[Johnny O]

I have been self employed for the past 11 years now as a refinisher/contractor....last year, I took an exam for a county position, its called Community Services Program Coordinator. It involves working with juvenile offenders that have been assigned work release or community services for part of their sentence. I scored #1:hurray: on the test, but as there was already someone in that position, I was not going to bump him out. I got a letter yesterday that there was an opening as the current guy retired, and they want me to call for an interview immediately. So, now that the pressure is on, Im a little nervous. The money is OK, but much less than I can make as a contractor...the up side is I would be in the State retirement system, and Im not good at saving money for my retirement on my own, so this would be good. Unless I find out anything really negative, I know I can do the job, it's run under the probation dept. in my county. That's the study guide I had to use when I took the test (Probation Officer). It's pretty much a 35 hr week (30 in the summer), M thru F....good benefits, county vehicle, etc. I can always keep doing some side jobs until the money issue stabilizes. It's just that Im spoiled now, with making my own schedule, it would be hard to get back to a structured work environment.

So, anyone doing anything related to this?? Or would you offer any pros or cons to this scenario? It's a big decision of course, but Im still excited just to get an interview, it feels good.:thumbsup: John

 

[00WS6TA]

John, Go for the interview, you have nothing to lose. Good Luck :thumbsup:

 

[blm]

I agree, go for the interview. You can always decline the offer if they in fact do offer you the position. As stated you can always do side jobs and this way you can turn down some of the less desirable refinishing work. I have done both ( worked as a contractor on my own for 15 years and now work for a large corp ) yes it is less money and less control of your schedule but alot less stress. All you have to do is be there when you are supposed to be there and no one is calling you at all hours of the day and night. Also a steady paycheck, no chasing down deadbeats for your money etc.

 

[Byfield]

Something to keep in mind re: the lower salary - if it's a civil service job, they probably have pretty good health insurance contributions as well as retirement (on top of your own contributions) Those are both $'s that you should to add to the salary for a better idea of just what you're getting. Granted, you won't see it in your wallet, but it's still there.

Do you pay for your own insurance now? If so, that could be a pretty big savings

 

[72 malibu]

I agree, go for the interview. You can always decline the offer if they in fact do offer you the position. As stated you can always do side jobs and this way you can turn down some of the less desirable refinishing work. I have done both ( worked as a contractor on my own for 15 years and now work for a large corp ) yes it is less money and less control of your schedule but alot less stress. All you have to do is be there when you are supposed to be there and no one is calling you at all hours of the day and night. Also a steady paycheck, no chasing down deadbeats for your money etc.

As stated above, you will be happier in the long run, especially w/ the state benifit pkg you would get. Just make sure it is something you would like to do before you sign up.

 

[tigertown]

what kind of contact with the kids would you have

 

[DZAUTO]

Get it done! Finally, when I was 45, I'd had enough of the rat race and went to work for the USAF as an engineering technician (fooled, I didn't get out of the rat race though!). Starting money was considerably less that what I'd been accustomed to but that has gone back up now. I have a great job working in the area that manages the VIP/presidential planes, leave time is great, benefits are good, retirement, and, the govt recently paid for me to get a Masters degree and now I'm looking into going for my doctorate, at the govt's expense. If I'm accepted into the program, I won't go to work, just school full time-------------------and collect a pay check to boot! :thumbsup:
My whole point is that there is a lot to say working for a govt organization, there are always opportunities for advancement and the job security is usually better.
Oh ya, and I still do misc stuff on the side for extra $$$$, such as engines, Muncies, FI units for early Vettes, early Chevy rearends, etc.

 

[Johnny O]

what kind of contact with the kids would you have

Not sure yet on this....I'll find out Monday after the interview. I do know the guy that left had to do some field work, it's not only a desk job...but I guess a lot of it is. I dont want to guess at too much.

Thanks guys, lots of good pointers. My wife actually works for the same county now, in public health. So, Im under her insurance. That's a huge savings for me already. I was talking with her about it this morning, she said if I should get the job, I should just stay on her insurance, she's used to paying my share already...and the county will give me a lump sum payout each year for the insurance that Im NOT using!! Another perk. I could count that towards my income I suppose. There are lots of benefits also...pension, comp time, lots of vaca and personal days, you know how the gov't jobs are... and I agree, there would be much less stress, and that's worth a lot. My phone even rings on Sunday evenings, people asking questions and wanting estimates.

Going back to school is a plus also, they would pay for it as long as it was work related...cant beat that either. I'll know more after 10:30 Monday. Thanks again. John

 

[Dave]

If it's anything like what my nieghbor does, you'll be checking up on the kid's making sure they do their CS/ pay their restitution. Basically kinda like a Juvenile Parole Officer.

 

[69-CHVL]

Congrats John.

After a while, we all need some change in order to grow. I too have become acustomed to working my own schedule, and not sure if I could ever do the structured thing myself. My neighbors that don't know me must think I'm freeloading off of my wife or something when they see me riding a bike 12:00pm. But the older I the more I relaize the importance of retirement planning and other benefits. I would like to retire and have a good 20yrs of shear enjoyment. My contractor buddies that don't have the decipline to put money away are gonna have a major problem some day.

Congrats and keep us posted. Don't be afraid to "thump some skulls".

 

[Johnny O]

Congrats and keep us posted. Don't be afraid to "thump some skulls".

Thanks Vince.....Im already wondering what kind of gun I should look for. My wife keeps saying Im starting to scare her

 

[BlackBetty]

Not sure yet on this....I'll find out Monday after the interview. I do know the guy that left had to do some field work, it's not only a desk job...but I guess a lot of it is. I dont want to guess at too much.

