Job dilemma

[splash5]

I work as a Para educator (teachers assistant) at a school. I also work in the office (which I have done in other jobs as well). I've been with the school district for 10 years. I am trying to get a job as a Secretary at a school, and that all goes by seniority. If I were to get the position as secretary, I would lose all of my seniority as a para (10 years) and would start at the bottom of the secretary pool. I'm trying to decide whether to jump in, or stay a para. Any thoughts?

 

[ilovemk76]

I work as a Para educator (teachers assistant) at a school. I also work in the office (which I have done in other jobs as well). I've been with the school district for 10 years. I am trying to get a job as a Secretary at a school, and that all goes by seniority. If I were to get the position as secretary, I would lose all of my seniority as a para (10 years) and would start at the bottom of the secretary pool. I'm trying to decide whether to jump in, or stay a para. Any thoughts?

What is the pay difference between the secretary and para? Which has more job growth potential? Which job could you go old in?

 

[kaytieeldr]

And what effect would 'losing all seniority' have on your work and personal life.

 

[Doodlebug939]

I was a paraprofessional for 4 years with two of them in special education. It is one tough job. I would say at 10 years you are a veteran so kuddos to you for changing childrens lives for that long.

I would definately consider the office position. However, I would factor the rate of pay to the days worked. I know that our secretaries would work most of the summer. So although the money was better the hourly rate of pay was not much better.

If I was in that position I would factor my summers and the rate of pay. Best of luck to you and thank you for all you do!

 

[drcmk]

Would losing seniority affect any pension benefits you have accumulated?

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Layoffs go by seniority here so how likely are layoffs in the next five years or until a couple of secretaries retire?
We had 9 secretaries total in our HS and 2 were cut.

 

[splash5]

The loss of seniority means that if I became a secretary and that job got cut (because I am the newest hire), then I would have to start back at the beginning as a para. I know that I would be cut (as a Para) at the end of the year when all the budget cuts go through. I just can't decide whether now is the time to change the status quo or not.

 

[Annal606]

And what effect would 'losing all seniority' have on your work and personal life.

 

[Kteacher]

The best advice I can give you is to talk to your building rep. There may be a way to keep your longevity as a para if things don't work out. In my district I've had members take leaves of absence from one position when they switch to a different contracted position. Your longevity would in essence be frozen as a para while you are in the clerical position.

 

[splash5]

The "seniority" is how things are determined in the school district. So, in terms of my work (it could mean that I would have no job). We can't afford for me to be without employment (at least long term) and our economy is not good job wise in our town.

I like the idea of talking to the building rep and seeing about keeping my seniority (taking a leave of absence for a year to see if the job is steady). With the school district, every year there are more cuts - so it is always a gamble.

My seniority as a Para means I am finally high enough to feel "a bit secure" - as a Secretary on the bottom rung, not so much security.

 

[Kteacher]

It sounds corny, but when I talk to the members I represent about any major decision, I tell them to use the rule of five: how will this decision affect your life in five hours, five days, five weeks, five months, five years.
Good luck to you -if you have any more questions you can pm me-I've been a union rep for many years

 

[McKelly]

If there are major budget cuts coming through and you had a chance to survive the layoffs by staying a para, I would do that. You already said you NEED this job.

Good Luck, I have been laid of twice because of the whole union, seniority thing. Why I would never admit this at work (in fear of my life - LOL), unions have lost their bargaining rights in WI, and from what I hear, when our contract is over at the end of the year, there will be NO MORE seniority rights. Jobs will be filled and retained by good, old fashioned hard work. Finally.