I finally got a job offer, but ...

[mackeysmom]

... I wish I could be happier about it

A little background: I was working full-time at my marketing job - making decent money - while going to school (part-time, at night) for my degree in Hospitality Management. This past July my department was downsized and I lost my job. I took advantage of the time off, and went back to school full-time for the summer and fall semesters - graduated in December.

Since December I've been looking for a hotel job - sent out so many resumes- and wasn't getting any bites. I wound up making a few appointments with some hotel HR folks to see if they could shed any light on what I was doing - right or wrong - in terms of my job search.

Everybody said the same thing - I am overqualified for any entry-level position (almost 18 years in Management), but probably won't be considered for any management position because I don't have so much as a day's experience working in a hotel.

To make a long story short (too late, right ), today I was offered a Front Desk Agent position - pending the outcome of my drug test .

I know I have to take it - I need to get my foot in the door, but ... I'll be making less $$ than I've been getting on unemployment and I'll have to work weekends (and most holidays since I'll be the low man on the totem pole) The work days and hours will change from week-to-week, making a steady part-time job difficult to get.

I keep telling myself "It's a job, and you need a job, your unemployment will run out soon, your Cobra subsidy will soon end and raise your rate from $160 to almost $500, you're 40 years old and need to keep up with a 401K etc." but I just have an overwhelming feeling of doom and dread. Thank God I have a little savings, but a year or so of subsidizing this new salary will pretty much wipe it out. I'm sick just thinking about it

Oh well, I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for letting me vent

-- Laura

 

[abdmom]

I feel your pain. I'm looking for a job too. I'm high on education and low on experience, especially recent experience.

Think of it this way - In a year, you'll have a year's worth of experience in the hospitality industry. Your resume will be that much stronger, and your dream job will be closer.

 

[disney1990]

Try to stay positive -- it is a step in the right direction to reach your goal.

 

[mackeysmom]

I feel your pain. I'm looking for a job too. I'm high on education and low on experience, especially recent experience.

Think of it this way - In a year, you'll have a year's worth of experience in the hospitality industry. Your resume will be that much stronger, and your dream job will be closer.

Thanks for the positive words - I know a year or so will fly by, I just have to get into the correct mindset.

Good luck in your job search

Try to stay positive -- it is a step in the right direction to reach your goal.

I think I was just feeling sorry for myself today . I do have a goal in mind, but today it just seems sooooo far away. Thanks for the kind words

 

[FireDancer]

Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take a step forward. Just tell yourself this and remember that in the future it will probably pay off. I can relate. When I wanted to get my degree I wanted to work full time and go to school full time. In order to do that I had to leave a pretty well paying job and take a much less paying job with flexible hours. It wasn't something I liked doing but when I graduated that job led to my first job in my field.

Hopefully you will eventually reach the same outcome as I did. Good luck.

 

[wdwfan16]

... I wish I could be happier about it

A little background: I was working full-time at my marketing job - making decent money - while going to school (part-time, at night) for my degree in Hospitality Management. This past July my department was downsized and I lost my job. I took advantage of the time off, and went back to school full-time for the summer and fall semesters - graduated in December.

Since December I've been looking for a hotel job - sent out so many resumes- and wasn't getting any bites. I wound up making a few appointments with some hotel HR folks to see if they could shed any light on what I was doing - right or wrong - in terms of my job search.

Everybody said the same thing - I am overqualified for any entry-level position (almost 18 years in Management), but probably won't be considered for any management position because I don't have so much as a day's experience working in a hotel.

To make a long story short (too late, right ), today I was offered a Front Desk Agent position - pending the outcome of my drug test .

I know I have to take it - I need to get my foot in the door, but ... I'll be making less $$ than I've been getting on unemployment and I'll have to work weekends (and most holidays since I'll be the low man on the totem pole) The work days and hours will change from week-to-week, making a steady part-time job difficult to get.

I keep telling myself "It's a job, and you need a job, your unemployment will run out soon, your Cobra subsidy will soon end and raise your rate from $160 to almost $500, you're 40 years old and need to keep up with a 401K etc." but I just have an overwhelming feeling of doom and dread. Thank God I have a little savings, but a year or so of subsidizing this new salary will pretty much wipe it out. I'm sick just thinking about it

Oh well, I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for letting me vent

-- Laura

I would consider yourself lucky to find a job in this industry. It has been decimated by the current recession. This job is just a stepping stone for your future goals.

Can you cut home expenses? If you own a home, can you rent a bedroom or two out?

 

[lovesmurfs]

... I wish I could be happier about it

A little background: I was working full-time at my marketing job - making decent money - while going to school (part-time, at night) for my degree in Hospitality Management. This past July my department was downsized and I lost my job. I took advantage of the time off, and went back to school full-time for the summer and fall semesters - graduated in December.

Since December I've been looking for a hotel job - sent out so many resumes- and wasn't getting any bites. I wound up making a few appointments with some hotel HR folks to see if they could shed any light on what I was doing - right or wrong - in terms of my job search.

Everybody said the same thing - I am overqualified for any entry-level position (almost 18 years in Management), but probably won't be considered for any management position because I don't have so much as a day's experience working in a hotel.

To make a long story short (too late, right ), today I was offered a Front Desk Agent position - pending the outcome of my drug test .

