another question about choosing a job
March 22, 2015 8:01 AM
I need to make a choice between 3 part-time jobs (choosing one or possibly two) by...tomorrow. How do I choose and how do I best quit the one(s) I choose to? (will be kind of long)
My "main"job is a freelance translator/interpreter, but I have had to find other part-time jobs to supplement this. Money has been very tight. I am not choosing one full-time job now because I ALSO need to finish a large project asap, after completion of which I will be paid. So I need time to do this.
I applied for various part-time jobs; I received two offers and took them both, and subsequently received another offer, but I cannot do all three and finish my project. I need help figuring this out!
Job 1: Teaching ESL at a corporate chain school. Hours are dependent on whether students schedule class. I started it last week and taught 9 hours for the week and have 8 (I think scheduled for next week). Pluses: work is pretty interesting so far, not that hard, the location of the school is convenient, and hours are flexible (evening hours as well). Minuses: I don't like corporate, for-profit work with rigid rules (curriculum), I have experience with ESL but it's not my passion, and class hours tend to be spread throughout the week and not in blocks, meaning I go there several days for only around 2-3 hours at a time.
Job 2: Research assistant for non-profit doing a research study at a school involving students. I went to a meeting for this last week (just hired here as well). It's 10-15 hours per week. Pluses: The research itself and organization seem interesting and worthwhile; people are nice; somewhat flexible hours (but probably also spread out). Minuses: my role as assistant would mostly entail data entry and collecting forms; not quite my passion.
Job 3: A social service organization where I previously worked; 20-25 hours a week, somewhat flexible schedule (I should be able to schedule in blocks). Pluses: good work environment (friendly coworkers), job is in area I am passionate about using skills I definitely want to use in a job (Chinese language and cultural skills), I could potentially get hired here in the future (its a temporary position). Minuses: pay is lower than the other two (but not by much).
My hunch is that I want to either take the first two jobs together, OR only the last one. I think the max. I want to work at these jobs is 20-25 hours a week,given that I need time to work on my freelance projects. Any thoughts about these jobs and how to choose?
Also, since I JUST started the first two I am nervous about having to quit. If I choose to do so, what's the best way? Things to keep in mind? I am scheduled for the first two jobs next week.
I need to give the third job a decision by Mon at noon and feel indecisive. Any thoughts at all are appreciated!
My "main"job is a freelance translator/interpreter, but I have had to find other part-time jobs to supplement this. Money has been very tight. I am not choosing one full-time job now because I ALSO need to finish a large project asap, after completion of which I will be paid. So I need time to do this.
I applied for various part-time jobs; I received two offers and took them both, and subsequently received another offer, but I cannot do all three and finish my project. I need help figuring this out!
Job 1: Teaching ESL at a corporate chain school. Hours are dependent on whether students schedule class. I started it last week and taught 9 hours for the week and have 8 (I think scheduled for next week). Pluses: work is pretty interesting so far, not that hard, the location of the school is convenient, and hours are flexible (evening hours as well). Minuses: I don't like corporate, for-profit work with rigid rules (curriculum), I have experience with ESL but it's not my passion, and class hours tend to be spread throughout the week and not in blocks, meaning I go there several days for only around 2-3 hours at a time.
Job 2: Research assistant for non-profit doing a research study at a school involving students. I went to a meeting for this last week (just hired here as well). It's 10-15 hours per week. Pluses: The research itself and organization seem interesting and worthwhile; people are nice; somewhat flexible hours (but probably also spread out). Minuses: my role as assistant would mostly entail data entry and collecting forms; not quite my passion.
Job 3: A social service organization where I previously worked; 20-25 hours a week, somewhat flexible schedule (I should be able to schedule in blocks). Pluses: good work environment (friendly coworkers), job is in area I am passionate about using skills I definitely want to use in a job (Chinese language and cultural skills), I could potentially get hired here in the future (its a temporary position). Minuses: pay is lower than the other two (but not by much).
