What Should I Do?

[Hunni Bee]

Like I posted earlier this week, I had an interview at a really nice center.

Well it went really, really well. The director and assistant director seemed to like me a lot and were impressed with my credentials. Its more of an academy, and the teacher contracts are for a year at a time. They already set me up to come back Monday so they can observe me with the children. It sounds like a dream.

The only problem is its wayyyy outside of the city where I live and I dont have a car. The public transportation brought me only halfway and I had to walk the rest and back, which was an hour each way in the hot sun. I am completely worn out.

Really, the walking is almost a dealbreaker for me, but I would LOVE to work at this place. My current job is horrible - between me and the other teacher, we have almost 30 preschoolers, plus all the other duties we've had healed upon us. I dread work everyday.

So what should I do - take the new job and face a two hour walk daily, or stay where I'm at and be miserable??

Opinions sorely needed.

[countrymom]

does your bus take bikes. Our bus system has a rack that you can put your bike on. Can you call a cab to drive you home. I would take a leave of absense from my current job and try the new one, if you don't like it, you can always go back to the old one.

[Blackcat31]

Any way to mention it to the director and maybe there is a co-worker who could give you a lift?

Otherwise, I wouldn't want to walk that far. It isn't the walking so much that would bother me but it would be the fact that so many things could happen that would hinder your ability to get to work on time, home on time and then the weather. I would hate to see you walking in the rain that far....kwim?

[cheerfuldom]

Do you have a timeline where you will be able to get a vehicle? is a bike an option like another poster said? Honestly, I would try and make it work just for the chance at an awesome job. life is too short to hate what you do every day.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Maybe a scooter? I bought a Peace Motors scooter for $800, it gets 100 mpg. Love it. No insurance required. Cheap and reliable. I also have a Kawasaki Ninja, it was used for $2k. Way cheaper than a car though.

[Nickel]

Could you maybe get a car in the future? With the pay from the new center? Or are you making the same amount? I have had the same experience, but the walk wasn't as long as yours. Maybe you could friend a coworker who could at least drop you off at the bus or train station, or whatever form of transportation you are using....

[amyece]

I would also take the job if at all possible. A great center on your resume will be so valuable for your future. Check into the bike ont he bus.. Also GREAT idea to find out if a coworker can drive you to the bus stop.

[saved4always]

I am a big baby when it comes to walking in "weather" (and I am in my 40's so age is a bit of a factor, too) so that walk would be a deal breaker for me. I wouldn't be able to commit to walking that far. But that is my scaredy-cat tendency talking there. It sounds like a great opportunity for you though so maybe you could find someone to car pool with or maybe that scooter idea that someone suggested.

[Hunni Bee]

Thanks ladies for your replies.

The bus does allow you to bring your bike. Biking, it would just be a pleasant ride. My hubby and I plan to get a car by the end of the year, so hopefully it will be soon. I will definitely check into carpooling, I know someone lives in the city or close to it, and at least if I could get to a bus stop, I'll be fine.

So it's bye bye, old wreck of a job, I guess. It was fun at one point.

[SilverSabre25]

OOooo, yeah the bike is great suggestion!

Good luck! I know you've been wanting a new job for a long time and I hope that the new place works out wonderfully!!

[Hunni Bee]

So apparently the decision is being made for me, as I was emailed and asked to turn in my keys this evening (or "i need your keys to use this weekend" - she has several sets of keys. I dont know if she thinks I would walk with the keys or whether this is revenge for looking for another job.

I've mentioned nothing about quitting or looking for another job. The new daycare must have started calling my references as soon as I left.

Can she legally terminate me (or "we dont need you right now - we've lost some kids" - even though I know it's a lie) just because she thinks I'll quit?

Im not sad and definitely ready to go, but I wasn't planning on being forced out and I hate this little game she's playing.

[Sugar Magnolia]

So apparently the decision is being made for me, as I was emailed and asked to turn in my keys this evening (or "i need your keys to use this weekend" - she has several sets of keys. I dont know if she thinks I would walk with the keys or whether this is revenge for looking for another job.

I've mentioned nothing about quitting or looking for another job. The new daycare must have started calling my references as soon as I left.

Can she legally terminate me (or "we dont need you right now - we've lost some kids" - even though I know it's a lie) just because she thinks I'll quit?

Im not sad and definitely ready to go, but I wasn't planning on being forced out and I hate this little game she's playing.

Seriously? Grrrrr, that is so........BS.

[countrymom]

does she not have to give you notice and if not severance pay, how about vacation pay. I would call unemployment and ask them. Do the centers have someone higher up, maybe call them and ask.

[cheerfuldom]

So apparently the decision is being made for me, as I was emailed and asked to turn in my keys this evening (or "i need your keys to use this weekend" - she has several sets of keys. I dont know if she thinks I would walk with the keys or whether this is revenge for looking for another job.

I've mentioned nothing about quitting or looking for another job. The new daycare must have started calling my references as soon as I left.

Can she legally terminate me (or "we dont need you right now - we've lost some kids" - even though I know it's a lie) just because she thinks I'll quit?

Im not sad and definitely ready to go, but I wasn't planning on being forced out and I hate this little game she's playing.

Did you tell your prospective employer about the situation with the old, that you may be let go if they call for a reference?

[Hunni Bee]

Did you tell your prospective employer about the situation with the old, that you may be let go if they call for a reference?

I didn't, because I didn't want to seem like I was badmouthing her or coming in with baggage. I really didn't think she'd act like this either - I figured she might start this after I gave notice, but not before. I had every intention of resigning the right way, so there was no need for this.

I plan to put in two weeks notice as soon as I get confirmation I got the new job. She can let me go immediately if she wants; the other job wanted me to start earlier anyway.