Good morning all. I have been at the same job for 16 years now. It is in construction and I am the office manager. Well, it is very slow and very boring. So....I have been looking for a new job. I just got a job interview at a nursing home as an office manager. First of all, my current job has gone to part time (20 hrs). I only work 3 days a week, but the pay is very good. This new job will be 40 hours a week but only $13 per hour. I'm sure there will be raises and such, but the biggest problem is that when I walked into the facility it smelled so bad. Kind of like bleach and cabbage. Will I get used to that? The other problem is that I will only be making about $100 more a week and working 20 more hours. Is that really worth it? I am just so bored at my current job. My boss is fabulous and l love them like my family. I doubt I will ever gain my hours back. Big bonus at current job is that I get to quilt on my days off. Sat-Tue. What do you think. Is it worth leaving and getting into another career?

If you are financially able to stay were you are, I would. I am retired and the the time at home/not working is priceless. Of course, you are young and it may be necessary for you to make more money than you are. I thank God for the people that work in a nursing home and those that truly make a difference. I couldn't do it. I have a caring heart and I would be sad all the time. BUT, I would want someone there to keep an eye on the employees that are mean, dishonest and plain hateful.

I think I would stay where I am. Look around your work area as if this is your first day on a new job. Saying "self(not out loud) what can I do make this into a nice work area. I know I am going to love this job."

I don't know about the time and the money part...hard decision!! But, I want to chime in and say that I work in a hospital and have for years, but my first month was pretty rough due to odors. Not a problem now, truly. And I think if I can overcome smells, anyone can!! I hope I'm not wrong about that for you!

I hard to say this but you may find your clothes smelling like the nurseing home. Even if the job you have is slow right now.
It could pick back up depending on what type building the boss is in.
Also when its slow maybe the boss will let you do hand work while your waiting for the phone to ring. I have a hard time of just sitting and not haveing thing to keep me busy at a job so I read. the boss didn't like me doing that so he found me more to do. So it worked out for the better.

Hmmmm. My current job (where I am at the moment) I am only working 19 hours a week. 3 days. But this is my choice. We don't need the income from my working more. I could work 30 hours if I wanted to, they certainly would love it if I did. I do work more during tax season because this is an accounting firm. I make $21 an hour plus some benefits. I personally don't want to work more hours, so I would say stay and enjoy your time off.
However, 99% of the time I am not bored. I have the phones and people and numbers that need working with. Occasionally I have days like today where the boss is out of the office and there is not much work for me to do but they need me here in case someone calls or comes by.
Is there something else you can do at your work so you won't be so bored? Are you allowed to bring in some hand work to do?
I wish I could quit and quilt and volunteer some more but I have a daughter getting married in October and I have to be able to pay for this wedding somehow (400 guests!!)

Sounds like you have quite the decision to make. After 16 years of service you really are family and that is special. I would visit the Nursing home again and hopefully the bleach and cabbage smell was not a permanent smell. Whatever you decide, it will be the best decision for yourself.

Its hard to find people you "like" to work for sounds like you have a hard call to make.

Well, the other reason I even considered this job is that my mother is in a nursing home with Alzhiemers that is owned by this company and I now have a new passion for these people. My mother is only 69. I'm afraid that I'm going to get Alz. if I don't keep my mind busy.

The money isn't the biggest issue because we are not talking a significant amount. I really just don't like being bored at work. I feel like I'm wasting my time just sitting at my desk waiting for the phone to ring or for somebody to walk in. Construction is very slow right now and I don't see it picking up. I love having 4 days off, that time is priceless!

It is a hard decision to make. I love the people I work for. As far as the nursing home goes...it always smells the same. I'm just wondering if I would get used to it. I visit my mom about 3 times per week at the other location and it smells the same. It's probably their cleaning agent and the food.

I would stay. JMHO

I think the smell is something you can get used to.

