tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post6901996079083912829..comments2024-01-26T05:21:36.865-08:00Comments on Motherscribe: I get a phone call...JCKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04582581376724478366noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-1808897399765929972008-05-20T12:35:00.000-07:002008-05-20T12:35:00.000-07:00I think the fact that you aren't sure means you pr...I think the fact that you aren't sure means you probably shouldn't do it. And I speak from experience here. I changed a job that I wasn't sure about from the beginning (and this was even before kids were in the mix) and it was a huge huge mistake. But you probably shouldn't pay much attention to me, because my dream job would be in theatre, and my training and experience lies elsewhere, so there aren't too many jobs I would be willing to take right now. I just want some nice publishing company to send me their mystery writers to read and copy edit. Some of them need it.Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02190489990653412687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-20102030945243753552008-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:002008-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00Ringing in a little late - sorry friend. I absolu...Ringing in a little late - sorry friend. I absolutely understand the lure of that kind of a job. I love the idea of being the answer person, the one to rely on. <BR/><BR/>When I stopped working outside, it was because I didn't think we could manage our family optimally with me still working. I'm reminded of this with every cold, field trip, and quick run to the pediatricians. <BR/><BR/>I think you're absolutely right to worry about working for a workaholic - especially a woman with something to prove (throwing my gender under the bus). She may seem tough but fair but if she made sacrifices that you're not willing to make, it'll be very hard for her to understand.Manic Mommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02397835927560496425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-72805176953305619342008-05-19T20:30:00.000-07:002008-05-19T20:30:00.000-07:00Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold the phone. You hired 2 ma...Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold the phone. You hired 2 massage therapists for your teachers to get 15 minutes massages? You're exhausted from Teacher Appreciation Week? <BR/><BR/>At my school, the only thing we get for teacher apprecition is a flower yanked from the side of the road on the way to school.<BR/><BR/>Sorry, I know this wasn't really the point of this post. I must read more carefully and make a more relevent comment.Jason, as himselfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16630210317307544165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-31646807039104970912008-05-19T13:14:00.000-07:002008-05-19T13:14:00.000-07:00Oh geez, this is the tough of the toughest. I wis...Oh geez, this is the tough of the toughest. I wish I had wisdom (which I do not). For me, right now, I could not. More importantly, ALWAYS so with your gut, it's always right! And you can always change your mind either way.MamaGeek @ Works For Ushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09563543041234527282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-17425902059804883552008-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:002008-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:00I do that job right now and I've done it in a coup...I do that job right now and I've done it in a couple of places for 5 years. I don't have kids but, like E, my passion is theatre. I do this job because I do need the money. I moved to a higher paying type of office because I I thought perhaps I could be paid enough to make me a happy person who does the job. <BR/><BR/>They can't. <BR/><BR/>No one can.<BR/><BR/>If you're at all ambivalent I'd have to say save yourself and don't take it. As you may know, I don't know if you've done this work before, assistantship is a fancy word for servant at that level and it can suck your soul right out your ear holes very easily.<BR/><BR/>Good luck whatever your decision, though, she sounds like a really interesting boss.Kizzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01957878512519527975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-90895816385841165692008-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:002008-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00Seeing as most employers put their best foot forwa...Seeing as most employers put their best foot forward at the interview, I might shy away--my friend worked for someone like this and she had no respect for my friend's personal life.<BR/>If you can get a job this easy, I bet there is an even better one that will work with your schedule :)Miss Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15430066224876012848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-27553839545140140742008-05-19T06:24:00.000-07:002008-05-19T06:24:00.000-07:00Congratulations. OF COURSE they loved you. They ...Congratulations. OF COURSE they loved you. They would be really lucky to have you.<BR/><BR/>I am with Tootsie on this. I am not ready to go back to work. I do some stuff on the side for fun, but not anything that would qualify as a JOB. Are you sure this is what you want now? It would also take time away from your writing.<BR/><BR/>I am sure you will make the right decision for YOU. You will do whatever you do well.Texashollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17982077447405220888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-1175684954882719562008-05-18T19:43:00.000-07:002008-05-18T19:43:00.000-07:00Wow I can't imagine having to make that kind of de...Wow I can't imagine having to make that kind of decision. I would say that if it is what you would love to do, if it makes your heart beat fast with anticipation, do it. If not, think long and hard about the pros and cons. <BR/>And if you do it and then it doesn't work out, you can always leave.Mighty Morphin' Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244716672872427829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-71216237538714182742008-05-18T19:26:00.000-07:002008-05-18T19:26:00.000-07:00It feels real good when you are so highly regarded...It feels real good when you are so highly regarded. Its a fight in your head right now, I guess...