Job Change Advice

[jiacinto]

While I can't be too specific I need DU advice. Some of you know this better than others. But frankly I am in a difficult job right now.

I am doing something political at the very grassroots level. I work for a non-profit organization that deals with issues facing low income people around the country. But the pay is low and I really can't make ends meet on it. I need a better paying job but don't necessarily want to leave; but, for a variety of reasons, things haven't worked out here even though I am only on my second week. Issues related to my salary and relocation expenses have been going on and I really get some satisifcation with what I am doing. Also some staff haven't been paid on schedule. However, I need better pay as I just can't make ends meet here.

I am trying to find another job, but I don't know how to go to interviews without my company knowing. I am probably taking a big risk by posting here at DU about it. However, I feel so conflicated.

I mean, I changed my whole life to move down here and everything seems to be a disasater.

[joeybee12]

1. Probably one way to avoid detection...

...is to make sure any interviews are scheduled in the evening. Too mnay long lunches might look suspicious.

Question--perhaps you might want them to know? Would it help in renegotiating a higher salary?

[jiacinto]

3. I already got into a fight with my boss

It is not possible to get a higher salary.

[LightTheMatch]

2. Get multiple clients...

Don't you consult? It's about time to start picking up primary clients.

[noiretextatique]

4. well, they relocated you, right?

that poses a bit of an ethical dilemma. so, perhaps you can find a way to lower your expenses, or you can always ask for more money.

if that doesn't work: the way to do interviews without them knowing is to schedule them as early or as late a possible...that way you won't have to take off as much time from work, if any at all.

if you get another job, you should pay back the relocation reimbursement.

[jiacinto]

6. There was no "relocation reimbursement"

They backed out of paying that for me.

[Bossy Monkey]

5. You might do better quitting and temping until you find a permanent job

Sounds like a difficult situation. Still, you probably need to stay in the job at least 3 (preferably 6) months if you possibly can for resume purposes. Regardless, good luck.

[LightTheMatch]

7. What do you really want to do????

for a living?

[jiacinto]

8. Not sure

nt

[LightTheMatch]

9. it's the right time to look for campaign work, really.

I mean, from what we know of you, I think it would be great if you worked on some campaigns, and they really should be hiring very very soon, like maybe now.

[jiacinto]

10. Yeah

maybe but right now I want a place with a stable paycheck and better pay. So I need to find out what is available here in FL.

[Cheswick2.0]

13. Carlos send your resume to every political candidate in florida

and to the national camps. They will be looking for local people to organize counties.

[jiacinto]

14. I might do that actually

nt

[JanMichael]

58. Staff work doesn't pay well.

I've done it for a US House candidate a few years back and the pay was similar to Non-Profit work. Sure, had we won, that would have changed but 2004 elections are over a year away.

[SOteric]

11. It certainly isn't for everyone, I acknowledge that...

but when faced with a job that I loved which would never pay sufficient amounts to subsist upon, I opted instead to add two other really great but low paying, less than full time jobs.

[jiacinto]

12. Ok

nt

[philosophie_en_rose]

15. Do you work in my office?

Just kidding.

I think that nonprofit work is always haunted by economic concerns. Professional adults with multiple degrees are often paid less than fast food workers. Not to mention, that most nonprofits are in a precarious situation that relies heavily on government grants and fundraising. Not the ideal situation for anyone planning to retire or pay bills or ever go to the doctor (forget the dentist!).

However rewarding the work can be, it's difficult. I'm in a position where I can leave at any time, but I love the work. If I ever have a family, I'd have to find another place and perhaps volunteer with the agency.

[jiacinto]

16. But

There are other non-profits that actually do pay. I have worked at other non-profits, albeit in an intern level capacity, and I got paid without any problem.

[Andy_Stephenson]

17. I have it Eureka!!!!!!!!

Want to own your own business and make bank? Come to Seattle and buy my subway! I want to go to a warmer clime and it looks like you need a job change. You'll love Seattle. Very progressive...left even...oh wait...never mind your a DLC centrist.

[jiacinto]

18. I am not part of the DLC

nt

[Andy_Stephenson]

20. No but you adore LIEberman...

I have seen post where you are close to idol worship.


Anyway...you made the choice old boy...time to suck it up and hunker down.