My hunch is that I want to either take the first two jobs together, OR only the last one. I think the max. I want to work at these jobs is 20-25 hours a week,given that I need time to work on my freelance projects. Any thoughts about these jobs and how to choose?
Also, since I JUST started the first two I am nervous about having to quit. If I choose to do so, what's the best way? Things to keep in mind? I am scheduled for the first two jobs next week.
I need to give the third job a decision by Mon at noon and feel indecisive. Any thoughts at all are appreciated!
If I were you, I'd take Job 3. Here's why:
More jobs are always harder to schedule than fewer jobs. There are inevitably conflicts even if it seems like there shouldn't be. Even though you teach in the evenings, at some point, there'll be a mandatory all-teachers meeting in the afternoon and it'll end up conflicting with your data entry job or something of that nature.
More jobs equals more travel time and more down time. If you work one job and then have a shift at the other job 2 hours later, you might need an hour of that to travel between them and grab a bite to eat, but you're not going to get work done in that one extra hour, so it's also lost to you.
You're also much more interested in job 3, plus you also know and like the people there and it's a career direction you can see yourself moving in, as opposed to the other 2 jobs which don't interest you really all that much.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:23 AM on March 22, 2015
More jobs are always harder to schedule than fewer jobs. There are inevitably conflicts even if it seems like there shouldn't be. Even though you teach in the evenings, at some point, there'll be a mandatory all-teachers meeting in the afternoon and it'll end up conflicting with your data entry job or something of that nature.
More jobs equals more travel time and more down time. If you work one job and then have a shift at the other job 2 hours later, you might need an hour of that to travel between them and grab a bite to eat, but you're not going to get work done in that one extra hour, so it's also lost to you.
You're also much more interested in job 3, plus you also know and like the people there and it's a career direction you can see yourself moving in, as opposed to the other 2 jobs which don't interest you really all that much.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:23 AM on March 22, 2015
thanks for feedback so far! a note: the job I previously had at organization #3 was temporary; I did not quit nor was I fired.
posted by bearette at 8:26 AM on March 22, 2015
posted by bearette at 8:26 AM on March 22, 2015
Yep, job #3. Tell the first two you've found a way to work more hours and not have to juggle two jobs.
posted by summerstorm at 8:34 AM on March 22, 2015
posted by summerstorm at 8:34 AM on March 22, 2015
Are you planning to look for a full-time job after you complete this big project? If so, 3, and then if it doesn't lead to something permanent, pick up any temp job in any sector until you get something permanent (filing is filing, kwim?), or pick up another ESL job somewhere else. I'd rather have a little less money and not hate waking up.
Not sure about the impact of burning bridges at the other two, though.
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:36 AM on March 22, 2015
Not sure about the impact of burning bridges at the other two, though.
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:36 AM on March 22, 2015
Actually, you haven't started either - I think you're fine to say something like, "I'm honoured to have been chosen for the position, but I was just offered a role more in line with my experience and career goals. I'm afraid I have to now rescind my acceptance of your offer. But thank you for your consideration".
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:43 AM on March 22, 2015
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:43 AM on March 22, 2015
sorry to butt in again- I have started both of the first two jobs- have worked one week at the first and am scheduled next week- for the second job, I have just gone to a meeting but am scheduled next week.
Also, is it ok to quit via email? I really don't like the phone (but I have communicated lots via phone with #2).
I REALLY appreciate all comments, very helpful!
posted by bearette at 8:46 AM on March 22, 2015
Also, is it ok to quit via email? I really don't like the phone (but I have communicated lots via phone with #2).
I REALLY appreciate all comments, very helpful!
posted by bearette at 8:46 AM on March 22, 2015
Only a bit of data here, but based on the way you describe things, I think you want to go with Option 3. For a few reasons:
1) You'll be able to focus on one job and not two. That means you'll be doing less context-switching. Which means you'll be able to spend that cognitive energy completing your large project.