<BR/><BR/>Personally, I will not take it, firstly because of the character of your superior...my tip - never work for a woman, you never know when she is having her pms (that is if you know what I mean)<BR/><BR/>second, if your family can really do without this extra cash...don't sacrifice your family life and time with the kids...you know how kids grow up fast, once the childhood years are gone, the are never coming back again....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-49727225002891024252008-05-18T19:19:00.000-07:002008-05-18T19:19:00.000-07:00JCK, I'm going to join in with those that say no, ...JCK, I'm going to join in with those that say no, by echoing their suggestions that this is a time in your children's lives that will never come again. If they were both in school full time, and older and more independent, it wouldn't be such a dilema. But I imagine that each day at this age is full of change and evolution. I believe that your presence in the home is re-assuring to both Boy and Girl, and you get to spend such wonderful quality time with them.<BR/><BR/>That said.....I also have to tell you to go with your heart, you know what's best for you. And I send you all the best.<BR/><BR/>-suzsuzanneelizabeths.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14304462740451230118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-52352818484906912872008-05-18T16:59:00.000-07:002008-05-18T16:59:00.000-07:00oh. ouch. it's hard. I can't tell you what to d...oh. ouch. it's hard. I can't tell you what to do. It sounds like it's a job you would love if it were PART time, not full time. Good luck figuring it out<BR/><BR/>(because you asked...and if it were me? I don't think i'd take it.)painted maypolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06446625015003854710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-31769426775284546892008-05-18T16:48:00.000-07:002008-05-18T16:48:00.000-07:00I would have to say no. This time with Girl will ...I would have to say no. This time with Girl will never come again, and Boy might react badly just as he is making strides to get back to 2 afternoon...what would happen with five? <BR/> I'm not much help though, because I could live the REST OF MY LIFE without working for someone else again. <BR/>Congrats on the offer though, always nice to be wanted!<BR/>Blessings, EJTElizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07505258364895249347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-10775038829562322032008-05-18T13:52:00.000-07:002008-05-18T13:52:00.000-07:00as someone who doesn't care to work, i'm going to ...as someone who doesn't care to work, i'm going to say, feh. but, that's from me, who works two hours a day, and enjoys that.<BR/><BR/>no help, am i?Livhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09154719979114564561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-56262751318182109242008-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:002008-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:00Despite reports of her bad attitude, I think the f...Despite reports of her bad attitude, I think the former assistant could offer a wealth of information. Of course, you won't get the opportunity to meet her unless you agree to take the job, so it's kind of a catch 22.<BR/><BR/>And then, you would have to be assess whether you can trust her view of the job. <BR/><BR/>The job sounds great in a lot of ways, so try it out if that feels right to you. And it's fantastic they offered it to you.<BR/><BR/>How long do you have before they want a decision? <BR/><BR/>Good luck!Jennifer Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16239563357592230711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-6885634917352067682008-05-18T13:33:00.000-07:002008-05-18T13:33:00.000-07:00first, congratulations! they must have loved you....first, congratulations! they must have loved you. no surprise there.<BR/><BR/>personally? i wouldn't take it. i wouldn't like being someone's assistant -- being at the whim of her schedule, her moods, her needs. i need more predictability than that.<BR/><BR/>but that's just me.<BR/><BR/>i know this is probably silly, but sometimes writing down all the pros and cons, right next to each other, helps.Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05602868040771218507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-42944440324343892222008-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:002008-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:00Just knowing that they want you has got to be a fa...Just knowing that they want you has got to be a fantastic ego boost.. and we all need an occassional ego boost. It also sounds like it could be a fantastic opportunity. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how it will all play out until you actually start working. The kids may adjust easily and you may find yourself enjoying the time you spend with them all the more because you have time away. Or not.. in which case you simply give notice and go back to what works for your family. <BR/><BR/>For me, going back to work last fall was enlightening. I learned that my kids are a lot more capable and resilient than I knew (mine are considerably older than yours so childcare wasn't an issue but unsupervised time was a huge unknown) and that I can keep the house from falling apart, do the laundry, shopping, pay the bills, and keep up with school and sports schedules while working. I also learned that I hated it. I felt like I was wasting my days, giving my life away for nothing but money. I don't regret taking the job, it changed my perspective dramatically, but I was relieved to walk away from it.