[jiacinto]

22. I just defend him against the unfair attacks he gets on this board

I am voting for Dean. I think Lieberman gets attacked unfairly on a lot of issues and that a lot of people lie about him.

Why is everything in such black and white terms with you? Maybe I actually feel bad for how Lieberman is savaged here on this board? Why does that automatically make me a supporter just because I happen to stand up to some of the unfair attacks he gets here?

I don't support Lieberman, but I find many of the attacks against him extremely reprehensible.

[Andy_Stephenson]

23. Unfair? LIEberman attacks the base...

He deserves every ration of shit he gets! He is a DINO and should leave the party for the good of the party.

Black and white. Yes there are no shades of Gray anymore. Your Either a Democrat with Democratic Values or your the Enemy! In the current crop of candidates only 4 stand out as defenders of Democratic Ideals and LIEberman is definately not one of them.

Holy Joe :puke:

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Andy_Stephenson]

27. Carlos Carlos Carlos...

the only 3 things I harp on are
1.WAR
2.Patriot Act
3.Homeland Gestapo

Lieberman voted yes on all three. So spin all you want baby...I never say it unless it is true. I can back up what I say. Can you?

[jiacinto]

29. Okay

People say Lieberman is conservative. Go to Project Vote Smart. You will see otherwise. But of course that won't satisfy the vehemence of the Lieberman haters.

Lieberman did vote for those three. I concede that point. I'm not voting for him but a lot of the other arguments rasied about him are distortions.

I am not voting for the man, but he has suffered unfair character assination at this board.

[Andy_Stephenson]

33. BULLSHIT!!!!

He attacks the base everychance he gets! He is a dickhead and lost his liberal credentials long ago IMHO!

[jiacinto]

38. Okay I'll post it for you

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=S0141103

Here is how many right wing groups view Lieberman:

2003 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2003, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 30 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the The Eagle Forum considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 8 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the American Conservative Union considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 20 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 5 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Christian Coalition considered to be the most important in 2001-2002 , Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 20 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Family Research Council considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 22 percent of the time. (Due to the 49-51 split in the Senate, an insufficient number of votes were taken on issues of concern to warrant inclusion).

2001-2002 On the votes that the Campaign for Working Families considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 20 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 10 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the American Conservative Union considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 28 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the Republican Liberty Caucus considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 23 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the American Conservative Union considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 20 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 14 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the Liberty Lobby considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the Family Research Council considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 0 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the Republican Liberty Caucus considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 30 percent of the time.

1999-2000 On the votes that the Christian Coalition considered to be the most important in 1999-2000 , Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 15 percent of the time.

1999 On the votes that the Liberty Lobby considered to be the most important in 1999, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 0 percent of the time.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is Zell Miller:

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=CNIP0616

2003 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2003, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 63 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the The Eagle Forum considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 30 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the American Conservative Union considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 47 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 32 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Christian Coalition considered to be the most important in 2001-2002 , Senator Miller voted their preferred position 60 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Family Research Council considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 33 percent of the time. (Due to the 49-51 split in the Senate, an insufficient number of votes were taken on issues of concern to warrant inclusion).

2001-2002 On the votes that the Campaign for Working Families considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 85 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the Conservative Index - The John Birch Society considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 70 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the American Conservative Union considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 60 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the Republican Liberty Caucus considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 61 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the Liberty Lobby considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 0 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the Family Research Council considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Miller voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Andy_Stephenson]

40. But the question Carlos

What has he done for me lately?

Not a frigging thing!

[jiacinto]

42. Ok

I will show one area where his record is nowhere as bad as people think:

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=S0141103#Civil+Rights

002 On the votes that the Human Rights Campaign considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.

2002 Bsed on legislative votes, sponsorship of legislation not voted upon, and endorsements of special "dear colleague" letters that the Arab American Institute considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Lieberman supported their preferred position 60 percent of the time.

2002 On the votes that the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda considered to be the most important in 2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 91 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 94 percent of the time.

2001-2002 On the votes that the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights considered to be the most important in 2001-2002, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 91 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the Human Rights Campaign considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.

2001 On the votes that the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 91 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 50 percent of the time.

2000 On the votes that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People considered to be the most important in 2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.

