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Post Info TOPIC: a step in a different direction...
D


Hermes

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a step in a different direction...
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I'm thinking about applying for a part time job as a receptionist at a nearby historical/educational location (Cranbrook). It would be from 8am to 12:30pm M-F.


Here's the deal. I have an MBA and I was most recently a VP at a major ad agency. To be honest, I'm burned out and the health stuff I've been going through has me wanting a low-stress part-time job vs. 60+ hr/wk high stress job.


I don't have to work, but the extra spending money would be nice (I'm very independent and feel weird asking my husband for anything), and I want a place to, I don't know, a place to go to every day, but something that will allow me to spend time toward the growth of stylethread.  The hours would also be more accommodating to Dr.s' appts.  I also love the building and grounds I would have to be knowledgeable about (near my house - I visit often), and the position requires assisting HR with admin. tasks (so if an opportunity that I want to take advantage of comes up I would be one of the first to know).  This would also give me an opportunity to tap into my design education, something I periodically regret straying from.


I'm a little stumped on how I want to approach this with them.  Tell them I have an on-line fashion magazine and that I'm looking for supplemental income doing something I would enjoy? My concern is that I'm waaaay over qualified for the position, but I don't want to let on to my health issues.


I'm not going to concern myself with timing right now - I would just need to set myself up to be considered - the rest can be worked out later.


thoughts?



-- Edited by D at 10:25, 2006-09-08

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Elle


Hermes

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Hmmm, I think that you're actually so overqualified for that position that you might not be able to convince them to hire you, to be frank.  Another complication of that is that being so overqualified and not really in need of the money, it would be much easier for you to leave that job than it would be for someone who was counting on it for their livelihood.  If that did happen it would require another cycle of interviewing candidates and hiring for them, which of course can be time consuming and costly.


That said, if you make no mention of your lack of need for the job, and maybe give it a 'new direction for your-self/career, they might be willing to take a chance.  Maybe being as vague as you can without compromising the interview would be best?



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Farrah


Marc Jacobs

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You are right - Cranbrook is a beatiful place. I had a couple of friends that went to school there.  I say go for it if you are interested.  Just make sure you explain that you understand that your schooling and experience may over qualify you for the job, but you are looking to change your path and you think that this is exactly what you are looking for. 

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ejc423


Coach

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I think you should go for it.  A good friend of mine worked at Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe doing pretty much the exact position you described.  She loved it.  She was nowhere near as overqualified as you are, but she was able to tailor the job so that it was as challenging as she wanted and gratifying as well.  Keep us updated!



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halleybird


Hermes

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I think it sounds like a great idea, but I agree that you may have to do some smooth talking to get them to hire you because you're so overqualified.


Btw, what is Cranbrook?



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cc


Marc Jacobs

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I think that sounds like a really good idea. Earlier this summer I went to a seminar on moving "down" the career ladder and all the panelists said that the toughest part was writing cover letters which somehow explained why they were making such a drastic career change so that people wouldn't write them off as waste of time when they saw the resume. You have a background in design so at least you're not coming to this totally out of the blue. I am sure if you can get yourself an interview in person or over the phone that you can win them over.

BTW my mom did exactly the opposite - left an ad agency, went back to teaching, and then returned to the agency at a higher level after going through 2 surgeries for breast cancer and radiation - which I think is kind of insane but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out for her. Your plan sounds a lot more pleasant to me.

halleybird - Cranbrook is an art school (and museum). Eliel Saarinen (father of Eero) and Charles (and I think his wife Ray?) taught there.


-- Edited by cc at 23:23, 2006-09-08

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greendiamond


Marc Jacobs

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Cranbrook is so beautiful, you have got to give it a try.


I think that if you are honest-ish about your intentions that they will forgive your being over qualified.


I wouldn't let on to the health issues either, but if you mentioned that you had been working at an ad agency and were more interested in a slower moving position that you'd have a good chance. I'd also stress that a part time job is what you are looking for, so they don't worry that you will leave for a full time gig.


The grounds are so beautiful.  I'm sure some very interesting people work there and that it would be a great atmosphere to be involved in.


Good luck to you!


-gd



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-gd
lovelygirl


Kenneth Cole

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My boyfriend is from West Bloomfield so he has a lot of friends that went to Cranbrook. I haven't visited myself but from what he's told me, it sounds so lovely. I think you can definitely win them over if you emphasize that you're looking for something with a slower pace, fewer hours, and a different directions. A lot of places really respect someone who wants to try something different and switch gears. Best of luck!

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sephorablue


Marc Jacobs

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I don't have any advice but just wanted to say good luck... it sounds like something that would be a pleasant change for you!

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