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I'm having a little difficulty deciding what to do and where to go next...but for the first time I have some options in front of me, so I'd appreciate any help/advice you can give.
Graduated from University in January (3.5 years) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Started the job search by mass mailing organizations and state/local representatives which I had an interest working for. I also registered through a commonwealth of PAa website for non-civil service jobs with the state. In the meantime, I've been working two jobs - one at a supermarket down the street from me, and the other as a Database Administrator for a Financial Planner. I've received raises at both jobs, and my current combined gross income is about 31,000/yr. I currently work 55 hours a week.
I received very little in terms of positive response from the 'real' job serach, which was a pretty big let down, but I've tried to send our resumes consistently. I turned down one canvassing position because it required relocation, which I am not financially able to do yet, and also took the Foreign Service Exam in April (did well, but not well enough to be asked to Washington for a formal interview).
The financial planner that I work for has spoken about bringing me on full time to work as his Sales Assistant, but to do this I would first have to be registered, which requires studying for and passing a set of examinations. He predicts it will take until December for this to be completed. He has not yet mentioned any potential salary/compensation package for doing this.
I recently interviewed for a position working with the State Police as a Communications Operator. Today I received a phone call letting me know that I am being offered a job pending a background check (which, of course, won't yield anything objectionable). The job involves five weeks of paid training at commonwealth expense in Hershey, PA (about 2 hours away). But, I need to be able to tell them whether I'm accepting the position or not as soon as possible. The position pays 15.25 an hour (Weekdays) and 16.75 an hour (Weekends) with Holidays at time and a half. It involves a rotating shift schedule, as well.
At this point, I'm just thrilled to have options...but I guess I wanted to see what the Apolyton community thinks about the situation I'm in.
As I see it, here are the pros and cons to each:
Sales Assistant Pros:
-Office is located close to home (10 minute commute, zero traffic)
-Established, positive relationship with employer already exists
-Possibility exists for higher earnings with commission
-Steady schedule (M through F 9-5)
-Current Registered Representative is aging, and has already made it clear that he expects to eventually bring me in as a Junior Partner to lighten his load. Claims THAT position can easily yield $100,000/yr.
-Paid Holidays Off
-Allow me to go to night school for Masters degree, which I may want to do in the future.
Sales Assistant Cons:
-Requires delaying full-time employment for several months
-Income level not steady or 'guaranteed' (Commission)
-May require an unknown fincial investment of my own (Courses, registration and liscensing fees, etc.)
-The position has little to do with my areas of interest
-I do not consider myself to be a natural salesman, and moreover, dread the idea of making a living on 'sales'.
Communications Operator Pros:
-Steady, guaranteed income of about $32,000/yr. (Gross)
-Involves a lot of computer work, which I enjoy
-Medical Benefits start from Day 1 of training
-Training is fully paid and expenses (lodging, food) covered by the Commonwealth
Communications Operator Cons:
-Varying shift schedule
-Five weeks of training away from home
-Operations Center located in Norristown, about 20 miles away from home. Commute varies between 25 minutes and an hour with traffic!!
-I have no idea whether or not I will like this type of work or not.
-Probably will not allow me to attend graduate school due to varying schedule.
-I have no concept of the opportunities for advancement.
Any thoughts? I really appreciate all of the help!
Graduated from University in January (3.5 years) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Started the job search by mass mailing organizations and state/local representatives which I had an interest working for. I also registered through a commonwealth of PAa website for non-civil service jobs with the state. In the meantime, I've been working two jobs - one at a supermarket down the street from me, and the other as a Database Administrator for a Financial Planner. I've received raises at both jobs, and my current combined gross income is about 31,000/yr. I currently work 55 hours a week.
I received very little in terms of positive response from the 'real' job serach, which was a pretty big let down, but I've tried to send our resumes consistently. I turned down one canvassing position because it required relocation, which I am not financially able to do yet, and also took the Foreign Service Exam in April (did well, but not well enough to be asked to Washington for a formal interview).
The financial planner that I work for has spoken about bringing me on full time to work as his Sales Assistant, but to do this I would first have to be registered, which requires studying for and passing a set of examinations. He predicts it will take until December for this to be completed. He has not yet mentioned any potential salary/compensation package for doing this.
I recently interviewed for a position working with the State Police as a Communications Operator. Today I received a phone call letting me know that I am being offered a job pending a background check (which, of course, won't yield anything objectionable). The job involves five weeks of paid training at commonwealth expense in Hershey, PA (about 2 hours away). But, I need to be able to tell them whether I'm accepting the position or not as soon as possible. The position pays 15.25 an hour (Weekdays) and 16.75 an hour (Weekends) with Holidays at time and a half. It involves a rotating shift schedule, as well.
At this point, I'm just thrilled to have options...but I guess I wanted to see what the Apolyton community thinks about the situation I'm in.
As I see it, here are the pros and cons to each:
Sales Assistant Pros:
-Office is located close to home (10 minute commute, zero traffic)
-Established, positive relationship with employer already exists
-Possibility exists for higher earnings with commission
-Steady schedule (M through F 9-5)
-Current Registered Representative is aging, and has already made it clear that he expects to eventually bring me in as a Junior Partner to lighten his load. Claims THAT position can easily yield $100,000/yr.
-Paid Holidays Off
-Allow me to go to night school for Masters degree, which I may want to do in the future.
Sales Assistant Cons:
-Requires delaying full-time employment for several months
-Income level not steady or 'guaranteed' (Commission)
-May require an unknown fincial investment of my own (Courses, registration and liscensing fees, etc.)
-The position has little to do with my areas of interest
-I do not consider myself to be a natural salesman, and moreover, dread the idea of making a living on 'sales'.
Communications Operator Pros:
-Steady, guaranteed income of about $32,000/yr. (Gross)
-Involves a lot of computer work, which I enjoy
-Medical Benefits start from Day 1 of training
-Training is fully paid and expenses (lodging, food) covered by the Commonwealth
Communications Operator Cons:
-Varying shift schedule
-Five weeks of training away from home
-Operations Center located in Norristown, about 20 miles away from home. Commute varies between 25 minutes and an hour with traffic!!
-I have no idea whether or not I will like this type of work or not.
-Probably will not allow me to attend graduate school due to varying schedule.
-I have no concept of the opportunities for advancement.
Any thoughts? I really appreciate all of the help!
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