TinysMom
Well-Known Member
Art & I are discussing something and it is a hard decision. Many of you will look at the situation and laugh and think it is a no-brainer....some of you may understand.
There is a job where Art works that is a "cushy" job as far as I'm concerned. For the first 2-3 years that Art worked there - I kept hoping the gal would leave as I would have tried for the job. Basically - it is a "logistics/administrative assistant" position. I'll include the job description at the bottom.
In the past - I have worked as the administrative assistant to the President of a small company - as well as the secretary/receptionist to the dietary department of a hospital. I've enjoyed those jobs - although I did get bored after about 6 months because I mastered them (Art says I am too bright and need lots of variety in my work).
I've also worked in retail sales and I've worked as a merchandiser/vendor in stores - taking inventory - stocking product, etc. etc. etc.
At one point Art told me that I could not get the job because I would have "access" to his employment records - so the whole idea of getting her job was gone....today on the way to work - he said he thought I might be able to get the job because she didn't have any HR type work in the files and she was totally "logistics" (taking inventories, etc).
So I'm trying to decide whether to apply for this job - or not...and if I'm offered the job...do I take it?
Here's more information about it...
The company is a solid, stable company. This is a 5 year contract with the military - they're in the 2nd year of the contract and they had the contract for 5 years before this. The company is one of the ones in Warren Buffett's companies - meaning it is financially sound and stable and the organization they are part of is HUGE.
The job has a 401K plan...medical benefits (which we get already from Art's military retirement)...life insurance, etc.
In addition - thanks to the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) with the union - the pay is outstanding for this area. When they got the CBA about 16 months ago - Art & I think her pay was $18 per hour or something like that. He's going to look up her pay now to see what it is - we think it is close to $20 per hour.
So some of you are saying, 'What's the big deal?' - and of course - even if I apply for the job - I might not get it.
But here are my concerns....
Our focus has never really been "Money first"...its been "quality of life first". I don't mean quality of life by what we can own - but as far as- do we have time as a family to be together. What is our stress level like? Things like this.
If I get this job - we'd have to share the car - at least at first. Art works rotating shifts - he'll work 6 am to 2 pm for a month and then 2 pm - 10 pm for a couple of months and then 10 pm - 6 am for a couple of months and start the rotation all over again. I'd probably be working 8 am - 4 pm.
This means that we'd see each other when he works days - and we'd see each other some when he works swings (but not much) - and we might see each other a bit when he works mids.
Of course - since the base is 10 miles from home - he could pop in for lunch or something.
From Art's description the job sounds very low key and there would be times he could pop in and we could just talk...as I would mainly be manning the phones and stuff.
But...part of the reason I work as a merchandiser is so I can set my own schedule. Unless it is a week like this week - I can usually juggle my work and take a day off if I don't feel so great. If a rabbit is ill - I can stay home (for a day usually).
I also get bored easily...which is another reason I like merchandising. Every day is hopefully different - different products ... different stores ... different people.
But we're about to get to a "harder" season of merchandising this coming spring....lots of resets and they can be heavy and hard work. I don't know if that is what I want anymore.
So I guess that the decision I may become faced with is....
Do I work full-time to help us retire debts (which is SOOOO tempting) - in a job that I may get bored in (but I think I'd like the people) - or do I stay in a job that is about half the hourly rate - but gives me more flexibility?
Of course - this whole thing could be a moot discussion if Art finds out that they can't even hire me because of the whole HR thing and I would have access to his employee records. In some ways - I hope that knocks me out of it - but in other ways - I have to say - I'd like a chance at the job at least.
And if I am offered the job and take it???? I have one district manager who has forbidden me from ever using the word "quit"....we get along so well and he doesn't want to see me leave. How would I let him know?
I just feel like I'm spinning in circles and don't know what I really want..
