Employment....WWYD??

Jyoung327 · January 2016

Ok ladies- this might get long and complicated. I need advice.

Backstory: I am 3 years out of grad school, I work as a masters psychologist. I got hired by my internship and have a lot of freedom within my job regarding scheduling, hours etc. I work for the dept of corrections doing court-mandated therapy for parolees with sex offenses. IE its a very difficult population, especially as a woman, ESPECIALLY pregnant. I go TO work 3 days a week, the other 2 days (or more) I write reports at home- however, in those three days I commute 10 hours, 6 of those hours are on only one day. The driving has been, and is getting more rough for these 3 years I have worked there. Also, I am a subcontractor, meaning my boss gets 40% cut of everything I do for providing the clients, and I pay into my taxes in huge sums quarterly. I am kind of stuck in this job because I need to take a final licensing exam, thinks boards for doctors or bar for lawyers, to go to a level where I can be hired by a lot more places d/t insurance. My current job that is not a requirement so I could really stay forever. Paychecks are averaging similar amounts each month but totally depend on how many clients I see, and I get paid once per month at the end of the month instead of weekly or biweekly. I might get copays in between from clients- if they pay me. They are on parole, often unemployed or assholes.

My husband hates my job. I am also burned out with the population. I am sick of driving. I found another job that I could do either per diem (pick up shifts) or there is a full time position as a case manager at a psych hospital. I previously worked 5 years at a similar hospital but as a nurse aid, but I loved the atmosphere and worked closely with the position I would be applying for. They would hire me without the licensing exam, and I like the idea of working maybe 3 days a week to start. I could stay at my current job, as we have arranged maternity leave- problem is I will not be paid during that time at all. Its just time off. I told my boss I dont want to do the 6 hr drive day anymore, problem is, he said if he finds someone else to do that day it might be a package deal with my other days for it to be worth it to that person. So its a technicality to get around the whole "cant be fired for pregnancy thing"- I essentially have to choose to either keep all the days, or leave all the days. After baby I could probably pick up some random stuff a day or two a week and still make some money.

Question is- this other job...I am really interested in it. Its 15 minutes from my house, either weekly or biweekly salary paychecks. I've started working on my resumee and I have all the qualifications. I dont know when to contact them or submit my application however, since I'm 5 months pregnant and cant start anyway until after the baby is born d/t what my boss and I agreed about when I would start my leave and someone would be covering for me. So what would you all do- when would you reach out to the other employer (or anywhere else that I could find..) OR do you think its better to just stay where I'm at for the near future?

I know its a complicated situation...if i need to clarify anymore please let me know.

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

Honestly, I'd reach out ASAP to at least let them know you're interested, especially since it seems like you really don't like your current job (and I can't say that I blame you because it sounds awful).

kalanieileen · January 2016

Yeah I agree with above. I would reach out asap and see what can be done. All I really read were cons about your other job, not many pros for me to want to continue working there

Jyoung327 · January 2016

kalanieileen said:

Yeah I agree with above. I would reach out asap and see what can be done. All I really read were cons about your other job, not many pros for me to want to continue working there

I guess my fear is, I could always be turned down for the new job. I *could* make a shitload of money at my current job, but that means scheduling more hours. All the appts= paperwork, which I do on my own time and am not compensated for. I have issues with writing too detailed of reports, the other people at my job write half-assed reports and thats enough for what we need but Im a writer by nature and just cant undo that. So I could make it easier on myself but after 3 years I havent so far so I dont know how I could start.

Current job is also comfortable. It doesnt require change of any sorts.

CecilB93 · January 2016

I would also suggest reaching out to the potential new job. I feel like with your current job you'll be spending so much time at work/doing work that you wouldn't have much time home with SO and baby, and that's a big deal to me personally. Besides, the hiring process could take a while anyways, so chances are they wouldn't have to wait too much longer for you to actually start. I agree with pp, the current job sounds like all/mostly cons and joy really any pros at the moment.

meggyme · January 2016

I suggest going for the new job. They may be so excited to hire you that they'd work with you. If nothing else, you can get back in touch with them after baby to see if anything has changed.

Jbabylove2016 · January 2016

Definitely go for the new job now. I think you would regret it later on if you didn't - I don't know how competitive that industry is, but if you wait that job might be gone. Plus, it sounds like your quality of life and happiness would be better with the other job, and that's important especially with a new baby. You don't want to be stressed out and unhappy while caring for your new little one. Best of luck!

Mrs Sweet Tea · January 2016

With the new job will you eventually be able to get licensed? How much longer would you have to stay at your current job until you can get licensed? If it isn't that long I would get licensed and then leave for a new position. It may be harder for the short term but might set you up for better career advancement in the long run which in turn will allow you to provide better for baby.

AOliveira11 · January 2016

I agree. Reach out to them and get them a resume. You have great credentials and an employer wants someone who is going to be good at their job and who wants to be there. Especially since you've been working in a DOC while pregnant, they'll hopefully realize you're not a weak person and give you an opportunity to prove it.

cmerribury · January 2016

Go for the new job. It sounds one million times better for you. Good luck!

purplefan1 · January 2016

Get credentialed!!! I can't promote this enough. If you have to stay at your current job due to an agreement with your boss, use this time to study and sit for your license.

Also, at some point, your doctor won't allow you to do the 6 hour drive. And I'm assuming it's going to get pretty uncomfortable! So you might be talking to your boss about what the do when doctor says you have to stick closer to home. Maybe the person who is going to cover you when you are on maternity leave could pick up the 6 hour one early.

I hear you on being a contract worker and no maternity pay for being off. We are doing every thing we can to save now and stock pile in anticipation for my time off. BUT, get your license and you will be open to so many more flexible jobs which may provide you joy in the long run. One of my jobs I do I am able to do from home (I read assessments completed by clinicians) so even when I am home on maternity leave, I can keep doing that and keep earning some money that way.

brewedinPNW · January 2016

My partner is in a similar situation, in terms of job. She works as an intern therapist, seeing a similarly rough population (albeit, not in prison, and not court-ordered).

Your concerns are totally valid, and I'm sure it's an (unfair) struggle to figure out when to switch jobs while being pregnant.

One thing you could do is reach out to this new job, discuss your current work situation and let them know there's a plan in place to transfer clients, close out files, etc. That process has been outlined between you and your current employer, but after that you'd be interested in broadening your scope/offsetting client hours. Give them your potential start date and just see if they'd be game to work something out with you. I've found through this process that therapists are usually super amenable to flexibility, as long as the client population is addressed.

The other points about your license are something to consider as well. Have you already taken your exam, or are you waiting until you have all your hours? Since you're not moving out of state, reciprocity isn't a problem, and hours are hours. You'll take a dip when you switch jobs but that shouldn't affect you super negatively in the long run. Maybe just weigh how important the timeline is to you.

Ultimately, do what's healthiest for you, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It sounds like the new job might be the way to go, and you'll only know how they feel if you ask them.

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