I thank you all for your input. I'm feeling like I should just stay put. I can do anything I want at my current job while there is nothing to do. My boss is gone alot so I can even bring in my sewing machine if I want to. I can read, play on the internet. My sister and dad come by and we visit. It's quite flexible. I can even bring my dog to work if I want. (which i don't because she would drive me bonkers!) She's a lab full of energy! I'm still torn, I will go to the interview anyway and let you all know what I decide. Like I said, I make good money where I am at, but I'm just bored and was looking for a change. Maybe I just needed to talk to someone about it and now that I did, my current job doesn't sound so bad. Thanks!

I used to be able to get into my quilt forum while at work! miss that but do it from home now!!

If you decide to stay put, what about volunteering? If you can gain a sense of pride and fulfillment as a volunteer in that situation, maybe you could fille the down time at work by helping to organize things, like fund raising or organizing an event or something like that. During volunteer work you can see if you really like that type of work and can handle that workplace. If you find it turns to a passion, you'll be ready for the next time.

Maybe you can stay at your job and volunteer at the nursing home one or two days a week?

Let your boss know you are bored. Slow times are a great time to tackle new projects like re-organizing or updating files, computerizing files, building databases. Make yourself invaluable. Maybe your boss has some projects you can work on. If you really love the people you work with, I would think long and hard before leaving.

Unfortunately, the smell is the result of poor cleaning procedures and techniques, unless they change the way they do things, the smell will persist, and while you'll get used to it, do you really want to "get used to it"? Also, many times the "smelly" centers like youre talking about are that way as a result of poor managment, which would effect you. Good luck on the decision....mayabe you could stay where you are and get a second part time job at a fabric store!!!!

My job at work is fully organized and up to date. They used to be afraid of computers and now we are fully computerized. I mean literally - afraid. I had to hand type every proposal that went out to bid. Which meant we had no internet at work. It was very old school here. Our bookkeeping was done with pencil and paper. I got them up and running and looking good! They had files here from 20 years ago because they were afraid to throw anything out. I could go on and on about this.

I think volunteering is a great idea. If they will have me.

I'm sure that they would love to have you volunteer there!!!

My DH is in construction, things are bad now as you know, but they are slowly starting to pick back up, I would stay with it. The new job idea may be an exciting idea now, but yiu may never have the same relationship with your next employer.Really, you seem to be very lucky. I hope the best for you!

It sounds like you might need a change, but it doesn't sound like this other job is the right fit. I agree with the volunteering. If you have a new found love for folks with AD, then I am sure the Nursing homes would love you to come to talk to the folks, help them with little tasks that would make them feel a sense of accomplishment...kinda adopt them. Then, you have the best of both worlds. Sounds like you are comfortable in your current job and have a lot of freedom. Continue to look for something that will help give you a sense of fulfillment, but don't jump into something that you already have doubts about. Good luck.

Thank you. I am sure I would never have the same relationship with any employer as I do with this one. My boss even got a one day license (don't know what it is called) to marry me and my husband. We had our wedding at his gorgeous house in his awesome yard. He preformed our ceremony. He is like a father to me. I don't know what I would do without him. He loaned my husband and I $60,000 to start our own business years ago. I continued to work for him even though we had our own backpacking/fishing store. I would go there on my lunch hour and after work. That loan was paid back before it was due. So there is a good relationship there! (That business is still going!- we sold it to do something else)

Anyway..I will probably remain here after all of your comments. Thank you all.

I was thinking this too, volunteering would be a great way to fill in some time. That way, you aren't bound to stay there because of money, and it gives you a good feeling. Could you volunteer at one of the nursing homes? Maybe even the one your mom is in?
I think taking on the other job sounds like a no-win. To work that many more hours to only make $100 more doesn't sound worth it. (Works out to $5 an hour if you think about it!)
Just my opinion, of course!

I know how bad a boring job is. Maybe you should keep looking for the right job. Or sign up for some classes and earn a degree that will help you get to where you want to be. I have returned to school a few times since I graduated college, and I loved it every time. I kept forgetting how much I love to learn.