Here's the job description by the way:
There is a job where Art works that is a "cushy" job as far as I'm concerned. For the first 2-3 years that Art worked there - I kept hoping the gal would leave as I would have tried for the job. Basically - it is a "logistics/administrative assistant" position. I'll include the job description at the bottom.
In the past - I have worked as the administrative assistant to the President of a small company - as well as the secretary/receptionist to the dietary department of a hospital. I've enjoyed those jobs - although I did get bored after about 6 months because I mastered them (Art says I am too bright and need lots of variety in my work).
I've also worked in retail sales and I've worked as a merchandiser/vendor in stores - taking inventory - stocking product, etc. etc. etc.
At one point Art told me that I could not get the job because I would have "access" to his employment records - so the whole idea of getting her job was gone....today on the way to work - he said he thought I might be able to get the job because she didn't have any HR type work in the files and she was totally "logistics" (taking inventories, etc).
So I'm trying to decide whether to apply for this job - or not...and if I'm offered the job...do I take it?
Here's more information about it...
The company is a solid, stable company. This is a 5 year contract with the military - they're in the 2nd year of the contract and they had the contract for 5 years before this. The company is one of the ones in Warren Buffett's companies - meaning it is financially sound and stable and the organization they are part of is HUGE.
The job has a 401K plan...medical benefits (which we get already from Art's military retirement)...life insurance, etc.
In addition - thanks to the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) with the union - the pay is outstanding for this area. When they got the CBA about 16 months ago - Art & I think her pay was $18 per hour or something like that. He's going to look up her pay now to see what it is - we think it is close to $20 per hour.
So some of you are saying, 'What's the big deal?' - and of course - even if I apply for the job - I might not get it.
But here are my concerns....
Our focus has never really been "Money first"...its been "quality of life first". I don't mean quality of life by what we can own - but as far as- do we have time as a family to be together. What is our stress level like? Things like this.
If I get this job - we'd have to share the car - at least at first. Art works rotating shifts - he'll work 6 am to 2 pm for a month and then 2 pm - 10 pm for a couple of months and then 10 pm - 6 am for a couple of months and start the rotation all over again. I'd probably be working 8 am - 4 pm.
This means that we'd see each other when he works days - and we'd see each other some when he works swings (but not much) - and we might see each other a bit when he works mids.
Of course - since the base is 10 miles from home - he could pop in for lunch or something.
From Art's description the job sounds very low key and there would be times he could pop in and we could just talk...as I would mainly be manning the phones and stuff.
But...part of the reason I work as a merchandiser is so I can set my own schedule. Unless it is a week like this week - I can usually juggle my work and take a day off if I don't feel so great. If a rabbit is ill - I can stay home (for a day usually).
I also get bored easily...which is another reason I like merchandising. Every day is hopefully different - different products ... different stores ... different people.
But we're about to get to a "harder" season of merchandising this coming spring....lots of resets and they can be heavy and hard work. I don't know if that is what I want anymore.
So I guess that the decision I may become faced with is....
Do I work full-time to help us retire debts (which is SOOOO tempting) - in a job that I may get bored in (but I think I'd like the people) - or do I stay in a job that is about half the hourly rate - but gives me more flexibility?
Of course - this whole thing could be a moot discussion if Art finds out that they can't even hire me because of the whole HR thing and I would have access to his employee records. In some ways - I hope that knocks me out of it - but in other ways - I have to say - I'd like a chance at the job at least.
And if I am offered the job and take it???? I have one district manager who has forbidden me from ever using the word "quit"....we get along so well and he doesn't want to see me leave. How would I let him know?
I just feel like I'm spinning in circles and don't know what I really want..
Here's the job description by the way:
Essential Functions: Controls spares inventory of spare parts and support equipment. Conducts inventory of all spares and support equipment. Coordinates shipping and receiving of all spares and support equipment. Conducts Magic Service Desk quality assessments of Spares and support equipment. Is the final checkpoint for all parts entering or leaving the site.
