Major advice needed, por favor

SATX*APhi · #1 05-09-2003, 02:13 PM

Okay, here is my situation. I am moving to San Antonio in two weeks. I will be getting a job transfer with Target (where I now work part-time) and will be making $7.00 an hour. I will be working about 30-40 hours a week during the summer, and as many as I can handle during the school year (probably about 25-30).

I have worked for a Justice of the Peace before, and have about 2 years paid experience, with several more years of volunteer experience in the J.P. office. There is currently a full-time position open for a J.P. in San Antonio and I know I could easily get the job if I applied. The only thing is that it is an 8 - 5, Monday - Friday job. I could work those hours during the summer, but not when school is in session. The position doesn't pay hourly, rather salary -- $1477 a month, which is a little over $9.00 an hour ($2.00 more per hour than Target). Some J.P. offices in San Antonio do have part time positions, 20 hours a week @ $738.50 a month, but this position is full-time.

Being that money is going to be super tight working at Target, I really want to apply for the position with the J.P office, but I know that I won't be able to work those hours once the fall semester begins. I thought about applying, and if and when I get an interview, let them know my situation, and perhaps they would be willing to make it a part-time position once fall comes around since I have so much experience. I talked to my mom about it and as an office manager for a J.P. office, she told me I could call and speak with the office manager at the J.P. in San Antone. (Mom's how I began working for a J.P.) Mom suggested I tell the office manager out in SA that I wouldn't have a problem qualifying, but that I will be enrolled in school full-time in the fall and could work 25-30 hours, but not 40. Basically, asking the manager if they would even consider making this a part-time position, as to not waste their time or mine if they wouldn't consider doing it.

I called, but the office manager is out to lunch and should be back in about an hour or so. Should I call back and do what my mom suggested, or should I just apply and if and when I get an interview, let her know everything then? I don't want to take the position for the summer, and then before the semester begins either A) quit, or B) ask to make the position part-time. I really, really need the money. I am so tempted to apply and do either A or B from above.

HELP GC'ers, please!!

XOMichelle · #2 05-09-2003, 02:30 PM

Call back! Make sure thye know you want to work there and you have lots of experience. You ahve nothing to lose.
Good luck!

Peaches-n-Cream · #3 05-09-2003, 02:45 PM

Follow your mother's advice, but don't leave your name. Just inquire if it is an option to work full time during the summer and reduce your hours in the fall. If it is not an option, apply for the full time job. Once your 'foot is in the door' for a couple of months, you can approach them about a part time position.

moe.ron · #4 05-09-2003, 03:28 PM

follow your mom advice, mom knows everything.

bethany1982 · #5 05-09-2003, 04:04 PM

What type of work do you plan on doing after college? If it has anything to do with the J.P. position, I'd go for it. If not, I think I'd take the job at target. How many classes were you planning on during the Fall semester? Can you fill your schedule with night classes? Will you have time for anything else if you are working 40 hours a week?

SATX*APhi · #6 05-09-2003, 04:14 PM

I would eventually like to do federal government work, or international law, so the J.P. job is more similar than my job at Target.

I have somewhat of an update though.

I called a friend of mine who worked with me when I worked for a different J.P. in San Antonio. I asked her if she knew anybody from the precinct that is hiring, so that she could possibly look into this for me. My ex-coworker is currently a municipal court supervisor and told me that a part-time position opened up in her office yesterday, and pay is $9.50-ish per hour. She talked to the judge about me and the judge, without even meeting me, is ready to hire me! I will, of course, still apply for the position with the J.P., just in case things fall through with the municipal court position. I am going to call the office manager from the J.P. first thing Monday morning, because I've snuck out of my office too many times this afternoon to make calls regarding these jobs. Thanks everyone for your advice!

bethany1982 · #7 05-09-2003, 04:19 PM

Congrats and good luck!

Peaches-n-Cream · #8 05-09-2003, 04:21 PM

That sounds great!

SATX*APhi · #9 05-09-2003, 04:36 PM

Thanks everyone!

My biggest issue regarding my move was money, but that seems to be working itself out. Everything is falling into place and I am super, duper excited!!

SATX*APhi · #10 05-16-2003, 04:33 PM

I still haven't submitted my application for the municipal court job because I've been so busy with work. My friend called me today and asked why I hadn't submitted it yet and is waiting for my application.

That sounds pretty good to me, but I'm still leaving my options open. I hope I get it! It sounds like I already have it, but I don't want to be too optimistic.

texas*princess · #11 05-16-2003, 04:46 PM

oh yay!!! good luck!!!!

SATX*APhi · #12 05-16-2003, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by texas*princess
oh yay!!! good luck!!!!

Yay!! Thanks!!

lifesaver · #13 05-16-2003, 04:55 PM

I just want you in the muni, so you can fix traffic tix for your good friend lifesaver. I seem to get them quite often.

Lots of beer on me if you can help out in the future

SATX*APhi · #14 05-16-2003, 05:00 PM

Eh, this is out in Boerne, so unless you get a ticket out there, there probably wouldn't be much I could do. I don't think SA Municipal could run on a two person staff.

Now you'll just have to go and get a ticket in Boerne so that I can get some free drinks.

SATX*APhi · #15 05-21-2003, 04:55 PM

My friend (the supervisor of the office) called me yet again to ask where my application was. I e-mailed her yesterday afternoon telling her I'd sent out my application on Monday and she replied with:

Quote:

ok, i'll be waiting for it. we've only had 4 app's so far and one isn't even being considered. the others, i'm not thrilled about either. i've expressed to my supervisor that i already have who i want. I think she already knows that. i keep stressing to her that the only thing we need to do is really train you on our system and maybe refresh on a couple of things here and there.