1999-2000 On the votes that the Human Rights Campaign considered to be the most important in 1999-2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 100 percent of the time.

1999-2000 On the votes that the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights considered to be the most important in 1999-2000, Senator Lieberman voted their preferred position 88 percent of the time.

Look, I'm not voting for the man. But many of the most outlandish claims made about the man are dishonest.

[regnaD kciN]

51. Was that a pig I just saw fly past my window?

Did the NHL just award an expansion franchise to Hell?

Did you just post that you're voting for DEAN, Carlos???

Will wonders never cease...?

;-)

[Cheswick2.0]

56. he said so months ago

catch up. ; )

[MSchreader]

48. Will you lay off jiacinto, please?

He's having a hard enough time as it is.

Martin

[jiacinto]

49. Thanks, Martin

I appreciate it.

[prolesunited]

19. For one

I don't think that you've really given it a chance. Two weeks is hardly enough time to decide if it's the right fit. You seem to me to be the type of person that does not easily adjust to change.

As far as your job, you need to get out of the non-profit sector. You will never reach Aventura. You can eventually make an OK living in non-profits, but you definitely have to pay your dues first. It weeds out those without the heart and passion.

[jiacinto]

21. I think I do have the heart and the passion

but frankly I am not sure if this is the right job for me. What I expected here was nicer people, more support, and more structure.

[Andy_Stephenson]

24. Your passion is money...."I need a better paying job "

Didn't you just buy a new SUV to go to Florida? Why? Could you have not rented a U-haul? You have dug your own hole. I feel sorry for you...but you should have thought this out just a bit more IMHO. Werent you ok back in DC? I never heard you complain as much as you have since arriving in florida. You have made many statements I find a bit elitist and working in minority neighborhoods that don't cut it. I bet you go to those same neighborhoods in suit and tie...right?

[jiacinto]

28. Who the hell are you to judge me?

Are you doing any of those things? Who gave you the right to judge me?

As for wanting a "better paying job", maybe if I didn't have thousands upon thousands of dollars to pay back in student loans from both graduate school and college, I would understand your point.

And no I don't go into those "same neighborhoods in suit and tie". And let me guess--you are all talk and probably never go into those neighborhoods yourself.

As for being okay in DC, as it is one of the most expensive places to live, working two jobs was not making me enough to get by.

[Andy_Stephenson]

Um wrong Carlos...

I go anywhere and talk to anyone. I carry voter registration cards with me EVERYWHERE I go. I don't get the lame ass responses you were getting...such as

"I'm straight" Were you hitting on them or trying to register them to vote? Jesus...perhaps I should come down there and show you how it is done!

[jiacinto]

34. Everywhere

I doubt that you go into certain neigbhorhoods. I really doubt it.

[Andy_Stephenson]

37. Wrong Carlos

I was raised in El Paso Texas...I have been to some real rough neighborhoods. I have NO FEAR...

The other night...to be honest I was very impressed with what you were doing. Instead of asking for career advice why not ask DUer's how we could help you be more successful in your current endeavour? Hell if money is as big a problem as you put on get a part time job at 7-11 or taco bell.

[jiacinto]

39. There are a lot of other issues

Frankly this is an issue I care about but there are things going on here that aren't making it conducive for me.

[Andy_Stephenson]

41. What Carlos?

Spill your guts man! We are here to help you!

[jiacinto]

43. Stuff that I don't want to mention in public

nt

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jiacinto]

67. I am trying the best I can

nt

[prolesunited]

26. Give some examples

of how they haven't been nice or given you support. And how could you already be arguing with your boss only two weeks in? What was that about?

[jiacinto]

31. PM me

I don't want to make that public here.

[prolesunited]

35. Umm...

If you were going to give me more of an explanation, wouldn't it make more sense if you PMed me? :shrug:

[SlutBunwalla]

30. Didn't you just buy a new SUV?

No wonder you're having trouble making ends meet.

I'd stick it out more than two weeks before deciding I didn't want the job. And you said you've already gotten into a fight with your boss? Very, very, very unwise, Carlos.