<BR/><BR/>You should know that there isn't a right or wrong answer. You are a good mother and going to work is not going to change that a bit.Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17319951305724993484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-5597289431469832352008-05-18T11:50:00.000-07:002008-05-18T11:50:00.000-07:00And - ooh, I want to hear more about E's theatre c...And - ooh, I want to hear more about E's theatre company.Glennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03681336164718681936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-64048017226454095502008-05-18T11:48:00.000-07:002008-05-18T11:48:00.000-07:00It sounds like a great opportunity, and as everyon...It sounds like a great opportunity, and as everyone upthread says, you can quit if you don't like it. Just be sure you don't change your life-style so that you NEED this job, leaving yourself an escape hatch, and give it 6 months or so. <BR/><BR/>Now - I will give you my gut-feeling "what I would do" - if it were me - I wouldn't take it, because I know that I am not compatible with being someone's assistant. Assistants end up 'serving" their boss. Some people are really good at it and get a lot of satisfaction from it, I am not one of them. I end up getting pissed off.<BR/><BR/>I see some red flags in the situation - the speed with which they made the offer means they're 1) in need and 2) make decisions based on gut, first impressions, which can sometimes play out differently. Can I be blunt? It's like "love at first sight." sometimes that works out, sometimes not. <BR/><BR/>There's a big emphasis on personal interaction - they were quick to reveal the previous person's bad attitude, which, IMHO is unrofessional.<BR/><BR/>Sorry, I'm giving such a mixed up message! I go back to "love at first sight." It's a great opportunity that could work out marvelously if you and she are compatible. But leave yourself an escape hatch, and don't fall in love - it's WORK, not a relationship.Glennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03681336164718681936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-55049510702223915022008-05-17T22:52:00.000-07:002008-05-17T22:52:00.000-07:00I always knew I wanted to be home with my kids, so...I always knew I wanted to be home with my kids, so I never had this dilemma. Have you tried making a decision one way or the other and doing a gut check? I find that really helps you know what your heart wants (versus just your head). Good luck and congrats on the offer.Jenn @ Juggling Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14455967210924573398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-45871281349715562992008-05-17T22:24:00.000-07:002008-05-17T22:24:00.000-07:00Personally, I'm not ready to go back to work full ...Personally, I'm not ready to go back to work full time so this would not be a hard decision for me. In fact, I would have even declined an interview. But If it's something you're interested in then go for it! If it doesn't work out you can always leave.Tootsie Farklepantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18336671002327112885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-28036484193083359362008-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:002008-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:00I know that if it were me I wouldn't, but stress a...I know that if it were me I wouldn't, but stress and I, we don't like each other.<BR/>There are so many positives on both ends eh?<BR/>Good Luck and congrats on the offer!happygeekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14554736584093276751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-66452559577188786122008-05-17T18:59:00.000-07:002008-05-17T18:59:00.000-07:00I agree with the women up top. If you sense that i...I agree with the women up top. If you sense that it is going to be awful or be too much for the kids, quit. It might be great. At least feel proud that you got an offer.Mrs. G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01171997573144385692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-21162067487461893542008-05-17T18:36:00.000-07:002008-05-17T18:36:00.000-07:00I would say yes. It really does sound like it coul...I would say yes. It really does sound like it could be goodflutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11828689769747130419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-62405883196952643232008-05-17T18:21:00.000-07:002008-05-17T18:21:00.000-07:00As suburban correspondent said a job is just a job...As suburban correspondent said a job is just a job, not a life sentence. If you hate it, you quit, if the woman makes you want to jump out a window, you quit, if the kids can't adjust, you quit, if the house falls apart, with your new salary you hire help! Go with your gut. You have good instincts. If your gut says no, another better job will come along eventually. I'm no help at all, am I?Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13164420416881517854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3271931822987740572.post-9831366448921177732008-05-17T17:54:00.000-07:002008-05-17T17:54:00.000-07:00Thank goodness I will never deal with this sort of...Thank goodness I will never deal with this sort of dilemma.<BR/><BR/>Just don't take the job for the money - it won't be worth it. Take it if you think you would enjoy it. There is no way to find out how flexible your boss will truly be about family matters without trying it out, right? No way to find out if your son can handle the increased hours without trying it out, either. <BR/><BR/>But it's not a marriage. If it doesn't work out, you train your replacement and you leave. So maybe it's worth finding out if it is for you?Suburban Correspondenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11488916572135296650noreply@blogger.com