Job dilemma About This Page:

[phoebec]

I have been a stay at home mom for almost 10 years. My youngest is 4, so will be going to kdg the year after next. I was offered an interview for a great part time teaching position for next year and the pay is great. The only problem is the school is 45 minutes away in good weather, in bad weather it could be double that. We live in the great lakes "snow belt" region and the drive there in the winter could be TERRIBLE, and no they never cancel school. I am talking a 12 inch snowfall just overnight and school is still in session.
This position covers a few different districts so the location could change. It could get better, or worse. I need to add that I am not from this area originally and I DREAD snow driving. I don't mind snow on the roads, I just can't handle driving in white-out conditions that occur frequently here.
Should I interview and see what happens or should I be honest and tell them I am only comfortable with positions closer in proximity? Should I just deal with it and get over my fear? I am just afraid if I turn them down now, they will not call again. Teaching positions are hard to come by in our area.

[tinker_me_happy]

I am a nurse and I have no choice about driving in the snow. If I'm scheduled to work and it is white out blizzard conditions, I leave up to 2 hours early (for a 12.5 hour shift)! I abhor driving in the snow! I hate the white stuff with a passion. That being said: I would go and interview for the job. You can always turn it down after the interview, but you never know if you don't at least go! While there, ask if there is anything closer to home. Find out exactly what the rotation through the district will be. And by all means, if you take the job, get a vehicle that has 4 wheel drive!

[Tink and co.]

I'd interview and see what happens. You never know haw things will work out.

[jimmymac]

I'd do the interview and express your concerns to them. You have nothing to lose

[cdnmickeyfan]

I also have a job that it doesn't matter what kind of conditions, I have to go to. I work at a police dept so its not an option. As with the other poster, I leave early enough to make it there on time. I say you interview, face your fear and know that its not that bad. You do get used to it but if I had a job that wasn't a necessity to get there, I wouldn't go. Class in session or not. So I'd interview!!!! Good luck!!!!!

[JoanneS]

I agree. I'd go to the interview. If they offer you the job, ask about snow cancellations, etc.

[Luvsun]

Originally Posted by Tink and co.

I'd interview and see what happens. You never know haw things will work out.

I agree!
I used to live in northern Indiana, and I worked at the elementary school just 2 blocks from my home. I did not like driving in the snow just 2 blocks! I don't blame you for not wanting to drive in the winter that far.
But I think it would still be worth the interview!

[mimidodaplgo]

I live in the south, so cannot speak on driving in snowy conditions. But, I highly recommend you interview and find out all your options. If you do not take this opportunity to interview, you may be kicking yourself in the tail down the road.

[PhilsEagles08]

Originally Posted by cdnmickeyfan

I also have a job that it doesn't matter what kind of conditions, I have to go to. I work at a police dept so its not an option. As with the other poster, I leave early enough to make it there on time. I say you interview, face your fear and know that its not that bad. You do get used to it but if I had a job that wasn't a necessity to get there, I wouldn't go. Class in session or not. So I'd interview!!!! Good luck!!!!!

Almost same situation. I work for the elec & gas company, I'm considered essential personnel.... I live an hour away without traffic or weather conditions but the pay is great.

Driving in the snow completely stinks!!!!! BUT if teaching jobs are hard to come by you shouldn't not interview because of potential bad weather. The very LEAST you should do is interview. It will give you the opportunity to prep for future jobs!

[Teresa]

Go ahead and interview. IF they call you for a second interview, then start talking about what their policy would be for you, living so far away.
IF they offer you a job, then you can decide whether to say yes, or no.

[chezp]

I'd do the interview and see what happens. If it's meant for you, then perhaps it's fate's way of telling you that it's time for you to tackle snow driving - and I like the idea if you get the job of getting a four wheel drive.

[Colexis Mom]

I'd go for the interview! If anything, it's good practice, and whatever happens, happens!

[KMB733]

Another one who thinks you should do the interview. You never know what will happen.

[phoebec]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am going to do the interview, just to see what happens. I know I have to get over this fear of snow driving, but it is close to being a phobia for me. We have had two very close calls on the very same interstate I would be driving on in bad winter conditions (one close call was with a tractor trailer sliding out of control coming at us from behind). But, I am going to at least do the interview to see what happens.

[lablady]

Ok, I've got something else for you to think about. Are you the type who can turn down a good paying job? Would you feel like you have to take the job if they offer? Do you need this job or not really? If you would feel like you HAD to take the job since they took the time to interview you, even if the commute was terrible, I don't think you should even bother interviewing! Unless you NEED this job, you don't want to put yourself in the position that, once the shine wears off, you are stuck with a job that messes with your daily life. We live about an hour from my DHs work and the commute can seriously eat up a huge chunk of his day when the weather is bad. Luckily the roads don't bother him in the slightest. You, on the other hand, might make yourself a nervous wreck!

If you are strong enough to turn down this job if it looks like too much, then by all means go to the interview! Just don't tell yourself that it's such a great job that you"ll "get over" being afraid of the snow, because you may not! One horrible winter may make the dream job look like a nightmare. Just saying! Piece of mind is worth more than money sometimes.

Good luck with whatever you decide!