Oh wise SO ladies....can I get some advice?

[doriswe]

Background: My company is closing and I will be out of a job at the end of the year. There are very few social work jobs in my area and I'm now competing with all of my friends for the same jobs, in addition to having a college in town that pumps out social workers every semester. Most jobs that are available are pretty low paying or part time without benefits. I carry the health insurance for me and the kiddos. I have both kids full time and don't really have a consistent back-up plan for them if they were sick, injured, etc.

Issue: Today I got an automated email asking to set up an interview for a prison social work position. I had put my name in the pool a year (+) ago. My friend worked there and told me that if you interview and decline the position they black ball you from working for them down the road. That being said, I declined the offer to interview twice because I wasn't sure I could take the job if they offered it to me at that time.

Pros of this position: significant pay increase, state benefits and working in a prison is cool as shit (seriously, I like that kind of thing). Also, in 6 months I could potentially transfer to another position within the state system, possibly closer to home.

Cons of this position: it's a 45 minute drive away from where I live which could be an issue if something happened to one of the kids during the day, there's a slight chance of injury if inmates get unruly and I'd have to wear boring shoes and change my wardrobe because I have a lot of lower cut tops, shorter skirts, etc.

So smart SO'ers give me some advice on this situation. I have until next week to accept/decline the invite to interview.

[Deleted]

What do you have to lose at this point? Try it you may love it if you dont you look for something else.
I work in juvi for 2 years an LOVED it! I think it is a really interesting position.

[doriswe]

I should add I interned at probation and parole for a year and LOVED it. I think my concern is mostly the drive/being that far from home.

[doriswe]

Support system: Mom lives with me but is often gone for weeks at a time. Friends all have full time jobs. XH could probably help, as needed, but often works out of town/state.

[doriswe]

Sept 19, 2012 16:14:42 GMT -5 mintchocochip said:

Sept 19, 2012 16:13:48 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Support system: Mom lives with me but is often gone for weeks at a time. Friends all have full time jobs. XH could probably help, as needed, but often works out of town/state.

Don't not interview for a job on the off chance that your kid get pukey at school. Its a job, Doris! They make vomit bags for a reason. Seriously though, just got for it

Valid point!

[turtle1120]

I say go for it! It sounds like it could be interesting, and can you afford to pass up a job at this point? Not to mention the benefits alone are really important. If the commute ends up being too much, then you can look for another job when you don't NEED employment.

Do you have someone who can help with the kids in case of an emergency? If so, don't worry about it. I have a very young DD and my commute is about an hour, but long commutes are the norm where I live.

[explorer2001]

Sept 19, 2012 16:13:48 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Support system: Mom lives with me but is often gone for weeks at a time. Friends all have full time jobs. XH could probably help, as needed, but often works out of town/state.

Honestly I'd talk to your friends. I work full time, I'm single, and I'm listed as an emergency contact for some of my friends' kids. Also I live in a larger metro area. It is common for people who live in the suburbs and work downtown to be 45 minutes from their kids school.

Take the interview!

[stephbfan]

In your current position, you cannot be as picky as you would be.

I work 45 minutes from home but I have my family in case there is an emergency with DD.

It actually sounds like a nice opportunity for you!!

[formerlyak]

I agree with explorer. Talk with some friends who are either stay at home moms, work from home or have more flexible jobs and see if you can list one of them as an emergency contact. I have a few people I know I could call in a pinch to go get ds if I couldn't get there fast enough.

[Deleted]

If you can put up with the prisoners and their crazy minds, more power to you. What kind of prison, maximum security? That would be my major concern for you. With the longer commute/child care situation, like others said-- if you have a friend or another parent or emergency sitter then maybe they could be a back up for you? ( or the children's father? I'm not sure of your situation with him). Best wishes in your decision...and good luck!

[doriswe]

I agree...I'm not in a position to pass up legitimate jobs. Interview I will!

It's a medium security prison.

[doriswe]

Sept 19, 2012 18:20:01 GMT -5 mintchocochip said:

Sept 19, 2012 18:19:26 GMT -5 doriswe said:

I agree...I'm not in a position to pass up legitimate jobs. Interview I will!

It's a medium security prison.

Pfft, that's like finger me in the ass prison, not even pound me in the ass. You'll be finnnnneeeee!

lol....exactly!!

And maybe I could get a date....I'm kidding!!!!

[bullygirl979]

I would apply, Doris. 45 minutes really isn't *that* far and it is a job! You don't have to stay there forever!

[letyourselfgo]

I say that you should go for it!

[turtle1120]

Sept 19, 2012 18:19:26 GMT -5 doriswe said:

I agree...I'm not in a position to pass up legitimate jobs. Interview I will!

It's a medium security prison.

That's probably the biggest benefit of all. You'd have a huge selection of men with almost no competition! It doesn't get any better than that

[doriswe]

Sept 19, 2012 20:14:25 GMT -5 turtle1120 said:

Sept 19, 2012 18:19:26 GMT -5 doriswe said:

I agree...I'm not in a position to pass up legitimate jobs. Interview I will!

It's a medium security prison.

That's probably the biggest benefit of all. You'd have a huge selection of men with almost no competition! It doesn't get any better than that

Right???
When my friend got her job there, it was to replace the girl who started a relationship with an inmate and got fired!

[naeljun]

You have nothing to lose. Go for it

[turtle1120]

Sept 19, 2012 20:17:28 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Sept 19, 2012 20:14:25 GMT -5 turtle1120 said:

That's probably the biggest benefit of all. You'd have a huge selection of men with almost no competition! It doesn't get any better than that

Right???
When my friend got her job there, it was to replace the girl who started a relationship with an inmate and got fired!

:-|

[doriswe]

Sept 19, 2012 20:21:27 GMT -5 turtle1120 said:

Sept 19, 2012 20:17:28 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Right???
When my friend got her job there, it was to replace the girl who started a relationship with an inmate and got fired!

Yeah....it happens!!

[turtle1120]

Sept 19, 2012 20:22:39 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Sept 19, 2012 20:21:27 GMT -5 turtle1120 said:

Yeah....it happens!!

I've heard stories of crazy women who correspond with and marry people in prison, but and educated person who works there? She must have been really hard up.

[doriswe]

Sept 19, 2012 20:36:40 GMT -5 turtle1120 said:

Sept 19, 2012 20:22:39 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Yeah....it happens!!

I've heard stories of crazy women who correspond with and marry people in prison, but and educated person who works there? She must have been really hard up.

Actually, she was married with a few little ones at home. It was quite the scandal!

[dakotadangerdog]

DEFINITELY TAKE IT

[angieawesome]

I say go for it! It could open other doors for you in the future as well.

[blackkitty]

Go for it
You will regret it if you don't at least talk to them
You have nothing to lose

[doriswe]

Y'all are right....and if I don't try this and nothing else comes my way I'll forever kick myself for not trying.

Interview is scheduled for 10/5

[doriswe]

Sept 20, 2012 12:26:38 GMT -5 mintchocochip said:

Sept 20, 2012 12:26:09 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Y'all are right....and if I don't try this and nothing else comes my way I'll forever kick myself for not trying.

Interview is scheduled for 10/5

Woohoo! Is it in Madison? I'll be there then!!! I know the answer is likely, no

It is not....boooooooo!!

[sweetchix]

Sept 20, 2012 12:26:09 GMT -5 doriswe said:

Y'all are right....and if I don't try this and nothing else comes my way I'll forever kick myself for not trying.

Interview is scheduled for 10/5

Good luck!