Big Pay Cut but Close to Home

[livinitup]

I am a social worker with good experience and references and I've been looking for work for a while (since my last grant was cut) and been very discouraged for the lack of postings in my area. I have an interview tomorrow for a position at a very good community center that is about to make a huge expansion (approved plan, will build this year). The job is a big pay cut for me, with a lot less responsibility than I usually have, but interesting. I'm definately qualified. It is VERY close to home and potentially the place I would send my daughter for afterschool care.

Am I crazy to take a big hit in salary, but just take SOMETHING and deal with it (we can afford it, just need to reduce savings goals, deal with a tight budget)?

I'm very tempted to get in now, do the work well and be on the 'inside' when the expansion comes with potentially new leadership positions in-line with my experience/education. But that's no guarantee.

Should I hold-out for positions in better line with my salary potential. Take this and keep looking (potential second interview next week at another place, great money - but who the hell knows?)?

I should put my best foot forward and if offered, I should take it, right?

[laptopvixen]

You should take it and continue to look for something else. Having been unemployed all summer, that is what I would do. Who knows, you may end up loving it as it is or being in line to earn more there later.

I thought your advice to skp yesterday about therapy was brilliant, btw.

[Pilsy]

As my DH says, before you have an offer in hand, your job is to get one. I know it's difficult (I'm up to my eyeballs in a job search right now, too, and struggle with this), but don't count your chickens before they hatch. Go to the interview with the goal of getting an offer, then deal with the pros and cons of taking it.

And sorry if I missed the point! If you were to tell me they gave you an offer, I'd suggest you take the job.

Congrats on the interview, and good luck!

[cookies]

I agree with the above posters. I'd take the job.

[lys]

I took a 30% paycut to be able to work 4 blocks from my house. No regrets.

[SJ]

If you aren't working now, any pay is a pay RAISE, right? I'm not sure how the pay cut comes into play.

Interview at your best and see what happens.

[marchmom06]

I'm considering taking a job that's about a 50% pay cut, so we can relocate & I can be closer to my family. So, I'm always a fan of looking at the big picture. If the numbers work & you feel like it's a fair salary for your work, I would certainly consider it.

[agnes]

Sept 27, 2012 15:07:21 GMT -5 SJ said:

If you aren't working now, any pay is a pay RAISE, right? I'm not sure how the pay cut comes into play.

Interview at your best and see what happens.

This is exactly how I feel.

I think you would be crazy to not take a job if it's offered. Who knows? Maybe it will open some doors for you.

Good luck.

[livinitup]

Thank you to everyone, it helps to get some opinions, even if it seems a bit obvious. I appreciate the posts.

And to laptopvixen well, it's a nice cross over between posts but I'm still a bit honored you like my advice.

[bronxgirl]

Take the job. You never know where it might lead.