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Need job advice [really really long]
What else is new, right?
As you know, I've been dying to get out of my current position for like 6 months now. Leads are few and far between in this economy. So, I was excited to hear that there is a position available for a Supervising Attorney with the Guardian Ad Litem program. For those who don't know, GALs represent the interests of children whose parents aren't doing so for various reasons.
The Pros of this position are -- It's very litigation intensive, so I would be in the courtroom often; helping kids, yay!; supervising position so a step "up" of sorts; segway into family law which is a better field than I'm in now.
Cons: #1 con is money. Now I know "money isn't important if you're happy!!!" but, really, money is kind of important. I would make about the same as I do know, so not a pay cut, but it's not like this is my DREAM JOB, ya know? Also a con is that it's still government work, so all the bureaucratic bs that makes me want out of here may also be a problem there.
The advice I need (if you've made it this far) comes in whether I should apply. "It won't hurt to apply!" is not helpful advice in this particular situation because I have a colleague who is going to be going to bat for me if I do, and if I get the job I really need to be prepared to take it. I know technically I can turn it down, but it would be kind of a crappy thing to do to this colleague. Also factor in that I have another lead from a private firm, although it is kind of a long shot. But I'd hate to get/accept the GAL position and then all of a sudden be offered something at this amazing private firm. Like I said, it's a long shot but it's within the realm of possibility.
Ok I'll stop rambling. All/any advice is welcome as always!
Re: Need job advice [really really long]
If this isn't a job you are sure you'd take and your friend is helping you out I personally wouldn't apply. I agree you probably wouldn't want to turn it down if your friend helped get you in. I would stick it out a little longer if you have a lead from another job, and esp if there is improvement in $ and closer to your career goals.
Good luck!
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I wouldn't say I'm not looking forward to the idea of being offered the job...the job itself it interesting to me and I think I would like it. It's more a concern of making a basically lateral move, ya know? But then I think if I don't pursue this then it could be another 6 months before something else comes along.
That said, I think you're probably right. The "what ifs" are killing me though!!!
I came across a quote that I found very impressive for me considering my change in career path, I hope you can take something out of this during your job search.
If you don't set a baseline standard for what you'll accept in life, you'll find it's easy to slip into attitudes and behaviors or a quality of that is far below what you deserve. Anthony Robbins
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O boy that's a toughie. I have to agree with Lisa though. You have to go with your gut, and if you are not 100% comfortable with this opportunity (and you have some valid reasons why) then it might not be a good move. And it probably wouldn't be a good move if you pisss off this friend who is willing to help you out. Sleep on it and let us know what you decide.
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I'm assuming that you would have to go through the application process for this job before you found out about the opportunities potentially provided for your ideal job - if that is the case then yes I would NOT apply for the GAL position. If the application date is set for around the same timeframe and allows you the ability to see whether the ideal job is truly an ideal situation for you - then utilize that time and weight the pros/cons of both and apply for the job that will give you the best stepping stone towards your dream job. If you miss out on the GAL position because you waited for the private firm job and found that it was not your ideal situation, you'll still have more opportunities in the future.
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Well, that was unanimous!
I really appreciate and value you're opinions, and you are all right. *Sigh*. I'm going to talk to DH about it tonight but you all make excellent points about why I should wait, and I think he'll agree. I just hope you're also right that my perfect job is out there, because I'm losing hope here
p.s. Lisa I LOVE that quote!
The thing with lateral moves that you need to think of is if this lateral move is going to help you in the long run. For instance, my DH recently got a new job (as you know) that was pretty much a lateral move. He got offered the same amt of $$ HOWEVER, he took the job for a couple of reasons:
1. He was a contractor at his prior job and therefore had no benefits or paid time off. He got that and more at his new job
2. In his line of work he needs a lot of certifications to go places basically. His old job wouldn't pay for those classes to get those certifications. His new job does
3. His old job provided hardly ANY opportunities to move up. At his current job he's already been told by the CTO (Chief technology officer) that they have a plan for him and that he won't be in his current position for long.
So you have to look at it that way. Will the lateral move help you in the long wrong? That could help you decide if its worth it or not
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