Posts: 789 |
Helen *the original* Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 8:12 PM |
Help! I've got to make a decision, job wise, and it could either be the best decision i've made or the very worst!
At the moment i work in a very small library and although i work all the hours that the library is open it still only classes itself as part-time work. I really like working there, chatting with the customers but i especially like talking to the children, making things for them and doing displays. But a job at the main library up the road has just become available and it's full time hours in a children's library. The thing is, this library is a new library and it is mixed in with NHS facilities so it has a clinical atmosphere and feels quite separate from everything and doesn't feel much like a library at all. I've heard such bad things about the place but when speaking to someone that used to work there, she says i would like it there and they need me. I am wanted by the Children's Librarian (and i think my bosses want me there too) but i don't want to leave a job i'm totally comfortable in and going to somewhere that i could hate just for more money. I am going to need more money eventually and this place will give me experience if i ever want to apply to become a librian....i really don't know what to do!! |
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barlickbabe Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 8:18 PM |
On the time off from your current job could you go and work there for a day to try it out. Then you would know if you were going to like it.
Do the old reasons for and against thing on a piece of paper.
Good Luck |
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Posts: 2545 |
SamuraiSandy Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 8:20 PM |
Helen *the original* wrote: Help! I've got to make a decision, job wise, and it could either be the best decision i've made or the very worst!
At the moment i work in a very small library and although i work all the hours that the library is open it still only classes itself as part-time work. I really like working there, chatting with the customers but i especially like talking to the children, making things for them and doing displays. But a job at the main library up the road has just become available and it's full time hours in a children's library. The thing is, this library is a new library and it is mixed in with NHS facilities so it has a clinical atmosphere and feels quite separate from everything and doesn't feel much like a library at all. I've heard such bad things about the place but when speaking to someone that used to work there, she says i would like it there and they need me. I am wanted by the Children's Librarian (and i think my bosses want me there too) but i don't want to leave a job i'm totally comfortable in and going to somewhere that i could hate just for more money. I am going to need more money eventually and this place will give me experience if i ever want to apply to become a librian....i really don't know what to do!!
Does the new position allow for changes? I mean, would they let you change anything around, or do things to change the atmosphere so that it feels more like a library? It sounds like it could be a good opportunity for you.
The person you spoke to who worked there...why does she think you'll like it? |
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Posts: 789 |
Helen *the original* Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 8:23 PM |
barlickbabe wrote: On the time off from your current job could you go and work there for a day to try it out. Then you would know if you were going to like it.
Do the old reasons for and against thing on a piece of paper.
Good Luck
It's for the same council so i wouldn't get time off! I've worked 2 shifts there and it was ok, i had no problems but they weren't full, long days.
Yep i think it will have to the pro and cons but knowing me it will be even for both! Thanks |
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Posts: 789 |
Helen *the original* Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 8:27 PM |
SamuraiSandy wrote: Helen *the original* wrote: Help! I've got to make a decision, job wise, and it could either be the best decision i've made or the very worst!
At the moment i work in a very small library and although i work all the hours that the library is open it still only classes itself as part-time work. I really like working there, chatting with the customers but i especially like talking to the children, making things for them and doing displays. But a job at the main library up the road has just become available and it's full time hours in a children's library. The thing is, this library is a new library and it is mixed in with NHS facilities so it has a clinical atmosphere and feels quite separate from everything and doesn't feel much like a library at all. I've heard such bad things about the place but when speaking to someone that used to work there, she says i would like it there and they need me. I am wanted by the Children's Librarian (and i think my bosses want me there too) but i don't want to leave a job i'm totally comfortable in and going to somewhere that i could hate just for more money. I am going to need more money eventually and this place will give me experience if i ever want to apply to become a librian....i really don't know what to do!!
Does the new position allow for changes? I mean, would they let you change anything around, or do things to change the atmosphere so that it feels more like a library? It sounds like it could be a good opportunity for you.
The person you spoke to who worked there...why does she think you'll like it?
Because i'd be working for a librarian the main decisions will be down to her and she might leave me jobs to do. I will be allowed to use my own initive and if i ask her about ideas i've got, she would probably let me do things but for the most, i don't think i can change too much!
