Friday, June 09, 2006

Look, Ma---A Summer Job?

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. - In the interest of encouraging more, uh, audience participation in this blog of mine, I will entertain suggestions for the following problem:

Some progress on the job search front! A couple of weeks ago, I filled out an application at a local movie theater, Megamovies---and a couple of days ago one of the theater managers got back to me and requested an interview. So yesterday I spoke with him, and it looks like I will have a cashier job there---provided I talk things over with the House Manager over at the State Theatre, where I currently "work." The manager I spoke to at Megamovies thought there might be a problem with increased hours during the summer at the theater---certainly not the case, since there are maybe a little over 10 events in the coming two months. I think I'll just try to ask the House Manager either to allow me to sign up for only, maybe, a handful of events in July and August (much less than the four-per-month requirement for ushers), or possibly just allow me to take a leave of absence from the theater for two months. (Other ushers have done it.)

Here's the problem: I found out that I'm going to be paid $6.50/hr. at Megamovies. Minimum wage, just about. It's the same rate I'm getting from the State Theatre. I was disappointed by this, though I think I hid it well when the Megamovies manager answered my question about the pay.

Now, I also have a job interview this coming Monday at a drugstore in Somerset that promises to pay $9/hr. for about 25 hours a week. (I'm going to be working part-time at Megamovies too, although I stupidly forgot to ask how many hours the manager schedules per week for cashiers.) It's a data entry job, basically: looks easy enough. Sure, I'd have to travel farther---from East Brunswick, Somerset is about 30 minutes away---but I get paid more. Show me the money, as Cuba Gooding, Jr.'s famous catchphrase in Jerry Maguire goes.

I want to keep that option open, but I certainly don't want to forsake this Megamovies opportunity and pin all of my hopes on this job interview on Monday. Now that it looks like I might have a job at Megamovies, I need that to fall back on in case my job interview on Monday goes for naught. But if I do end up getting a position at that Somerset drugstore, should I reject Megamovies? Or should I take up my mother's suggestion: try to work both jobs? Personally, I kinda want some free time for myself this summer; don't want to feel like I'm working all the time this summer, as much as I perhaps need the money. (I still have writing and filmwatching to do, dammit!) And also: if I got that Somerset job, I could still work occasional shifts at the State Theatre on certain weekday and/or weekend evenings.

Or should I bite the bullet and try to juggle all three? Eh, perhaps that's pushing it...

So that's, in a nutshell, the little problem I've set for myself. Just take the low-paying job right now, or aim a little higher? And if I do get the slightly higher-paying job, should I attempt to balance both (assuming that the House Manager allows me to take some time off from the State Theatre)? Suggestions are welcome...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Take the Megamovies job even if it's a little less pay. Actually, considering the Somerset job is further driving distance, the difference in pay is negligible; also they will take out more in taxes so the difference between $6.50 and $9.00 an hour doesnt amount to much. Also, remember that you don't really have the Somerset job even. (" A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"-- is that how the saying goes?) Working three jobs is too much. Keep your State theatre job; take the Meagamovie job (you will need to find out how many hours weekly it is, that could be important...) and spend your free time during the summer in your other pursuits. Don't even tell your mom until the decision is made. Her influence is more confusing than helful. Of course you need time for yourself.......

Kenji Fujishima said...

Anyone else with some input?

Anonymous said...

Go for the Somerset job, reach higher than you can is always a good idea. You can always fall back on Mega.