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Current Job vs. Dream Job
Hello. I'm 26 years old and I am have a bachelor's in education and currently finishing a degree in higher education. For those who don't know what that is, it is basically a degree that prepares you to work with college students, in areas such as: housing, academic advising, career counseling, student leadership, internships, etc. I always wanted to become an academic advisor and my ultimate dream is to become the Title 9 Coordinator for the institution that I work for. Since my bachelors was in education, I was a teacher for a bit. Unfortunately, the teachers at my school (private) were left without jobs once the school closed down. So, I took the next job that came along, and I've been working there for about 3 weeks. I work in an office and I enjoy it. A lot of what I do there is applicable to housing... but what I really want to do is academic advising.
I would have waited longer and not taken the first job that came along... but there were several reasons why. First, I have no financial support. I'm not married, nor do I have wealthy parents. I am completely and totally on my own financially. Secondly, there is a motivation to escape an abusive situation in my current living situation. Without getting into too much detail (bc it barely has anything to do with the question), I have had to sleep in the car on several occasions and I was told and encouraged to commit suicide. This is not a healthy environment for me. So, I need to escape and the only thing that will allow me that freedom is a job that pays descent.
Now... here is the problem. I live in a city that has the biggest wage gap in the country. That means, that people are paid very low in comparison to the cost of living. I don't work far from my home, but it takes me about an hour every morning because of traffic. If I moved to a more affordable side of town, driving to work would take me two hours. There are not many things that I can afford around where I work.
So, I get an e-mail just a few days ago from a local community college, telling me that they want to interview me for an academic advising position! This is the job that I really want. Although this job is part-time, the salary is high, and I have another job, which is teaching English remotely. So, I would have enough to make ends meet. I was thrilled about this news. Additionally, it is in a safe and affordable neighborhood. They would like for me to interview this week.
However, I just started working at this job. Although it may not have much to do with my career... and is in a part of town that I cannot afford anything nearby... it is a good job with a descent salary and great benefits. So, I don't want to jeopardize this job to go to an interview, without the guarantee... especially because I haven't been here very long. But, at the same time, this is an amazing opportunity for me. This is right up my alley in terms of career, the pay is good, and it's in an area that I can afford... meaning, that it wouldn't put any burden on me to escape the abusive situation. Hence, I really need some advice about how I can leave early on a work-day... even though I just started this job (yikes, not a good start!) I want to be able to explore this option without really backfiring what I already have.
Once again... understand that the situation makes it overall more heavy than just a job.
Thanks!
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Want to answer more questions in the Relationships category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Work/School Relationships?
If all around the job to interview if you got it is the better deal for you, then there is no question but you having to go to the interview. I understand not wanting to jeopardize the current job because if the job interview doesn't end up in you being hired, then you have the current one to fall back on. Yes, I know it wouldn't look good to ask to get off early for a job interview elsewhere after starting there so recently.
So the only thing you could do is take a sick day off for the day of the interview. Being so new, you may not qualify for a paid sick day and you'll have to let them know you understand if thats the case.
If you are like me, you may not like to outright lie to people. In cases like this, if it bothers you that much, find some truth you can share in a wya that will lead others to believe what you want them to assume you are saying.
So if calling in to the current job before you would be due to leave to get to work, call in and let them know you aren't feeling well. That right now your stomach feels like its tied up in knots, thats how bad it hurts. The truth is, your stomach has been tied up in knots over how to get away for a job interview and how to manage everything cost wise for your living situation. They will assume it is a case of the 24 hr flu. THis is the time of year for it, so it won't seem odd at all. If by chance someone asks directly if you caught the flu, you can answer it sure feels like it. You haven't said yes nor no so its not a lie, just misleading a person to believe what you want them to beleive without lying. I don't use it often but only when a situation really requires it and i'd say your situation really does. Good luck and I'll pray that you get the job or be offered another really soon.
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