She came from a different library in a council, took the job and hated it and then left for another library in our council but said she was sad to leave in the end. She said i'd like it because they need someone who gets on with the kids and understands them with a calm, patient nature. She is like me and really wants to work with kids so she knows how much i want to get into children's libraries and thinks i will benefit from it. |
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weirdmom Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 8:27 PM |
It sounds like there are several good reasons to try for the job besides money. You would be devoting all of your time to children instead of some of it and it would be a position that you know would further your career.
I am also curious why the friend thought you would like it.
But I know what you mean about leaving a good job. It can be scary and obviously harder than leaving a place you hate. And ultimately if you are pursuing it but still have a heeby jeeby feeling in your stomach, I would listen to that and stay at your current job. |
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Turtleneck Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 9:25 PM |
| I would tend to go for it. Full-time library jobs are difficult to get (at least here) and if staying in a library setting is your career goal, having held a full-time position is definitely a plus for any future endeavors you may have in climbing the Librarian Ladder of Success. |
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Posts: 2850 |
Peewee Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 9:42 PM |
Helen!!!!
Woohoo excitement, ok here's my 2 cents!
I think you would be CRAZY not to go for the Children's Librarian job! So we have talked in the past (and present) about our library jobs and I can tell just how much job satisfaction you get from work with the children in your current library. Although you enjoy it/love the customers/comfortable etc it is only part-time opening hours. You also have the risk of it being a small library and if over there is anything like NI at the mo I would be wary as the move to close smaller libraries is becoming all to obvious and real :(
Just picture this...yes you will be working below a librarian but what is she like? Ask around etc. Children's Librarians usually are really nice and LOVE new and fresh ideas which you would give them. Imagine all the work you could do with the Children's Library. Now is a GREAT time to move there especially with the Summer Reading Scheme coming up, you could even push for your own little Reading Group like I have ;) Organise and put on craft sessions/craft displays over Summer holidays. Teddy Bear Picnics at the Library....teaching the kids all about Stories on The Web!!!!
Seriously it was the BEST move I ever made! You will still have lovely customers and yummy mummies/daddies etc to chat too. Just remember, you have more opportunities in the Main Library and it's obvious that people want you there already. Just think, after a few years YOU could be head Children's Librarian telling people what YOU want done haha.
I want to see this Children's Library...hehe do you have a pic??? |
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Posts: 8299 |
Scottish Dubliner Posted Wed 25 Feb, 2009 11:33 PM |
can you returfn to your posistion at the moment if it doesn't work out ??
Will you be askinng yourself "what if" if you turn this down ??
You are one of my favourites around here and no matter what you decide I (we, the boardies) will support you. I am always saying to people, that I feel it's better to try and fail, or decide it's not for you, than to sit back and ignore the chances. I was manager of probably the most famous yacht in the world but in the end it wasn't the job for me, I left before I resented it but I am so glad I tried it just so I can say I did it. that said if you really think it is going to be a total 'mare, then fuck it why put yourself through that.
I guess what I'm trying to say is at the end of the day only you can make the decision and no matter what that decision is it can always be put back to experience whether it turns out to be right or wrong.
Seriously Best Of Luck Hells.
Dubz |
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Posts: 789 |
Helen *the original* Posted Thu 26 Feb, 2009 8:33 AM |
Thanks for the replies everyone! The children's librarian is lovely, i've worked with her before (but it is a known fact that she really doesn't like her job!) and she trusts my decisions and that i'll do a good job. It's an interview process anyway so it isn't guaranteed that i'd get it but i think i will at least go for an interview and express my worries there so they know how i feel. I don't have to take the job if i get offered it, i'll have more time to think about it too!
I'll keep you all updated (and post pics for you Wend.)
Thanks again guys x |
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Peewee Posted Thu 26 Feb, 2009 10:38 AM |
| Brilliant! Good Luck with the interviews ;) |
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Posts: 712 |
sorry angel Posted Thu 05 Mar, 2009 1:01 PM |
Good luck with it all. Did you go to the interview (unless I've missed the info in other threads?)?
I would have suggested to go to the interview and express your 'concerns'. In the meantime, if they offer you the job, can you speak to your current employer and try to negociate a full time/pay rise? |
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