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Should I apply?
Not sure if anyone remembers me, but here's a quick background. (the rest is long)
- Graduated college a year ago with my B.A, married and moved out of state
- Worked part-time for 8 months until I landed a full-time job
I work as a victim advocate, night shift at a woman's shelter (for victims of domestic violence). I've been there for 3 months. I like it, but especially working at night its not very challenging. I do sometimes interact with clients, and answer the crisis line, but the majority of my job is data entry, photo copying, organizing donations, etc.
So while I'm very grateful to be working (and I do relatively enjoy my work), I've been plotting my next career move, since I don't want to work the night shift forever or even in this area. I've been planning to shadow others within our agency in different areas to get a feel for different positions, go on job trainings, and start networking more. I've been waffling on what exactly I want to shoot for career-wise (this job is not what I plan on doing for a permanent career) so I figure I could stay at this job for at least a year so that I can say that I have at least a full year of professional experience.
However, I was browsing some different government agencies to look up different careers in my field, and discovered several openings for an entry level investigator position (which is basically my dream job that I wasn't sure I'd ever get to).
I am very tempted to apply. My current job only pays $13/hr, which doesn't sound bad but my student loans alone are costing me $1100/month (and yes I applied to get them reduced, no dice so far). My husband is in medical school, his second year. He's been using his tuition reimbursement to keep us afloat on our other bills which I really don't like doing.
In addition my current job is 40 miles away, so an hour drive on the tollway (we can't move closer until next summer unfortunately). Its costing me quite a bit of money in gas to drive out there, and no I can't be reimbursed for it.
Conclusion:
The investigator job is half the distance, great benefits, and pays minimum $20/hr. Its looks challenging and interesting, and would have great advancement opportunities.
My question: Since I've only been working my first job out of college for 3 months, is it too soon to apply to this other job? I had been planning on waiting a year, but this type of position doesn't open up very often so I'm afraid I'll miss the opportunity if I don't at least apply.
Would it look bad that I haven't been at my other job long? My loans and the cost of gas have been painful to pay every month, and the thought of being paid so much more sounds amazing. I mean, I doubt I'd even get an interview but I'm feeling like I should at least apply...
Re: Should I apply?
FET - transferred two embryos (boy and girl) - Nov 2014 - BFP!
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Glad to know it won't look terrible.
I called today and the positions have not yet been filled, so I'm now working on my application.
Definitely apply, you've got nothing to lose. If you're really worried you might get fired if they found you're looking around, then apply but don't say they can contact your current employer.
As for only being there for 3 months, if you tell them the situation (very long distance, night shift, gas costs, etc) they'll understand the need to switch sooner than you normally would.