Just got a job offer. Should I accept it?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (221783)
Walnut Creek, California
August 9, 2017 8:37pm CST
You've heard enough stories about the disadvantaged kids I work with. Truth is, I only work there 75% time (30 hour per week). That frees me up to work at my friend's preschool about 20 hours/week, and to teach a class at the local college. That comes to about 60 hours per week, plus music gigs and speaker refinishing. Yes, I'm a workaholic.
The other day, my boss at the "disadvantaged kids" job asked me if I could work at 100%, rather than 75%. Would you do it? It would mean more income for me: more trips to Paris when I retire, more guitars and mandolins if I want them, more gold-digger girlfriends if I am interested in them, a retirement house in Montana with a pool if I can stand the Winters.
I'm over 50-years-old and want to slow down. But I also can't slow down. What do you think?
41 people like this
41 responses
@andriaperry (117687)
• Anniston, Alabama
10 Aug 17
That would have to be your decision, but if you want those gold diggers better get busy 
Seriously if you think they need you and you love it, go for it.
I may never retire either, although I want to travel the US, as you well know I would have to have money soooo?
Seriously if you think they need you and you love it, go for it.
I may never retire either, although I want to travel the US, as you well know I would have to have money soooo?7 people like this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse Money can't buy true friendship or true love. It most certainly will bring out the gold diggers. If I had a lot of money I wouldn't want fake friends just cause they want to party off my work.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (170008)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Aug 17
If I felt I could do it without a problem I would do it. I'd give myself a certain amount of time of $ amount I have to have before I quit all together.. I'd take them up on this because they may find someone who will do the 100% and then you might be out.
4 people like this
@celticeagle (170008)
• Boise, Idaho
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse ......Well, that is good then. I tend to see the negative in scenarios.
3 people like this
@TheHorse (221783)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 17
@celticeagle I see them too. But I really do try to overcome them. It's fun being in a field where men are at an advantage! Most ECE educators and child psychologists are women.
3 people like this
@vandana7 (100908)
• India
10 Aug 17
I would take it up....my reasoning being that you enjoy being with littlies and they are fond of you too ...and time you enjoyed your life. Agreed unfortunate ones need you too but there are others who could fill that void, right? And you would be there for them, if they do need to contact somebody till they can find their bearing.
Gold digger girlfriends? Evil Grin..Count me in...we can go out to that extremely expensive Indian restaurant and you can foot the bill. After eating I will go back to DE..
4 people like this
@TheHorse (221783)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 17
Sounds good. The "all you can eat" lunch buffet is about $10 US. I go there with my papers sometimes.
The job offer is from the Company that serves under-served kids. I'd rather work more hours with the middle class kids.
I'm feeling old and tired.
3 people like this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
10 Aug 17
Grats on the job offer. It is really up to you. If you take the job full-time, do you have to give up the others?
3 people like this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse that is indeed a lot of work hours.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (224401)
• Chile
10 Aug 17
What do YOU want to do? I´d tell you to be the 100% of your time with disadvantaged kids, not because of the trips to Paris, but because you are really capable of loving them.
3 people like this
@marguicha (224401)
• Chile
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse So, what does you heart say? ( throwing the ball to you
)
)3 people like this
@TheHorse (221783)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 17
@marguicha My heart says keep on doing what I do. But don't take on anything more.
5 people like this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse You sound like a very caring man that you give of your time to troubled boys. God bless you. But if your heart really isn't into it it would be best to let it go. In the end you are the one who has to make up his mind. God doesn't expect you to burn yourself out by working 70 plus hours a week. That's plain insanity. Again, you've got to take care of yourself.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37446)
• Toccoa, Georgia
10 Aug 17
If you think you can do it, I would go for it.
3 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37446)
• Toccoa, Georgia
12 Aug 17
@TheHorse Oh ok, yes 70 hours a week already, that is a lot.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (221783)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Aug 17
@LeaPea2417 I'm trying to find a balance. I have the most fun playing with smart preschool kids. But that's not very lucrative. Music and speaker restoration are hobbies that earn money. I will give up teaching and working with troubled kids first, as they're the most labor-intensive.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
10 Aug 17
Sounds like a hard proposition to refuse. You could still teach that class (what class is it?). And you could probably retire early and head for Montana.
4 people like this
@Courtlynn (67082)
• United States
10 Aug 17
I'd do it but then I love kids so.. lol
3 people like this
@librarygeek1980 (3137)
• United States
10 Aug 17
Tough call, I don't envy your decision. Do what's best for you, Carpe that diem, etc. Ask yourself, am I happy where I'm at now? You'll find your answer.
3 people like this
@TheHorse (221783)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Aug 17
@librarygeek1980 I like paying music n non-gig situations best. No, I like working at the preschool and getting lots of hugs best.
3 people like this
@librarygeek1980 (3137)
• United States
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse I'm guessing if you love the job that much and wanna help out, the answer doesn't matter, lol if you're going to do something, do what you love. Awesome choice
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26857)
• Singapore
10 Aug 17
I started slowing down after 50 years. Now I am slowly descended to ground level!
Yes, money is important for a worry free retirement with some luxuries thrown in.
I am happy that job offers come your way. It is not easy as age creeps up.
It is wise to go for balance so that any slowing down brings more balance to your life - siva
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26857)
• Singapore
11 Aug 17
@TheHorse I like it but I might not have if I were on my own rather than working for others.
My line is finance and accounts and most times I was left to clear the rubbish others dumped on me.
These included employers and colleagues though there were the exceptions.
Retirement can be made meaningful. I recall one comment here - I am so busy after retirement that I do not know how I found time to work at all for a living! siva
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse My own opinion? Hey, I'd go for it! If it doesn't work out for you, it's still a personal choice to go back to 75%. By the way, did you say 'gold-diggers? See if you can get me an online application, O.K.? Thanks! I'm a 65 yr old grandmother, looking for some part-time work:) 
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
12 Aug 17
@TheHorse Sorry for the stupid joke, humor is what keeps me going!:(
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse Sorry for the kidding around, this shouldn't be joked about, it's your life!:(
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
10 Aug 17
@TheHorse Yes, absolutely. Actually its too much! The norm is 40 hours. I hope you give yourself a break and stop trying to be superman!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (221783)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Aug 17
@Butchcass4 I am a bit of a workaholic. And I want to retire comfortably, whether it's 10, 15 or 20 years from now.
1 person likes this