I would stay put. The smell will never get any better and on some days it will be worse. There is a lot of sadness in extended care facilities that I would not be able to handle emotionally. There can be personal safety issues as well. Please take this in to consideration when making your decision.

You know, from all you have said, your current job is a real blessing, to you and to your boss. I think you should stay where you are. $100 for 20 hours is not good. And things should pick up in a few months. I live in Central CA, too, and we are suffering through my husband losing his business and now working at less than half his current salary. It's bad, but we are hanging on, and I will now have to work probably an extra 6 months or so before I can take my county retirement and go work somewhere else part time. You are lucky, girl!! Count your blessings and wait out the boredom.....go buy some paperbacks, or take up crochet!! :-) Just IMHO!!!!

Are you talking about interview vs job offer?
I think you would get use to the order, I have worked in nursing homes and hospitals. I also hate to be bored, BUT if I could bring in a sewing machine or even better some hand work I would not be bored. I vote to stay.....Consider you would be working 20 hours for ONLY $100.00 that is $5.00 an hour. I could get use to being bored for $5.00 an hour.

JMHO

stay where you are, you'll know the right new job when it comes along, don't settle, you would definitely be settling with the new job because you have already voiced a negative impression.

Oh this is going to sound awful... if your any where close to me, and you decide to make the change, let me know, PM we can chat on location !!!

Can also see if NH would be interested in 2 days a week, fill in, so you can dip your toe in the water without a big plunge. that way you still retain if you don't care for the new spot.
Whatever you decide, Good Luck !!

If you do volunteer work with a nursing home, try to do it at the one your mom is at. That way some people will never know when you are going to show up. It's a good way to keep your eye on what goes on there. If you see things that aren't right, you would be in a better position to voice your concerns to the powers that be.

Pray about your decision.

Maybe you could volunteer to teach some classes at the nursing home? I have heard that many of the ladies in these homes love having something to do. And they love to have their nails painted, hair fixed, etc.

Just a thought.........

I would probably stay where I was. Things will eventually turn around and you will get more hours. Could you used the time waiting for the phone to ring to design things to work on at home?

By all means, stay with your current job. To double your work hours for just $100 more is not worth your trouble. Of course you would be busier at the nursing home, but would lose those extra days of quilting. In the free time at the office, work on crossword puzzles, brain teasers, etc., anything to keep your mind active. That will keep your brain excercised.

I would KEEP the easy job. Skip the nursing--For only $100.00 it's not worth it. volunteer OR get a 2nd job part time -end up w/DISCOUNT @a LQS or your fave place to shop.Easy to quit if you find, you enjoy more free time. I believe you would clear more than$5.00 per hr, even at min. wage---5x20hrs=100.00--throw in discount $$$$$$--you could just p/u for holidays OR maybe sales.

Sounds like you really want to stay. If you want to stop from being bored, how about taking some on-line courses in business management and once done you will be able to find a lucrative position. As for wanting to give to the retirement home, there are many ways you can incorporate quilting lap covers, walker bags, etc. for residents.
Sorry to hear about your mom...my prayers are with you and your family.

I have been there too! I stayed where I had time to quilt on days off. It is better to be happy than to have the extra 100.00
Teresa

Stay where you are..... working longer hours for small increase is not worth the extra time you work... By the way, there should be no smell in the nursing home....indicates poor hygeine conditions for clients. My aunt and uncle were in a nursing home and there was NO smell. Not a good place for you to work!!!!!

I worked in a mental health unit once. Many of the patients were incontinent, and some were just plain confused about where they should go (if you catch my drift). I never got used to the smell, and it made me downright sick after a while. Think hard about giving up a good thing.

I would stay where you are . Nursing homes do have bad smells. I personally would not like working at one.

Talk to your boss and see if there isn't some other job
you could be doing, or studying for. You could do some
of the office cleaning, or painting, or making a hand made
quilt for the boss' wife or mother.

You said you wanted to use your brain, look around you
and see what is there that you could change, and talk
to your boss. Perhaps because you are like family, he
doesn't want to work you too hard.