Job advice needed

[uk_wildcat]

After 6 years of being a SAHM, I decided I wanted to go back to work last year. I have a BS in Biology, but had never really used my degree in any jobs I held. I decided to go back to school last year and get a Professional Certification in Biotechnology so that I would have some hands on lab experience and get some contacts in the field. I finished in June and have been job hunting ever since. I had one interview back in June at the Children's Hospital but was never called back for the position. Since then I have applied for about 20 jobs with no success. I have been a bit limited in my search because we have no family in the area and no one who could watch our kids in the evenings when my husband is out of town. He travels quite a bit for work and does not have a set schedule for when he travels - he goes when needed. This means I can really only work a day schedule, so it eliminates some shift jobs. I am also trying to stay as close to home as possible because the daycares around here close at 6 or 6:30 pm.

This leads me to my dilemma. I got an email today from another researcher at the Children's Hospital to schedule an interview. The biggest issue is that it is at least an hour drive each way for me and depending on traffic, could be longer. I am not desperate to just take any job because we manage totally fine without me having a job. This is mainly for me to get back to work for myself and just have some extra money. I worry about the cost of daycare for 2 kids (1 is in full day school, other only goes half days) plus the cost of gas and the travel time each way - will it even be worth it because the pay is not really that good. I just don't know if I should even interview for the position when I have so many unknowns. I know there is a high possibility that I wouldn't even get the job, but I would hate to go through the interview process and then be offered the position only to turn them down if I decide I don't want to take it.

So, should I email the person back and accept an interview or should I tell him no and keep looking for something closer to home? I am so conflicted and don't know what to do. My husband told me to do what I want, so he has been no help! And please don't tell me that I should just go to the interview because there are so many people unemployed right now. My MIL was laid off last month and I totally understand it. She has to find a job because they cannot afford for her not to work. I feel like I can afford to be a little more selective.

 

[dimimi]

It sure sounds to me like it would be better to wait until both kids only need after school care. Our kids are older...12 and 16...I hate working 30 minutes from their school. Even though nothing has ever happened, it is still frustrating to be so far away. There are times they need to go to the doctor or a couple times one missed the bus (we thought there was an after school club meeting, but it was cancelled last minute) so in times like that they wait a long time.

Once both kids are in school all day, I would try for something closer to home. Maybe right now, if you only want, not need, extra money, you could watch a friend of your child's for some extra cash?

 

[njcarita]

I also have a B.S in Biology... but I worked in research for over 13years before having kids... I have not used my degree in 14 years....I've sent a few resumes out in the last few years... and have only gotten one call back... so now I am also looking into taking a certificate in Biochemistry to make myself more marketable.... so I suggest u at least go thru the interview process and see what happens... it will give u practice in the whole interview process...

Good Luck with whatever u decide

 

[pklein09]

I'm currently a SAHM and considering entering the workforce next year. I would take the interview. It would give you practice (better to make a mistake on a job interview in which you're not terribly interested), they might keep you in mind for any future positions, or they might know of another firm hiring.

Best of luck!

 

[tooh8ful]

I would go on the interview for the interview experience if nothing else. If you get called back, then you can worry about what to do. But interview experience is invaluable in itself.

 

[StephMK]

IF there is ever a thought you might want to work there in the future, I'd go on the interview so they at least know you are interested in their organization. If after interviewing you get an offer & find it's not what you want, then decide & let them know in a way that keeps the door open for future opps.

If you positively don't want to work there due to the distance, then I would just let them know you're not able to make that travel commitment at this stage of your career and not interview.

 

[ccgirl]

Biology is one of those fields that is very tough to get back in to. And...where you have never been in the "field" I don't see the pay being very good. You might end up not bringing home any money after all is said and done. I have a B.S. in Biology as well and have been exclusively in the field of hospital information systems. I have looked into perhaps going back to school for nursing or physical therapy but would have to take all of the science classes again as the credits are only good for 5 years as that subject is a constant evolution. Would there even be any jobs around you that you could work in research or is the medical center the only thing? I would go on the job interview.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Sadie22]

Go on the interview. Unfortunately, an interview does not equate to a job offer, so you can cross that bridge if you come to it. Otherwise, you make a valuable contact. If it turns out that you are not offered a job, you can still contact the interviewer and ask if he has any ideas of jobs for you. You never know, he might know of some place nearer where you live, or might recommend you to someone else for a position. At least you'll get the experience of going through the interview process.