What would you do? VERY LONG

A little background on my situation. I am a certified masters level school psychologist. I have not yet completed my dissertation, but otherwise, have completed all pre-doctoral requirements.

I completed my pre-doctoral internship last August, and was unable to find a job. I was offered a second-year internship at my site. I accepted, b/c it included a dissertation day, along with activities that catered to my training needs. I would like to work as a school psychologist in a preschool, so they were giving me a lot of preschool-based work. Right after I accepted, got offered a position in NYC's District 75, but passed it up.

In reality, most of the preschool activities did not pan out, and at this point, I am fairly miserable at work. This internship ends at the end of August, and I have once again been looking for positions for Sept. Sent out tons of applications, but no bites.

My friend works at a preschool program for emotionally disturbed children. They have an opening for a 3-day-per-week school psychologist starting at the beginning of July. I was offered the position at my interview today.

Issues/Thoughts
1) Would have to leave my internship early and bail out on a lot of responsibilities and clients. Spoke to my supervisor today and she is going to speak to the training director and see what we can work out.

2) The pay stinks for a 10-month program, and it's a 12-month program!

3) My friend isn't that happy there, but is getting some good experience to take to future jobs.

4) I really need to be working full-time..will I be able to find something for the other two days? There is a possibility, at least for the summer, of staying at my current job for the other two days.

5) I can always work there for the summer, and if something full-time comes along for the fall, I can leave...not really my favorite thing to do, but I do have to look out for myself. I do have a good chance of getting a job in District 75 in the fall, but it wouldn't be preschool.

What would you do? Take the job or keep looking? I can't stop thinking about everything?!

Thanks so much for reading my ramblings. All advice is appreciated!

Re: What would you do? VERY LONG

I hate to give advice to people on what to do but you do make a good point in saying that you should do what makes you happy and what is right for you. I think when you make your decision you should remember that. I dont' know if that helps but I don't want to guide you in one direction or another where I am not 100% which is right for you. Good luck though.

Message edited 5/24/2007 9:38:49 PM.

Re: What would you do? VERY LONG

Jackie, what is your gut telling you?

Sounds like you have some doubts about taking the 3 day / week job...

Re: What would you do? VERY LONG

it sounds tough. It really doesn't sound like either job it really right for you. IF there really is a good possibility of you getting that school district job maybe you should stay where you are? I really don't know what to say. There are a lot of factors, how much the is $$ difference, how will that affect you, etc?

you will make the right decision

Re: What would you do? VERY LONG

Since the other job is ending in August, I would seriously consider the new opportunity. It seems more tailored to what you want, and may be the resume booster you need. Can you survive on the lower salary if you don't get part-time at your present job?

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Re: What would you do? VERY LONG

Thanks ladies. I am now leaning toward taking the job, while continuing to look for something better. I can always leave if I get something else, although I hate to do that. I am just waiting to hear what kind of deal I can work out with my current supervisors.

Re: What would you do? VERY LONG

Tough situation. It does sound like you'd gain some good experience at the new one and like you said you need to look out for yourself, so if something better comes along, you'll need to take it. Don't worry, things will work out the right way.