BIG DECISION - Possible Library Job
I wish I could get my shit together.
I'd made the decision to go back to uni and do my Masters in Fine Art. I haven't quite completed my application yet - it needs a decent proposal that I can send to my prospective supervisor for review. So there's work to be done.
but
There's a job of Technology Officer at Lake Macquarie Council. John at my employment agency phoned me on Friday about it. A full time job that would worth $46 - $49K a year. It reads
Job Details
"an enthusiastic and motivated person to assist the library in creating a virtual community through developing online services, web content, customer and staff training and research.
Your excellent communication, customer service, and organisational skills will be highly regarded. Relevant tertiary/industry qualifications and experience in Information technology services is essential."
More Detail
I was able to get some more detailed specs. Duties include:
- Maintaining library content on Lake Macquarie City Council Web Page
- Identify, develop and manage new technologies and opportunities to further enhance and meet library customers online needs
- Identify, develop and deliver technology training to all library staff
Utilisation of best practice and compliance with Council policy and standards
and Criteria is (with my comments in red italic):
Essential
- Relevant tertiary/industry qualifications or more than 4 years experience providing Information Technology services
I don't have any IT qualifications, though I worked as a "Regional Hardware Controller" for a couple of years and Publishing assistant for six at the ABS, but that was all before 1997. - Detailed working knowledge of current Internet technologies and social software
I use a blog (LJ) and sites like Flickr & 43 Things - High level of customer service
I'd endeavour to do that, and have slight obsessive-compulsive tendencies - Ability to communicate effectively
On good days, yes - Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Willingness to embrace change
Standard library/management criteria - they don't want mavericks but they do want initiative
Desirable
- Experience in library services
Diploma as Library Tech - Class C licence
Got it
I might just have the qualifications for this. No guarantees - I'd need to see what systems they were using and how easy they'd be to learn. The job however does appeal to me. I like Library work, and though this wouldn't be on the "front line" it would be in that area.
The Choice
The rub is that it's full time. If I go for this, I really can't do my Masters. Just wouldn't have the energy or time to do so. Applying for jobs just freaks me out, in a "panic attack" sort of way. I'll set at the computer about to type out the application, and just FREEZE. I've spoken with Andrew (my agency case worker, not John) and expressed my concerns. He said he'd help me write the application, and he suggested a third option - apply for the job and then not take it.
He's going to phone me back about 11am. The way Andrew put it, I need to figure out where each option will take me, and what I really want.
Pros & Cons
Pros as "+", cons as "-":
Masters
+ completion of art project, Trans Tarot Deck
+ academic environment
+ focus for four years
- poverty
- fixed to project for four years
Job
+ real money (could fix the house, etc)
+ possible satisfaction of position (like ABS job)
+ part of a team
- stress involved in application / interview process
- unable to pursue Tarot Deck project directly
I think I need to go out the back and have a think.