Difficult Careers Decision

[CAM]

Currently there is a job on offer at my LA. It is for a SIMS support post and is 24 hours per week over 3 days and 3k less then I am currently earning. It sounds like a lot of good potential tech experience and a start on the ladder in a LA SIMS co-ordinator post.

 

On the other hand I like my current employer but not sure I can grow and that when it comes to being a SIMS and Assessment Co-Ordinator in future, my lack of teaching experience or qualifications will be a major hurdle. But would I be throwing away a good chance at getting frontline experience (especially with Becta 2010 Reporting round the corner)?

 

What would you do?

[creese]

There are good and bad points to being in SIMS support. I manage it very well without touching Assessment. I do however work on a lot of other modules, upgrades and other minor technical problems and fixings as well as training. All I currently know about SIMS I have gained from working in support, no qualifications in IT except for CAD.

[Stuarte]

Hi CAM,

 

Why not apply anyway? You don't need to make a decision until you are offered the post. Chances are you'll already know what you want to do by then.

 

Good luck whichever way you go.

 

Cheers!

[ChrisH]

When you say "grow" are you already doing assessment and SIMs?

[witch]

Hi CAM,

 

Why not apply anyway? You don't need to make a decision until you are offered the post. Chances are you'll already know what you want to do by then.

 

Good luck whichever way you go.

 

Cheers!

 

ABSOLUTELY!!!

As an ex-headhunter/recrutiment consultant, my advice is that your guide when looking at a new position should be: " Am I interested in the job?" (taking no notice of money or location, within reason of course).

If the answer is Yes, then apply.

That's it - you don't need to think ANY further at this stage. If you get an interview you will learn much more about the job and it will help you make up your mind.

Go for it!

[CAM]

Yeah I am doing Assessment and SIMS already. I need to speak to my boss too at some point (since we have the Becta stuff coming and I dont want to leave him in the cold).

 

I guess I could bargain more hours/pay at the interview.

[witch]

I presume you are joking but NO - dont mention pay OR hours at the interview. They will be concerned anyway as they will know you work more hours. Just get on with the actual business of interview. Don't speak to your boss until you at least have an interview, if not a job offer. However much you like him, these things have a habit of getting out and then you will be seen as someone who wants to get out.

Good luck with the application. I am happy to look at your CV against the job desc if you would like.