Would You Rather....

[MsLisa]

Would you rather....

A job that's:
a program
consistent, but low paying ($8/hr)
mind-numbingly easy and repetitive (no challenge)
bonded kids, know parents

OR

A job that's:
for families
possibilities of being non-consistent, but high paying ($10+/hr)
semi-challenging and uses abilities
new kids, new parents

I'm sure you are all sick of hearing me complain, whine and meander about my job at the Y. Probably told me to GTFO from there many times. But deal with me here...

I put my lovely self out there again on all childcare needing media. Low and behold today I got an offer to be a pt babysitter for a foster mom with 1 kid. The pay is great ($15/hr) and its only on no school/half days/holidays. I also have a resume to put out to a few jobs that sound good, although I rather a family over another business. But there are possibilities out there if I take the plunge. Now that I have all this experience under my belt, I never feel "right" at the Y. (As you've probably read my many vents)

My husband says I should stay with my consistent mindless job because its...consistent. That's his only point. He lives in consistency, even if it means being miserable and underpaid. Which I understand but I really think I would rather chance the inconsistency to get paid more and have SOMETHING to do other then just show up. I want to "grow", wake up at decent hour, and not get paid less than a check out clerk at a grocery store. My income is just a cushion to the family. That little extra for like pizza nights, my needs or phone bill. I'm thankful for that but I KNOW I can make more and its aggravating. (And no, a raise is never going to happen, I’m lucky to get 8)

He told me to ask you guys....so here I am.
HIT ME WITH YOUR KNOWLEDGE LADIES!! But be gentle.

[kendallina]

Having a job that was only on non-school days wouldn't work for me because there just aren't enough of them. Could you also provide before/after school care for this child or others? I would get the calendar out and count out the number of days that I'd be working in say, January. In my district that would be only 1 day, so without something to do on the other days, I personally couldn't do it. Sorry...

[ChelseaB]

I'm going to keep it simple -- life is too short to work an unsatisfying job! I'd rather say "I can't believe I did that!" Rather than "why didn't I at least try? It could be different..."

With my in-home daycare, while it may have its challenges, there's absolutely no better feeling than being my own boss. I love what I do and how I get to spend my day. It's the best. as for money, I don't think I've ever been so bad that one could consider inconsistent -- I vary from where I need to be to bringing in "extra". But you do what is right for you -- good luck!

[Blackcat31]

I agree with Chelsea! The second you said "mind numbing" I knew which one I would choose.

There is no amount of money in the world that I would accept to do something I didn't enjoy in one way or another.

I could never ever work on an assembly line or any other "mind numbing" type job. It's just not in my DNA

You only get to do this once (life) and I want to do the things that fill my mind and heart with memories not numb it.
If I wanted that I would just drink vodka all day every day.

[Controlled Chaos]

I worked at a place like your current position- it ****ed my soul out and I only made $7.50

If the money is bonus and not necessary to make ends meet, do something else! Nanny, babysit, start your own fcc. I have done private contracting as a dance teacher and then worked as my own boss here at my home daycare. I love being my own boss. I am so spoiled now, my husband teases me that I can never work for someone else again. Find something fulfilling or at least not miserable!

[Unregistered]

I was in this situation years ago when I did an assembly line job. Omg so freaking boring! I decided to get a job in sales. My hubby thought it was a bad idea but I HAD to. I ended up taking the job for 3 years, made good money too. Then I decided to start a daycare due to crappy providers for my dd.

[MsLisa]

The part time offer was merely the first of I hope many. I am looking for full time work and there are some out there, I just need to be brave and message them. . Same with childcare jobs. My resume is ready, I just panic to push send...

I actually had an in-home daycare before I got this job and its the reason I got the job too. Mind you, I only had one family and charged very little (didn't know any better) but I liked it. It was just before and after care but I got to do so many creative things and take them places. Too bad it didn't really take off from there once they left (they moved to another state) and I abandoned that dream after a half year of no clients. I actually came here when I was learning how to do it all professional like. Ironically, I still get call now about it cause I’m apparently still listed on yelp and such. Where was this need when I was all set up?! I don't plan on doing it again as I sold/gave/took everything to the current job that I didn't need.

Today, I had to literally leave my classroom and go for a walk because I just couldn't breath. The kids were mental, screaming "MS.LISA!!!" every second over each other. Then having this new boss going a mile a minute in my ear about all these changes, questioning how I do things and how I need to change stuff all of a sudden. I can't win. Its a suffocating feeling or as Controlled Chaos said "soul s*cking".

I'm glad others have been here and know how it feels. I really appreciate the support. lovethis

[Thriftylady]

If you are that miserable, it is time to move on. Especially considering that you said you have to buy a lot of your own supplies, so that being the case you are not really making $8 an hour are you?

[childcaremom]

I need to do something where I feel challenged and where there is room to grow. I recognize that I always need to be learning and working towards new things.

I like doing childcare because I can constantly change things up, do new things, etc. I can also use the downtime to study and pursue other interests outside daycare land.

I think you need to look at what you know and what you feel and go from there.

[MsLisa]

If you are that miserable, it is time to move on. Especially considering that you said you have to buy a lot of your own supplies, so that being the case you are not really making $8 an hour are you?

Yes i do.
And I just started our Secret Santa thing where members take a tag from my little sign and get us some of the things we need. Nothing big. Just supplies and games, because the Y won't get us anything and I'm sick of buying stuff. It worked last year and this is the 3rd donations request I’ve put together. Me. Not the Y.
(Which were successful and actually recognized by a local radio show and a manufacturing company.)

Sadly, I’m told every time I use the word "my" that it's the "Y's room, not yours" by the branch manager. They'll see. When my 2 week notice goes in and the room starts to empty.....cause its all coming with me. The only thing that'll stay are donations, which is only 30% of the room.

Once again, thank you ladies. I'm aiming to be somewhere else in the New Year, as we only have about 14 days left of this month anyway. Fingers crossed. (My husband is finally on board too)

[Josiegirl]

If I wanted that I would just drink vodka all day every day.

Are there job openings for that??

[Josiegirl]

I hope you did push send and got that resume moving!!! You sound miserable where you are now. No opportunity for anything. People are so right when they say you only get one shot at this. Before I read everyone's reply I kept thinking 'go with what makes you happy' and it's pretty clear to me where you're at isn't it!!
Good luck! You're in a wonderful position to have choices and not *have* to work immediately. You can find something that fits you. So go for it!!

[rosieteddy]

I also think you should move on.Take a pay stub and see what you clear after taxes and expenses. You sound young and life is short move on.I personally would want a guaranteed amount of income.Try and figure out if that works for you.I do understand its hard to make the switch....You know were you stand at this job and that though boring can feel comforting. Good luck.