I know I have to take it - I need to get my foot in the door, but ... I'll be making less $$ than I've been getting on unemployment and I'll have to work weekends (and most holidays since I'll be the low man on the totem pole) The work days and hours will change from week-to-week, making a steady part-time job difficult to get.

I keep telling myself "It's a job, and you need a job, your unemployment will run out soon, your Cobra subsidy will soon end and raise your rate from $160 to almost $500, you're 40 years old and need to keep up with a 401K etc." but I just have an overwhelming feeling of doom and dread. Thank God I have a little savings, but a year or so of subsidizing this new salary will pretty much wipe it out. I'm sick just thinking about it

Oh well, I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for letting me vent

-- Laura

I have 6 years of hotel experience, from sales secretary to front office manager to senior sales manager, and I can tell you to take it with no reservations (pardon the pun). Approach it with a positive attitude, and learn EVERYTHING you can about all of the functions within the hotel. A bright front desk clerk SHINES through the whole organization. Staff changes over quickly in hotels, and you'll be able to move up the ranks. Make it clear (without sounding like you're not happy in your position) that you're open to other positions as they become available.

Best wishes.

 

[solotraveler]

Having worked in hotel management before a career change, you really do need to get your foot in the door. It is very much a "work your way up from the bottom" industry.

In all honesty, hotels are unique animals with a lot of "moving parts." All the education and experience in the world doesn't mean much if you don't understand the day to day ins-and-outs of the field. Look at it this way: Would you ever want a job where you manager had never been in your shoes before? It'll only make you a better manager down the line by putting your time in.

The hours and weekends don't go away until you may into the back office or move waaaaaay up the ladder, but trust me, you'll start to LOVE weekdays off.

Congrats on the new job! It really is an exciting field!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Well from a fellow LIer, I am glad you got the job.

I think there is a saying, like the journey begins with the first step.

I am sure its not the most ideal situation, but its a job and a starting place on a new adventure and chapter in your life.

My ds is graduating with a bs in business and a minor in marketing. Its tough for him. He went to Nassau for an interview yest. After driving over an hour he decided this is too far for him etc. So he is starting to look in Suffolk lst.

As far as med. insurance, have you checked into Healthy NY. The cost is lower than $500 a month as you quoted for your cost. We are doing this for ds since he goes off our policy soon.

Best of luck to you.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Having worked in hotel management before a career change, you really do need to get your foot in the door. It is very much a "work your way up from the bottom" industry.

In all honesty, hotels are unique animals with a lot of "moving parts." All the education and experience in the world doesn't mean much if you don't understand the day to day ins-and-outs of the field. Look at it this way: Would you ever want a job where you manager had never been in your shoes before? It'll only make you a better manager down the line by putting your time in.

The hours and weekends don't go away until you may into the back office or move waaaaaay up the ladder, but trust me, you'll start to LOVE weekdays off.

Congrats on the new job! It really is an exciting field!

I totally agree with the above. My DD got a teaching degree and only taught for one semester before realizing that she HATED it! She felt that ANY job would be better, so worked briefly in retail, then got a job as a front desk clerk. She worked hard and learned all she could and now, 8 years later, has a VERY high-paying management position with a huge national hotel chain. Heck, she makes over twice what I do! LOL
So give it a try and this just might work out to be a good fit for you! Good luck!

 

[mackeysmom]

(As expected) My drug test came back with no problems , so I was officially offered the position today. I accepted, and start on Monday.

Health benefits will kick in after 90 days, so I'll be covered with my subsidized Cobra until then.

Thanks for all of the positive replies.

-- Laura (who will heading off to the Budget Board to see if she can pick up any money-saving ideas )

 

[wdwfan16]

I am glad you got the job. Good luck on Monday.

 

[lovesmurfs]

(As expected) My drug test came back with no problems , so I was officially offered the position today. I accepted, and start on Monday.

Health benefits will kick in after 90 days, so I'll be covered with my subsidized Cobra until then.

Thanks for all of the positive replies.

-- Laura (who will heading off to the Budget Board to see if she can pick up any money-saving ideas )

Good luck!! As you train, remember that there will be people you can't please. They will yell at you as a front desk clerk, but really be upset at their spouses, children, or bosses, or the fact that their plane lost their luggage. Most people just want you to listen to their concerns.

And don't be afraid to apologize for something on behalf of another department -- it reflects poorly on the whole organization if blame gets passed around from department to department.

 

[FireDancer]

(As expected) My drug test came back with no problems , so I was officially offered the position today. I accepted, and start on Monday.

Health benefits will kick in after 90 days, so I'll be covered with my subsidized Cobra until then.

Thanks for all of the positive replies.

-- Laura (who will heading off to the Budget Board to see if she can pick up any money-saving ideas )

Good luck. Just remember when you are the manager of a Disney resort who helped you out.

 

[TimeforMe]

Just wanted to add: I would still keep my feelers out for a different position while you're there. I've done this many times in my career and it's always worked out that I was able to find something better much sooner than I thought.

 

[bamajill]

Wishing you all the best!

Just wanted to say that I worked front desk at an Embassy Suites for about a year and a half and it was one of the most fun jobs I have ever had. Yeah, there can be jerks....but there were so many nice people that I barely noticed the others

Hope you will enjoy it and that you will move up that ladder quickly!

 

[MushyMushy]

Congratulations and good luck!

Try to do something for yourself to get into a more positive frame of mind for your job. Congratulate yourself. At least you're in your field now! I think you'll love it.