Does anyone work at a school cafeteria?

[Mskanga]

I just applied in my kids school and I was told as soon as the criminal and child abuse reports come back clear, I will have a possition. I know it's not my life career but I have to take a lot of things into consideration, I need to be home when my kids have snow days , holidays and vacations, and also be home when they are home before and after school.
I don't have any friends or relatives I can rely on to babysit , and daycare would cost me over $200 a week for the two of them, so it's not worth it going to work and pay half of my salary for daycare.
I also like the idea of working mon-friday instead of weekends ( I did that for 8 years ) and it's time to start enjoying weekends with my family.
Some people think I'm crazy for doing that but it's only from 9 am to 2 pm , the pay is not that great but the benefits are. I never thought I would be thinking more about benefits than salary, LOL.

 

[Kteacher]

I took my position (kindergarten paraprofessional) so I could be home when my kids are. The benefits are great, the hours are perfect, and I'm off when my kids are. The money is lousy, but when I factor in the worth of the benefits it's not so bad,that and having summers off Plus, I love working with the kids!! Go for it

 

[janette]

I've know a couple of people who worked at the school and have really enjoyed it. One of my neighbors started last year and is hoping to be transferred to our elementary before next year. She loves the hours and the advantage of being off when the kids are off. The only thing she missed this year is not being able to attend school functions but if she's at the school she'll be able to do that too.

If for some reason I didn't have a job I'd definately consider it before going back to a 9to5 job without flexibility. Right now I have enough flexibility the only time I have a babysitter is part of the summer.

edited to add: another advantage they've mentioned is that you get to see your child in a different setting and also get to know some of their friends.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I worked both in the cafeteria and the office all through grades 1-10, it was great. I had days off when the kids did, snow days, vacations. That was the best job I had for me when my son was in school. Finally when he was in 10th grade I decided to give some other mom a chance to have the best job for a working mom. You will not be sorry you took it.

 

[Mskanga]

Thanks guys for your responses, as I said, being home when my children are home is a big factor for me, if I had my parents who could babysit or something like that, then it would be another story.
When they get older , then I will have to get another job to pay for College, geez, it never ends, does it?

 

[jan/cape]

Like K-Teacher I am also a para-professional in an elementary school. I agree that the pay is horrible, but the benefits out weigh this if you have children. I get 15 sick days per school year unused sick days can be carried over to the next year (I have approx. 35 unused days to date). I don't use many of these days for myself, but it's nice when the kids aren't feeling well. I also recently had to take 6 days off for myself dr. ordered voice rest, long story.
I know what is going on in the school and I know majority of the kids too. Daughter also drives to and from school with me.
For the past two years I have worked in the office of the summer camp they have at the school, the hours are only 8-12 Mon-Thurs.
When she is a little older I am sure I will look for a better paying job, but for now it works

 

[Pop Daddy]

if ya gotta job be happy

 

[pat fan]

I've worked in my kids cafeteria for almost 5 years now,and you're right,the pay isn't great,but the benefits are.I don't get the insurance but I do use my sick time to be with my kids if they're sick and nobody bats an eye.Our staff is wonderful,we all think our kids and families come first.

You won't regret it,but you sure have better hours than I do!My usual job is 7-2,but my boss is out with a broken leg/bone cancer until next September,so I'm filling in for her working 6:30-1:30,although I'm there until 2:00 most days.