To work or not to work...

[Darth Fanboy]

I just interviewed today for a job, first I have had in a while since I am deciding to take time off of being a full time student (read: I need cash).

The job is with a company called "Mad Science", the "scientists" basically go to schools in the local area and perform science experiments for kids in a fun and interesting manner. Making "slime" for example, and also experiments and demonstrations with dry ice etc...

The job is pretty cool, I know I could do it and I'm pretty sure the interview today was a success. However here's the catch, the pay is $25 per session and most part time "scientists" get only cheduled to 3-4 classrom sessions per week. I would also have to drive my own car to each site where I would be teaching, and only be reimbursed 20 cents for every mile over Thirty miles of driving (round trip though).

After doing a little figuring of what my schedule would likely be I would most likely be making between $175-$250 every two weeks, which isn't near enough to support myself and get me back out of my folks' place. I live in Orange County currently where the cheapest apartments are between $900-$1000 a month for the smallest studio apartments.

My brain is yelling at me to take this job because it is income that I would not otherwise have at a job that could be pretty fun, on the other hand I have serious doubts about committing to a job that pays so little and Possibly my time could be better spent looking for a different and better paying job. I'm not trying to be too picky but on the other hand there are needs I have to meet, especially now that I am buying my own health insurance.

Has anyone here been in a smiliar situation? Keep in mind finding a full time jb just yet isn't entirely an option because I need at least one full day per week to fulfill a 1 year volunteer committment I made. Thanks.

[spongyblue]

I guess you have a few options.

1) You could try to get another part time job, something like a weekend only job, but a lot of that depends on if you have the time and stamina to do something like that.

2) Take the science job, stick with it for a little while, and then try for another job. Depending on what kind of job your lookin for, this science gig could look pretty good on your resume.

3) Not take it at all, and go out and see what else is out there.

For me I would break it down to those three options and weigh them out. I personally think the science gig could be fun and open up a lot of other opportunities in the future.

[Guardsman Bass]

Unless you are looking for experience in science-related work, or would prefer the fun of doing it over the lack of money, I would suggest you not take it unless you can do it in addition to another part-time job.

[FedRebel]

If the job relevant to your intended vocation, take it

Even all around more work experience is better than none, and the longer you're unemployed the harder it will be to find work in the future

The income you recieve though 'small' as it is, can be investted wisely. Where as sitting at home will only yield "secretary's ass" and an ample gut

Plus, it pays better than fast food

[General Zod]

If you don't mind doing the work, I'd suggest taking it and sticking with it for awhile while simultaneously looking for other, better work. It'll look good on your resume and to most employers, you're more employable if you're presently working than if you aren't working at all. If nothing else, it beats not having extra cash.

[Darth Fanboy]

Plus, it pays better than fast food

Actually no it doesn't, there are burger places around here that pay $9.00/hour and aren't very far from my place.

after careful consideration i've decided that I probably won't take it, the money turns out to be incredibly low when factoring in the driving.

While i'm not working I'll keep on doing my volunteer thing and continue the search. The money earned wouldn't evenbe enough to invest, fortunately I have a few eggs i'm sitting on.