I'm in a bit of a quandary...

[UrsulasShadow]

...and could use your opinions.

As many know, I am currently unemployed. I'm a seasonal worker who collects unemployment every year from about Nov.1 to Mar 21. I make pretty good money for the industry when I do work, and collect about half that amount when I'm not working.

With the current economy, I thought it might be a good idea to not sit on my laurels throughout the winter and get a "real job", i.e., one that I'm employed year-round with benefits (my current job offers NO benefits, although I love it). The problem is...the jobs I'm qualified for (no college degree) pay darn close to minimum wage. That is less than I collect from unemployment.

So, I have this job offer from CVS. It pays slightly better than minimum, BUT it starts off with NO benefits for 90 days, no guaranteed hours for 90 days, and there's a possibility that I'd actually be taking home less than I'd be collecting. Also, if I didn't like the job, or it didn't work out for some reason, I cannot go back to collecting unemployment! On the positive side, eventually I'd get benefits and fixed hours if I liked the job, AND I could keep it as a second job when (and IF) I get called back to my primary job.

So, basically, I'm taking a risk taking a low paying job on the chance that it might work out for me in the future. In this economy, and knowing I couldn't survive on at LEAST the amount I get from unemployment...would you take the risk?

 

[jeanigor]

That's a tough one. Is your permanent job still going to be there if the economy continues down its current path?

 

[UrsulasShadow]

That's a tough one. Is your permanent job still going to be there if the economy continues down its current path?

My permanent job is in NO way guaranteed. It's a small garden center, and the owners have vacillated over its existence in the past. It is even more tenuous now, since I am the highest-paid employee, and the owner has recently lost his job elsewhere and I believe he intends to come back to the garden center to try to run it himself (I've been running it for him these past 5 years). Although he really is clueless and in no way able to run his own business, he doesn't yet know that. The point is, he THINKS he can, which puts me in a very uncertain place.

 

[crazydisneyman]

Mindy,

It seems to me that you might be better going with the sure thing now.

If the garden center gig works out, then you can always quit the CVS job or reduce your hours.

At least you will get your foot in the door at CVS and maybe move to management with your experience at the garden center.

If I have any other ideas, I will let you know. You know we will support you no matter what. And if you need any help, please ask us cause we are all in this together!

 

[Geef]

Not trying to manipulate the system, but, Look into going back to school. If you have a plan in place as well as your past work history/experience, most employers will look at this as a positive.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Not trying to manipulate the system, but, Look into going back to school. If you have a plan in place as well as your past work history/experience, most employers will look at this as a positive.

I would love nothing better than to go back to school. In this economy, there is no money available for school loans (I know this, because I have 2 kids in college now, and we're getting refused state, federal, and private funding). Maybe someday...and maybe CVS will fund school. I'll have to look into that...although that would mean working 2 jobs AND going to school...I'm too old for this!!!

 

[safetymom]

I would suggest going with CVS. You would have something to fall back on if the garden center job goes away.

I went to a community college after my husband died. College was always something I wanted to do. I got my 2 year degree. I did it with 3 kids and a job that required travel.

My oldest had started college and said to me one day that I didn't understand pressure. I told that yes I did.

When I graduated I was asked to speak at one of the ceremonies. I mentioned my daughters comments and said she inspired me to achieve even more with that comment.

Going back to school at my age is one of the best things I ever did. I loved it.

 

[jacstangler]

Mindy: I would go with CVS which is now a sure thing. Keep you eyes out for better opprotunities. Also when the seasonal work comes back see if you can work that into the CVS schedule. If not with you old employer maybe someone else even if it would be on weekends. You have a lot of spunk and know how to succeed. You have the talent and would be a great employee for anyone.

John

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I would probably take the CVS job and quit and work at the garden center if it is available in the spring. Go with the sure thing and then fall back on the other if you can. Good Luck. That is a hard situation.

 

[Madi100]

Is it an option to hang tight for now and come spring if you don't go back to your gardening job that you find a job then?

 

[hanco005]

Mindy,
Have you considered applying for jobs at a college or university? I don't know you , but here is what I am thinking based on what I do know about you from reading above.

Some colleges and universities allow their employees (and in some cases, their dependents) to take classes for free. Given your skills in the garden center, it might be possible for you to find a job in land care at a local college or university without having a college degree.

If you do "land" a job at a college or university, it might help both you and your college aged kids if tuition can be waived for all of you. Again, it varies from college to college.

I hope everything works out for you.
Jason

 

[disprincessatheart]

Is it an option to hang tight for now and come spring if you don't go back to your gardening job that you find a job then?

I've been there and kicked myself for taking a job that didn't pay me anymore than unemployment. It takes you away from continuing to look for a really good job. You're not in danger of running out of unemployment, so I wouldnt' jump at CVS just yet.

 

[FireDancer]

I would also say go with CVS for a few reasons. Sometimes taking a step backwards in order to take future steps forward is a short term sacrifice for a long term payoff. I say this because when I decided to go get my college degree I had to switch jobs and take a 50% pay cut. It was hard at the time but I now have a degree, love my job, and am doing way better than I would have had I stayed with the original job. CVS is a large company with a lot of room for advancement, the garden center doesn’t sound like it is. You may start off with a lower paycheck but after some time you may move up to a supervisory role or management. They may also offer a tuition reimbursement program so you can also go back to school. The 90 day vetting period is pretty standard anywhere as far as benefits go. Even with the short term pay cut and lack of benefits I think getting in a company like CVS where you can work full time year round with benefits is better than working half a year at a place that you said might not be there long term.