[jiacinto]

32. There is more to the story

nt

[TahitiNut]

50. Well, there always is.

In all compassion and seriousness, one of the biggest mistakes folks make at your age (yes, been there, done that, got the scars) is not SIMPLIFYING both their materiality and their immediate objectives. LEARN. If you don't "know," GUESS! It can be miserable, but the experience is critical in transitioning from the structured objectives of school-daze to the confusing life buffet of being a 'free agent' forming ALL of his objectives for himself. MEANING is what you give it and not what others construct for you.

Man, if you're going to experience "failure" there's no better time in your life to do it. You'll have no idea what you can overcome until you give it all you've got almost irregardless of what others might think.

Need money to eat? Sell your CDs or other baggage. Sell your blood. Do whatever you can and give it your best shot. There's no regret more bitter than looking back and saying "I could've tried harder."

[jiacinto]

52. I understand

I am giving this my all in spite of what has happened.

[TahitiNut]

53. Good. Just remember ...

... the value in an effort isn't what others give it; it's in what you give it and create thereby. Don Quixote was a hero, not because windmills posed a threat (from the perspective of others) but because he BELIEVED and acted with courage and dedication. There's an inherently creative force in "giving it your all" -- and the effort in and of itself injects the perceived "good" into the Universe as seen by the champion of that "good." No esteemed group or organization ever became so-esteemed without the efforts of unheralded heroes "giving it their all."

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." -- if it were already there it wouldn't be a 'change.' Wishing alone won't make it so -- only the courageous effort will do so. Don't like it? Make it better by being better.

I wish you all the best in choosing your windmills. Have heart! It's the foundation of courage.

[jiacinto]

55. Thanks

I appreciate your message.

[TahitiNut]

61. You're welcome and ...

... like all of us, you're worth it.

A man's failures aren't measured by how often he falls down, but in whether he gets back up and keeps on going. Gently pan for the 'gold' in what others, especially those most difficult to listen to, have to say. Find the 'gold' as you see it .. and be grateful for your developing skills in panning for it. Always keep your eye on the gold.

[corarose]

36. Pick up a part time job until you decide what you want to do

Give the job a chance until you find something else. I know it's hard to work two jobs but it would help you make ends meet.

[inthecorneroverhere]

45. job situation -

What worries me is that 'some staff aren't being paid on schedule.'

The first thing I would do is check to verify that this is indeed happening, and isn't just moanin' and groanin' about a check that is one day late. Sometimes people have a tendency to 'moan and groan' about checks that are trivially late because of the mail, holidays or whatever. But, if it's more than a couple days late, there's a problem. A serious one. If the checks are indeed several days or a week or more late, it's time to re-evaluate the situation. If anyone's check has bounced, that also indicates a really serious problem.

If you start hearing rumors about bounced checks or checks that are delayed for a long time (a week or more) you will probably need to 'confront' your supervisor. I wouldn't bring up the issue (I'd play along with 'em for a little while) unless the other folks's checks are delayed by a week (that's a pretty long delay and is longer than would be caused by mail delivery situations) or there are rumors about checks bouncing.

Have you inquired about direct deposit? Also, make sure your bank doesn't unjustly charge YOU for bad checks that OTHERS write to YOU.

If they don't 'hold water' financially, then I would contact my previous job references and explain the situation to them, since you might need their references again soon. I would NOT put up with a situation where they are delaying checks by a week or more, or bouncing them. I would put up (and say little about) about situations where there are little delays of 1-2 or maybe 3 days, but all the checks are good.

Are you on a yearly lease, or did you get a month-to-month place? Might think about getting a smaller, less expensive place (in a safe neighborhood, please) if ya can get out of a hopefully short-term lease.

BTW, I have experience with working in a small foundation whose check bounced....shortly prior to the Debacle of November 2000.

[jiacinto]

47. A yearly lease

So I will be in Florida for the long term. And as for "cheap places" I live in the most inexpensive place where I can be safe in Dade County.

[cally]

46. I changed jobs frequently the first year out of grad school

If checks are bouncing and they reneged on relocation expenses, I would send out resumes immediately. Depending on the circumstances of the job, I just took long lunches or left early for interviews. I, of course, made up that time. You do need to evaluate if you are having problems with the relocation or the job. You might ask for initial interviews to be after or before work hours. Most employers will do that. Good luck. There are other organizations out there that don't bounce checks and renege on promises. Good luck.

[jiacinto]

54. Thanks

I appreciate it.

