I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but my mother and I are already battling about it. I got a call back for a second interview at a company near my mom's house.
I'm a bit conflicted b/c the job itself would be great (in my field, blah, blah, blah), but it would also lock me into staying in that area (which I loathe and have always wanted to get away from, from the time I was a little kid). I really, really, really, really want to move to LA and it seems that everytime I try to make an attempt something occurs that keeps me here for another few years (boyfriend, friends, job, whatever). I want to cry at the thought of staying in the area where my mom lives (even if it means a good job).
I feel like now is the time to get it together and move. Granted, I need to save money and this job would probably pay well and give me experience, but I want to be in LA by this time next year (hopefully, by spring). I don't want to take this job and then quit right away and look like a job hopper. But you all know my crappy current work situation.
So, does anyone have some insight? I know this might not make sense, but that's b/c I'm confused. Help! Thanks!
ETA: I had recently decided to just get a crappy temp job near my mom's house while I save money to move to LA. That way, I wouldn't look like a job hopper. Help!!!!
Nylabelle, I think you should take the job, take another job as a waitress nearby (yes, I know you've been one and hated it), have basically the busiest most ridiculously hard-working year of your life, save pretty much all your money, then move out to LA with plenty of money and the comfort of looking for a job at leisure. That is probably the only way it's going to happen.
Or, you might love the job and decide to stay there.
Nylabelle, I think you should take the job, take another job as a waitress nearby (yes, I know you've been one and hated it), have basically the busiest most ridiculously hard-working year of your life, save pretty much all your money, then move out to LA with plenty of money and the comfort of looking for a job at leisure. That is probably the only way it's going to happen. Or, you might love the job and decide to stay there.
There will be no serving. I'm a terrible server. I wouldn't make any money. Besides, I think this job would pay enough that I wouldn't have to work a second job. It's not an entry level job at all. It's a management position. Heaven only knows why they want me!
Even if I love the job, nothing else would be right, so I would end up moving eventually. To me, not moving away is a failure to something that I've set out to do since I was a kid. PA is not for me. It never has been. I just don't want to look like a job hopper. It would be helpful to have the experience under my belt and you're right about saving and moving with a cash cushion.
Omg, you should so totally take it! When you interview for other positions after this one and give the reason for leaving your last job as "Relocation from Penn. to L.A.", they won't look down on you as a job-hopper! Especially if you add, " ... to expand my career opportunities.". I've had 3 jobs in my life, 2 of which I left because of relocation - it's been a total non-issue. Frankly I think it comes off better than if you quit, because it's more of a circumstances-beyond-your-control sort of thing, as opposed to them possibly construing quitting a job as your fault in some way for not being able to stick it out.
TAKE IT! Don't worry about quitting again in a year - that's a perfectly acceptable amount of time to stay at a job to 'learn what you can and move on'.
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I'm with the other girls--go for the job. Stick it out in PA for another 6-12 months and save some money, then move to LA. If you stay in PA that long with your current job, you'll be miserable and it sounds like this other opportunity will pay better as well.
I know you're anxious to get out to LA, which I can CERTAINLY understand, but you ultimately will want a SUCCESSFUL move to LA, not a move to LA just for the sake of moving. To have a successful move, you'll need some cash obviously, and you need to be in a position so you don't have to take a waitressing job there (ie not be so desperate that you'll take anything that comes along). So spend some time at this other job and build up your resume so that you can take an even better job when you move.
Thanks, girls for helping to clear my thoughts. If I am offered the job, I will take it. It will help me in the long run with the move and future prospects. Thanks!
TAKE IT SILLY!! if you're offerred it, take it. You have to work to save money anyway, a year is plenty of time at a job. Plus, you say you have bad luck with jobs, this will help you land a better job in L.A., make you not hate your time in PA as much, and let you save money for your move.
NYLA- You aren't 80 years old! Even if it takes you a couple of more years you can still move to LA! Plus... who knows, you might get some really great experience in that job and you could get a ridiculous job in LA that we would all be jealous of! I hope the best for you!
Haha...but I feel old!! I feel like I've wasted most of my 20's. I know the job would give me great experience in event planning, advertising, writing and design promotional materials and it would set me up for a great career, I'm sure. Keep your fingers crossed. We'll see what happens.
Nyla, it sounds like it's all starting to come together. i am glad you have decided to take it if it is offered to you. i agree with the relocation aspect. I had a rocky "break up" with my last job & to be honest I have been nervous about having to face those questions. i have been on several interviews & it hasn't even come up at all! Everyone kind of assumes I stopped working there because I moved & hasn't questioned it at all, although I've never said that in any way - as a matter of fact, i probably have been more forthcoming with info than I need to. I guess my point is that when you move, that is an "acceptable" reason for the job hop! I don't think it will be an issue. And it sounds like a great opportunity for you.
I send good thoughts & prayers your way - you DESERVE this.
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Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad
Nyla, it sounds like it's all starting to come together.
Eh...I wouldn't say that. I've had second interviews before. I'm not getting too excited before anything actually happens. I also have a meeting with a staffing agency on Friday as well. And another interview set up for next week. I'm just tired of going to interview after interview and not getting anywhere.
But thank you to everyone for your words of encouragement and your advice. It is much appreciated.