Obviously there are pros and cons to any decision but I think looking at the long term pros and cons is better than short term. Whatever you choose I hope it works out or you.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Is it an option to hang tight for now and come spring if you don't go back to your gardening job that you find a job then?

That is one of the options I'm looking at. I certainly wouldn't be starting a new job until 12/18, in any case. My 2 motivating factors for looking for a job now are:
1) The economy being the way it is, and the joblessness rate expected to go up close to 10%, I'd like to have some options under my belt. Pharmacy is a little more recession-proof than garden center management...and
2) I go pretty stir-crazy every winter, and get pretty fat, regardless of that gym membership. Working goes a long way to alleviating my kitchen-compulsion.

I've been there and kicked myself for taking a job that didn't pay me anymore than unemployment. It takes you away from continuing to look for a really good job. You're not in danger of running out of unemployment, so I wouldnt' jump at CVS just yet.

You know, I do the same thing almost every winter. This is one of the reasons I hesitate on taking the CVS job.

Mindy,
Have you considered applying for jobs at a college or university? I don't know you , but here is what I am thinking based on what I do know about you from reading above.

Some colleges and universities allow their employees (and in some cases, their dependents) to take classes for free. Given your skills in the garden center, it might be possible for you to find a job in land care at a local college or university without having a college degree.

If you do "land" a job at a college or university, it might help both you and your college aged kids if tuition can be waived for all of you. Again, it varies from college to college.

I hope everything works out for you.
Jason

I hadn't even considered that...I have to look into it!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I would also say go with CVS for a few reasons. Sometimes taking a step backwards in order to take future steps forward is a short term sacrifice for a long term payoff. I say this because when I decided to go get my college degree I had to switch jobs and take a 50% pay cut. It was hard at the time but I now have a degree, love my job, and am doing way better than I would have had I stayed with the original job. CVS is a large company with a lot of room for advancement, the garden center doesn’t sound like it is. You may start off with a lower paycheck but after some time you may move up to a supervisory role or management. They may also offer a tuition reimbursement program so you can also go back to school. The 90 day vetting period is pretty standard anywhere as far as benefits go. Even with the short term pay cut and lack of benefits I think getting in a company like CVS where you can work full time year round with benefits is better than working half a year at a place that you said might not be there long term.

Obviously there are pros and cons to any decision but I think looking at the long term pros and cons is better than short term. Whatever you choose I hope it works out or you.

This is thinking sensibly long-term. I vacillate between thinking short-term and long-term, and have a propensity for panicking and making the short-term decision...which is why I'm posting here. I'm so glad that all of you are putting it out there with all your reasonings...it's really helping to clarify my thoughts!

Keep it coming!

 

[hanco005]

Mindy,
Glad to hear that you might look into it. With your skills in the garden center, I gotta think that you would be a great fit in any university land care department. Here is information on the land care department at the University where I work and my guess is that most land care departments are similar around the country:

http://www.facm.umn.edu/Sites/About_FM/landcare.html

I love working at a University....never a dull moment and always something new. Also, the benefits packages tend to be pretty good as well.

Best of luck to you.
Jason

 

[WaltD4Me]

Well, MOST importantly.....will CVS give you the time off to go on the Podcast Cruise?! (kidding)

It really is a tough decision. Although I do think there is alot more room for growth and advancement with CVS. Of course, nothing is a sure thing, but CVS sounds more stable than the garden center right now.

Is is possible to wait at all or do you need to decide about CVS right away?
Is there time to look around more at other options/opportunties? I ask because I'm wondering if you feel you will LIKE the CVS job. It will be a big change going from a seasonal job to a year round job and I think it will be very important that you like the work.

 

[DVCsince02]

Take the CVS job. You can always keep searching for something better.

 

[BilltM]

Mindy,

Check with the Mass department of unemployment, I believe there is a certain amount you can earn (beyond unemployment) at a P-T job before your unemployment benefits are reduced. I did this back in 2001 ... I worked P-T for the Disney Gallery/Store in Natick. I was able to earn a little more and not change my unemployment compensation.

CVS might work into your plan since the first 90 days sounds like P-T hours. Good luck.

Bill

 

[disprincessatheart]

Mindy,

Check with the Mass department of unemployment, I believe there is a certain amount you can earn (beyond unemployment) at a P-T job before your unemployment benefits are reduced. I did this back in 2001 ... I worked P-T for the Disney Gallery/Store in Natick. I was able to earn a little more and not change my unemployment compensation.

CVS might work into your plan since the first 90 days sounds like P-T hours. Good luck.

Bill

OH - also good advice. I'd forgotten I did the same thing when I was laid off - I think back in 02 in NC I could make another $125 a week before my unemployment was reduced at all. That extra $500 made my car payment at the time! And at min wage or just a little over, that's a couple pt shifts a week.