Should I take the job?

[Lady Pi Phi]

I just took the winter semester off of school and I am now taking another year off. Since I'm not going to school I have to work. I've sent out hundreds of resumes and have had a few interviews, but nothing that I'm really qualified for (because everyone knows you need a degree to push papers...even though it's something I have serious expertise in). Anyway, I had an interview this afternoon in a local stationary store. The manager is offering me 32 hours/week starting at $8/hr. He told me the maximum pay rate is $8.50/hr. All my other jobs have been paying $12/hr and up. This would be a huge pay cut for me. He also needs someone to commit for a full year (whih I can do). I haven't been getting many job offers so this is a chance for me to finally get working. I'm a bit apprehensive about taking the job in case I do get a better job offer. A good friend who also works there recommended me and I would hate to make her look bad, and he knows my concern about the money and I don't want to take the job and then leave him high and dry. I don't know if I should take the job. He's pretty much offered me the job, but he's given me a few days to think about whether or not I can make the commitment. It took me for ever to find a temp summer job, so if my experience is anything like it was during the winter (practically no job offers), then I feel I should take the job. I just don't want to take the job the have the possibility of leaving him high and dry and searching for someone else.

Any advice?

[Lady Pi Phi]

Well I decided to take the job. It's an okay job. Not a lot of money but I only work 4 days a week and my boss is cool and my friend works there.

But now my feet really hurt. I'm not used to standing on my feet all day long. I need to find some good shoes.

[AchtungBaby80]

Darn! I'm too late to give you any advice, so I'll just wish you good luck! I know it's a pay cut, but since you say you had a lot of trouble finding a job, I think a job that pays $8/hour is better than no job. And you can always put it down as experience.

[Lady Pi Phi]

I think I made a huge mistake taking the job. It's not the money that's the issue. It's physically painful for me to stand on my feet for 8 hours a day. I am in terrible pain. I have to work today even thought it's supposed to be my day off, but I am thinking of going to the hospital after work.

I want to leave, but I feel trapped in this job now. I said I would commit to a year and feel bad for my friend who recommended me for the job if I do leave. I just don;t know what to do.

[justamom]

Have you tried a uniform shop that sells shoes for nurses or other people who must stand a lot? There are also places, though they are PROBABLY outrageous, that are run by podiatrists and they sell custom made shoes as well.

If you really can't take it, I would tell your boss right away, TRY to stick it out till he finds someone. HELP him find someone. If your feet hurt, next it will be your back! Good luck and take care!

[Munchkin03]

Some of the people I know whose jobs require them to stand up love Danskos. There are Birkenstocks especially for "professionals", oxfords and slipins that are a little more conservative than the sandals. For cute comfy shoes, I like Camper--I have a pair of Mary Janes that I can run in, or wear with a dress.

Best of luck!

[aephi alum]

If it's painful for you to stand on your feet all day, definitely look into comfortable and/or orthopedic shoes (your health insurance may even cover them if they're medically necessary).

If that doesn't help - are you behind a counter all day or are you out on the floor? If you're behind a counter, even for part of the day, perhaps you can get a bar stool or chair that would allow you to sit down but put you at "standing height"? The chair would be behind the counter, so customers wouldn't necessarily see it. If it's a choice between that and your quitting, I'm sure your manager will agree.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Lady Pi Phi]

The job was behind the counter but it also involved me running up and downstairs carrying heavy boxes of product and stocking shelves. I ended up leaving the job. I went to the hospital yesterday instead of work, and the doctor told me to stay off my feet. As a diabetic I am prone to foot problems. I thought it was best that I don't stand. A couple of hours every once in a while is okay, but 8 hours a day 5 days a week is not something my body can tolerate. I quit, but my boss was very understanding about it.

Now I just have to find another job...in an office...sitting down.

[bethany1982]

Good luck on your job hunt.