2) It sounds like Option 3 is structured (20-25 hrs a week) with some flexibility. Which means you'll have more structure for your large project.
3) All the pluses of Option 3 are quite near-term and future focused, and your minuses state the pay is only slightly lower... which sounds like it's manageable for you.
I say, forget agonizing over it and just choose already. You'll feel better because you can use your energy towards the future and not suffer from decision fatigue.
It sounds like you've done enough to weigh the pros and cons. So when it comes down to it, go with your gut. You already know the answer.
posted by miasma at 8:50 AM on March 22, 2015
1) You'll be able to focus on one job and not two. That means you'll be doing less context-switching. Which means you'll be able to spend that cognitive energy completing your large project.
2) It sounds like Option 3 is structured (20-25 hrs a week) with some flexibility. Which means you'll have more structure for your large project.
3) All the pluses of Option 3 are quite near-term and future focused, and your minuses state the pay is only slightly lower... which sounds like it's manageable for you.
I say, forget agonizing over it and just choose already. You'll feel better because you can use your energy towards the future and not suffer from decision fatigue.
It sounds like you've done enough to weigh the pros and cons. So when it comes down to it, go with your gut. You already know the answer.
posted by miasma at 8:50 AM on March 22, 2015
Follow-up based on your latest comment.
Be a grown-up and quit over the phone. You'll show a professional maturity with that and save face. You never know what kind of opportunity it might bring you in the future, so don't burn the bridge.
You might be a little scared to do it over the phone, but it'll only be once and then you can move on. Be nice but be firm (think of it as a break-up), you don't need to over apologize, you're just making a decision that is best for you.
posted by miasma at 8:55 AM on March 22, 2015
Be a grown-up and quit over the phone. You'll show a professional maturity with that and save face. You never know what kind of opportunity it might bring you in the future, so don't burn the bridge.
You might be a little scared to do it over the phone, but it'll only be once and then you can move on. Be nice but be firm (think of it as a break-up), you don't need to over apologize, you're just making a decision that is best for you.
posted by miasma at 8:55 AM on March 22, 2015
Also, when you quit, tell them that "of course you will work as scheduled next week if they still want you to." Job 3 should understand that you may have previous obligations and can't start till the following week, or will only have limited hours for the first week. This saves you from completely burning bridges and causing jobs 1 and 2 from scrambling to fill your hours. Of course, they may say "no problem, don't come in" anyhow.
posted by DoubleLune at 9:26 AM on March 22, 2015
posted by DoubleLune at 9:26 AM on March 22, 2015
Another reason that I would lean towards job #3 that has not yet been listed in this thread: Since it is related to your chosen field, you might be able to generate samples or get experience for your CV that you can list for your freelance business.
I am saying this a a person who does freelance in a specialized industry: Having the samples and/or experience with a company definitely = landing projects in the future. So I would take #3 and use a strategic view. Do they need written material generated in Chinese and English? Do that. Do they need someone to read the document related to law in Chinese and put it into basic English terminology. Do that and put it on your resume for experience reading and interpreting law documents (or whatever).
I think that if you play these cards right, job #3 can pay off for you monetarily.
Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 9:57 AM on March 22, 2015
I am saying this a a person who does freelance in a specialized industry: Having the samples and/or experience with a company definitely = landing projects in the future. So I would take #3 and use a strategic view. Do they need written material generated in Chinese and English? Do that. Do they need someone to read the document related to law in Chinese and put it into basic English terminology. Do that and put it on your resume for experience reading and interpreting law documents (or whatever).
I think that if you play these cards right, job #3 can pay off for you monetarily.
Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 9:57 AM on March 22, 2015
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How much driving/commute time is involved in getting to and from job #3?
Additionally, not having to shift gears between project and TWO jobs, plus the rest of your life is not to be discounted.
Can you imagine a day where you have research gig in the morning, tutoring set up at night, and Big Project in the afternoon? Add in laundry and whatever else you are responsible for.
posted by bilabial at 8:23 AM on March 22, 2015