'd like to have a commitment with. She lives a good 8 hours away. She's on ODSP as well, since she's blind. See, if both of us had jobs right now, it would be really hard for us to see each other. If I had a job, I couldnt as easily hop on a bus and go to see her.

I don't know, the job thing. Everything is about work. I know, if you love what you're doing...but most postings I see are not what I want. I mean a lot of it is, obviously, but some things I just dont want to do. I'd rather choose.

I'm not afraid of commitment. I dont know what it is, if I knew I wouldn't be posting here.

How about working PT? - then you will still have some flexibility in your life and daily schedule.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

Have you tried speaking to your library and explaining your situation, im sure there is something they can do for you.

i agree with rhapsody, try part time work, it could be a great soultion.

good luck with it all and hope you find what yo are looking for.

simon

Hi Dezdemona,

Not sure what I can say to help but thanks for the reminder about ODSP and having a job. I've got my first one, and don't want to not have the payments as well!

I'd give working a try. I think you're on "income support" and they have different "employment support" which, as you say, will be less if you make a certain amount but probably won't be less overall to the income support you get now? If it all doesn't work out, you can go back on the income support. I'd rather try and gradually work my way up and healthier than lose my chances by remaining in part-time volunteer, shelving? There's no possible future there.

I started working part time and it's great, I still get some time to rest. I work 4 hours a day, giving swiiming lessons to little kids. It's easy and low maintenace, maybe something like that will work for you?