Should I apply for this other job?

SingDanceRunLife · Oct 09, 2013, 05:28 PM

Periodically I check Craigslist and Indeed to see if there are any job postings for jobs that fit what I want to do more closely than my own, or just part time ones with the right pay and/or hours.

Today I saw a posting for a full time Toddler Teacher position at an actual preschool that follows a set curriculum and all that. My current position is as an assistant (my title is Childcare Assistant) in a toddler classroom at what is a state run daycare. So yeah, the head teachers make lesson plans for each week and whatnot, but it's not nearly as structured etc.

This other place also has the following benefits:

It's walking distance from my apartment (probably about a 10 minute walk which is about how far I walk to work from the bus I have to take downtown from my apartment)
The pay is higher
It is a program that has centers nationwide so if I ever want to move I could stay with the same place
It's actually a preschool not a daycare
There's more time off.
If I want to stay long-term, there are more benefits.

But, there are reasons to stay in my current position:

I love the facility and the amazing services it gives to a great many kids that need them so badly
My bosses are great
I can still see my T, pdoc and nutritionist
There's always opportunity for overtime which means more $$$
I've grown attached to my kids
I've only been here a month so I would feel bad leaving

Do you think I should apply? Would you?

jadzea · Oct 10, 2013, 11:58 AM

I would probably apply. That way you can get more information before making a decision. You don't have to accept if they offer you a job.

SingDanceRunLife · Oct 11, 2013, 05:53 PM

True. I just feel bad leaving my job. They have a really hard time holding on to people in my position because the pay is low and the work is much harder than at a typical daycare.

Gingersnapsmom · Oct 12, 2013, 08:24 AM

Personally, I would apply. Applying is not a commitment. I wouldn't feel bad leaving my current job if that is what I really wanted. I have to put my family first and you would be surprised at how many people need a job and would take the position you left in a heartbeat. I am at a crossroads myself and am unsure about what and where I want to work (I just earned my B.A.). My issue is that all the jobs I am interested in want a degree (which I have now) AND experience (which I don't have yet). I think you already know in your heart what you want to do and you should def. follow your instinct

SingDanceRunLife · Oct 21, 2013, 05:21 PM

I decided against applying. I made a commitment to the center I'm working at now. Yes, there would be someone to fill my position within days (many part time people wanted my position, but they chose me over them), but I would be leaving so much behind, and this position will be super great as a resume builder because I work mainly with very low-income/very underprivileged children, many that have behavioral and/or developmental issues. Like my mom said, no one will be impressed that you can work with privileged kids that don't have any special needs, but people will be impressed that you can be successful with kids that are in those positions.

Rise · Oct 21, 2013, 08:54 PM

Very noble of you. I hope that you made the right decision and the universe rewards you for your virtues. I was actually going to say exactly the same as jadzea and that 'business is business' in regards to quitting your current job. However I think that you are listening to your heart and trusting yourself, which is great to see. It could be the best decision you ever make, you never know. The future is like that

SingDanceRunLife · Oct 21, 2013, 09:05 PM

It's not just business when you're talking about the lives of children though. It's not like I work at a restaurant or at some store. I care for people's children. I am responsible for their safety and well-being and early education! And the kids I work with need a hell of a lot more than the kids at the other place. The other place is connected with a university and is very expensive with no scholarships or sliding scale option, so only kids from well-off families go there. Where I work, 85% of the kids have their tuition paid by DSS. I have multiple kids that have multiple therapists (speech, occupational, physical etc), have one kid that is very much neglected at home and has major attachment issues...these kids are the ones that my heart really goes out to because the other kids are so privileged already, they don't need the extra loving and the extra help (in general).