[JanMichael]

57. Carlos, Carlos, Carlos! Oy Vey...

What fresh hell have you gotten yourself into?

If it ain't the big ugly bugs, it's the lizards, or the approaching inclement weather!

Now it's the money?

What's your degree in again? Political Science (same as moi)?

Teach? Law school? Campaigns?

Good luck.

[jiacinto]

64. I need some advice

I feel so upset right now.

[TahitiNut]

70. Step #1:

Drop the "feel so upset" immediately if not sooner. Meditate. Focus on something joyful to you. Do whatever (other than anything chemical - avoid alcohol) you can to "feel good". It's not about ignoring problems (they won't disappear if you stop obsessing about them); it's about putting the primary problem-solver (you) in the most effective state. That most effective state is without the churning gut, sleepless nights, fear, roaring in the ears, brown-colored glasses, and "woe is me" audio tape you play in your head. If it works for you, treat yourself as your best friend and offer advice to yourself caringly but without the angst. Whatever you do, you cannot do it anywhere near as effectively as you can without the emotional hair shirt of "I feel bad". It does not serve you and you have nothing to prove by it. You have an absolute right to regard your own problems without 'proving' (by demonstrating a 'feel bad') to others that they really are problems. (Anyone coercing such 'proof' isn't serving your goals.) So, stop it - however it works for you. Displace it with whatever is joy to you. Only then will be most effective in taking the next steps in problem-solving.

[jiacinto]

71. I see your point

I will go hang out in Aventura today, shop at Bloomingdales, and have dinner at a nice restaurant.

[Clete]

59. Carlos you are goint to have to bite the bullet and

get a second part time job. I did it for years. My daytime job didn't pay enough for me not to be short at the end of the month. So I started waiting tables on the weekend, something I had done in college. The minimum wage wasn't what counted, it was the tips. In a short time I was able to bartend. The tips were much better. Eventually, I worked Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Tips were great. I did it for nine years and kept my daytime job. Yes I was sleep deprived all day Tuesday.

Oh I had to do this during Nixon's reign, another Republican president.

[jiacinto]

66. It would work but I work long hours

and getting a part time job is hard as the hours are unstable here.

[RetroLounge]

60. Hope things get better for you Carlos.

I know we don't always agree on things discussed here, but I'm sorry your job isn't working out for you and things are tough.

I hope it gets better for you soon, and I'm realy sorry some people chose to HiJack your thread and turn it into a candidate bashing thread. That's just sad...

Hang in there...

[jiacinto]

65. It's okay

Thanks for your wishes.

[kodi]

62. sounds like you have no where to go but up.

use a head hunter if you can to act as your proxy until a final face to face interview. some employers recognize that a potential employee is still working elsewhere AND what the risks are for you. try to get an interview first thing on a monday or late friday afternoon so you lose as little work time as possible. even see if you can interview over the weekend.

warning, see if your current employer has an employment clause where you have to repay moving expense if you dont stay with them for a set period of time. some companies do this.

look at this as opening a bottle of wine, if the first sip tastes bad, you dont have to down the entire bottle to prove that first taste was bad. the sooner you realize you must leave, the sooner you will find a way to do it.

[jiacinto]

63. Not an issue

They haven't paid for any "relocation expenses" so that isn't an issue here. I can make a clean break without that being a consideration.

[fishnfla]

68. carlos, I dont know you but ....

knowing what i know about florida, if i was a politically minded person, i would check into becoming a lobbyist. Lobbyists run this state right now and are in demand. you dont have to be a lobbyist for a corporation, there are all sorts of causes, unions, etc that need help.

do you have any contacts in Tallahassee? are there any from your current position?

[jiacinto]

69. No

nt

[Metatron]

72. Alternatives

Have you considered qiving notice to your current employer and substitute teaching while you job hunt? Some U.S. school districts will even hire college grads (sans teaching license) to teach for a semester or year, if they are unable to fill the position. Even subbing can be a rewarding experience, and gives you time to work on your resume, etc. as you get paid.

And, of course, there are colleges and universities to consider, too.

Good luck - I recently left a nonprofit when fulfilling the mission became "optional." It can be a very disheartening experience.

[jiacinto]

73. Thanks

I appreciate it.

[jiacinto]

74. kick

nt

[jiacinto]

75. kick

nt