Thanks guys, lots of good pointers. My wife actually works for the same county now, in public health. So, Im under her insurance. That's a huge savings for me already. I was talking with her about it this morning, she said if I should get the job, I should just stay on her insurance, she's used to paying my share already...and the county will give me a lump sum payout each year for the insurance that Im NOT using!! Another perk. I could count that towards my income I suppose. There are lots of benefits also...pension, comp time, lots of vaca and personal days, you know how the gov't jobs are... and I agree, there would be much less stress, and that's worth a lot. My phone even rings on Sunday evenings, people asking questions and wanting estimates.

Going back to school is a plus also, they would pay for it as long as it was work related...cant beat that either. I'll know more after 10:30 Monday. Thanks again. John

My wife.....use to make Good BUCKS with a law firm. 3 years ago after moving here decided she wanted out of the rat race. Decided to "go do good for the community".....with the health department. End result those people don't want help....they want HAND OUTS!!!! GIVE ME ...YOU OWE ME....I DESERVE... they know how to work the system. I trust that you have exposed yourself to the work you're about to undertake?...btw the "white people" are the most thankless!!!! You're about to experience why your tax dollars are so high....GOVERNMENT WASTE!! All I'm saying is you have to be ready to deal with this stuff, it is a thankless job. BTW my daughter and soon to be son in law are with the Sheriffs Department too.
She comes home more pissed off than ever now....for 10.00 an hour!!!!!

 

[Johnny O]

My wife.....use to make Good BUCKS with a law firm. 3 years ago after moving here decided she wanted out of the rat race. Decided to "go do good for the community".....with the health department. End result those people don't want help....they want HAND OUTS!!!! GIVE ME ...YOU OWE ME....I DESERVE... they know how to work the system. I trust that you have exposed yourself to the work you're about to undertake?...btw the "white people" are the most thankless!!!! You're about to experience why your tax dollars are so high....GOVERNMENT WASTE!! All I'm saying is you have to be ready to deal with this stuff, it is a thankless job. BTW my daughter and soon to be son in law are with the Sheriffs Department too.
She comes home more pissed off than ever now....for 10.00 an hour!!!!!

Oh, believe me, I know what you're saying. My sister worked in social services for 25 years, and my wife has worked in DSS for the past 5 years before going to public health, so I hear and see what happens. There is a lot of abuse for sure. But there is also satisfaction from the ones that you have actually helped and they show their appreciation. Too bad there are not more of them, but that's life I guess.

 

[BlackBetty]

Johnny, you're a good man....for the attempt.Remember the system will burn you before the "takers" do, and they WILL. If you are ready to handle it.....I admire you.:thumbsup:

 

[30-A rider]

Johnny...its been a while. Im not in that line of work you are applying for..but have been is construction remodeling like you...and currently an independent business owner. Not that you dont know this but lets review: Independent business owner you have to worry about getting jobs, dealing with customers/cleints, your own accounting and books, your own insurance, paying taxes, no reitement or beneifts unless your provide your own. Working for a company: Hours are there week to week; Job never requires more skill or effort one day to the next as the job is the same; benefits including retirment; taxes already taken out for you; paid vacation time/sick time; 401K; insurance, and most importatnly the pay check is there each week and you know exactly how much its gonna be etc etc etc. I love being and independent business man for many reasons....but also loved not having to think..just driving to work and doing my job was easier. On top of all of that , you know as well as I do the beating you give to your body doing the type of job you do. Id say go for the interview...get the steady pay check...the side work you do now will always be there to make up for any pay cuts. Good luck buddy!

 

[rubadub]

You're probably better off financialy taking the job, you said you can't save any money, but 10 to 1 you will never really like it.

I worked for myself for about 3 years, then the last 30 years worked for somebody else, I never got over it. Feel funny telling you this, but thats reality.

Rob

 

[Johnny O]

Thanks guys for the support...Hi Scott!!

Well, update. I wont be taking this job. Here's why. The hours will be (with small variations) Mon. thru Fri, 1:00PM to 6:00PM, Every saturday 7:30AM to about 12:30 or 1:00PM. Then, on top of that, I would have to go into the probation office every Mon, Wed, and Fri at 8:30 for a meeting and to do my paperwork and scheduling..this would take about 1hr to 1 1/2 hrs. So, Im thinking, what do I do from 9:30 till 1:00?? I live 25 mins from there, so am I supposed to go back home?? Stay there for nothing?? OK, then, the job. I take the van and pick up the kids for their work program at home or wherever they are. I stay with them and make sure their assignments are completed, then bring them back. There would be from one to no more than 5 kids. They dont like to have me work with only one, especially if it's a female, so they try not to let that happen, but it does sometimes.

So, after thinking it over for 2 days, I called her this morning and thanked her, but respectfully declined it. Man, that's not for me. Mostly the hours, they are terrible. 6 days a week. I wouldn't even be able to do any of the side jobs I had planned on anyway. And forget it, I dont think I want some girl accusing me of something I didnt do, and that's not uncommon. It's just not worth it to me. But I'll keep lookin!! Thanks again

 

[Dave]

I dont think I want some girl accusing me of something I didnt do, and that's not uncommon. It's just not worth it to me. But I'll keep lookin!! Thanks again

And, you would be dealing with the "best" the system has to offer. I hear some of the stories my nieghbor has to tell, it ain't worth it.:sad: One kid even figured out where She lives, called and left threatning message's. Dummy, didn't know what caller I.D. was.:yes: She said the Sheriff's did her a favor on that one.