Employment Opportunities

[PrincessJOA]

Hey guys, just needed some advice.

I'm considering of taking a gap year this year from my study and just do random stuff. See, thing is, I was really hoping to work part time and devote my remaining spare time volunteering at this kids hospital and the museum (something I've always wanted to do).

 

However, it seems hard to find a good part time job that pays well (I have a degree). I've applied for a bunch of positions this last 1-2 weeks but I haven't heard much from them. Maybe because of the holiday season here which is understandable?

 

Anyway, I spoke to a previous employer of mine who became a good friend and she offered me a full time position in this store. The problem is it's in retail. I feel like I'm far more capable and qualified than that. Not that I don't like retail, I love the fast paced environment and to meet people from all walks of life. Plus, she understood when I said it's only for a year and then I'll be off again to study. So I guess that makes me feel a lot easier- leaving without guilt. And it won't be a job that I will want to think twice of leaving end of this year anyway. So yeah, now I don't know whether I should wait on it and see what the opportunities are like with all the other positions that I've applied for. I might not even get a decent job for the whole 6 months? I don't know... What would you guys do?

[JadedStar]

There is no harm in taking the retail job and continuing to look for the job you would like in the meantime. You also should feel NO guilt when leaving a job. Employment is typically at will in most states both for the employee and the employer, that means either can leave at anytime.

 

The retail job will also offer you a lot of experience even if you don't happen to find a job in a museum or hospital so it really is a win/win to go ahead and take it while you are still continuing the job search.

[calidreamin0]

If it were me, I would not take a year off. The job market is horrible. The more school you get done, in a quicker pace... will make you that far ahead of the crunch.

 

But, I would just go for the retail job, because it might be the best thing you will be able to find out there. Full time jobs are a hard thing to find right now in any profession (including retail!).

[MollyElise]

If it were me, I would not take a year off. The job market is horrible. The more school you get done, in a quicker pace... will make you that far ahead of the crunch.

 

But, I would just go for the retail job, because it might be the best thing you will be able to find out there. Full time jobs are a hard thing to find right now in any profession (including retail!).

 

I agree with Cali - now is not a good time in the world to take down time

[alli]

I heard it now takes the average job-seeker 4 1/2 months to find a job. Amazing, because that is exactly how long it took me. I really don't think it's a good idea to take a year off school. You will get "rusty" or may even decide not to go back. It basically sounds like you want to do things now that you should be doing once you finish school. Patience! Get your degree first. Don't start a new sandwhich until you finished the last one. You can work part time & do that volunteer stuff while you are in college.

 

You may have less money now by going to school instead of working, but look at it this way. Is it better to make $10 an hour now without a degree or $20 later with a degree?

 

Enjoy college. You have the rest of your life to work & it's no fun.