Coordinates HR matters with Administrative Representative and the Corporate Human Resources Department, including in-processing/out-processing, benefits, employee changes, hire packages, and applicant flow,. Processes and distributes HR materials received from Corporate, assists with paperwork on job postings, terminations and new hires, and answers employeesâ questions, as appropriate.
Schedules, prepares, and maintains calendar for Site Manager, if needed.
Organizes, updates, and maintains telephone accounts for the site.
Receives and distributes site payroll and employee expense checks.
Assists with security functions as required, including obtaining security badges.
Recommends and implements internal office policies and procedures. Monitors Corporate policy and procedures compliance in all departments.
Establishes and maintains a variety of files and is responsible for developing file plan, classifying, arranging, and discarding materials.
Monitors and assists with employee interview procedures. Assembles selection packages for Corporate Human Resources Department.
Prepares, receives, and tracks clearance of deficiency reports and corrective action requests for contractual requirements.
Schedule meetings, sets appointments, answers phones, relays messages, and receives visitors for efficient office management.
Orders and receives office supplies for the site as needed.
Prepares Purchase Request and Receiving reports as required for the site.
Prepares reports for Corporate Finance Department for Petty Cash.
Coordinates the timely receipt of accurate timesheets by the Corporate Finance Department.
Coordinates the preparation of travel requests and expense reports for site employees.
Assumes general responsibility for: operating office equipment, coordinating travel arrangements with the corporate office, processing incoming/outgoing correspondence, transcribing/typing material in text, answering telephones, and maintaining files.
Coordinates with government Quality Assurance representative, building custodian and others as needed on facility and other contractor â government matters.
Travels as required.
Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Ability to successfully pass a National Agency Check (NAC) by the U.S. Government.
High School diploma or equivalent, with emphasis on commercial subjects. Business school or Associateâs Degree is desired.
Two years of experience in general/business office environment. Experience in Human Resources is highly desirable. Experience in inventory management is desirable. Benefits: FlightSafety offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive, flexible benefits package which includes: Company-provided flexible benefit dollars, medical (available from date of hire), dental, vision, personal accident insurance, purchase of additional vacation days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Supplemental Life Insurance, Legal Assistance Plan, Long-Term Care Plan, dependent care and health care flexible spending accounts, Company-paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, sick leave and travel accident insurance. There is also a 401(k) Plan with immediate 100% vested Company-matching contributions! Employee, spouse and children (who meet age requirements) receive discounts on aviation training at FlightSafety International learning centers throughout the world.
Prepares Purchase Request and Receiving reports as required for the site.
Prepares reports for Corporate Finance Department for Petty Cash.
Coordinates the timely receipt of accurate timesheets by the Corporate Finance Department.
Coordinates the preparation of travel requests and expense reports for site employees.
Assumes general responsibility for: operating office equipment, coordinating travel arrangements with the corporate office, processing incoming/outgoing correspondence, transcribing/typing material in text, answering telephones, and maintaining files.
Coordinates with government Quality Assurance representative, building custodian and others as needed on facility and other contractor â government matters.
Travels as required.
Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Ability to successfully pass a National Agency Check (NAC) by the U.S. Government.
High School diploma or equivalent, with emphasis on commercial subjects. Business school or Associateâs Degree is desired.
Two years of experience in general/business office environment. Experience in Human Resources is highly desirable. Experience in inventory management is desirable. Benefits: FlightSafety offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive, flexible benefits package which includes: Company-provided flexible benefit dollars, medical (available from date of hire), dental, vision, personal accident insurance, purchase of additional vacation days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Supplemental Life Insurance, Legal Assistance Plan, Long-Term Care Plan, dependent care and health care flexible spending accounts, Company-paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, sick leave and travel accident insurance. There is also a 401(k) Plan with immediate 100% vested Company-matching contributions! Employee, spouse and children (who meet age requirements) receive discounts on aviation training at FlightSafety International learning centers throughout the world.
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