Job advice?

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theprunetang

theprunetang

Shaedon "Deadly Nightshade" Sharpe is HIM
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Hola. As many of you know, I have been living in Florida for a bit with the plan to move back to Portland once I can save up enough money. I have been here for over 3 months now with no luck finding a job, until today. I was offered two very different jobs today and have training for both this next week. My plan is to do the training for both jobs and then make a decision after that. However, suggestions from an outside perspective are always helpful.

Job 1. Bartender at a local billiards bar. It is a pretty neat place for this area as it has over 100 different micro brews. I have service industry experience and know I could do the job. Plus, I was always relegated to serving in Portland and have always wanted to bartend. This job is open ended, so I could work there as long as I need and it would help me find a similar type of job once I move back to Portland. Nothing sexy, but it might make the transition back somewhat simpler. I would also be reliant on tips, which can be hit or miss.

Job 2. Field Biologist working with endangered shore birds hired on by State University of New York. This is obviously a much more sexy job. It would be fun getting to work with something I can care about more than drunk people. I would spend 4 days a week doing nesting surveys and have the rest of my time for relaxation. I have never done anything like this, so I would definitely have to learn on the fly, or fail. That is a bit scary. I also would never be able to do this job in Portland, so I'm not really sure it would help me once I get back or if it will just be a fun experiment. This job is not open ended and would start next week and end on August 31 (my birthday). But, I would walk away with about $6,000 after taxes.

I can see positives and negatives in both. I just found out about both today, and will probably have to make a decision on Tuesday. Any thoughts? And yes, I could probably meet more cute girls working at the bar. There is a different kind of chick involved in the other job (baby birds). Anyone?
 
You're young, so my advice would be to do a variety of things that interest you and that you care about. The shorebird job is a one time opportunity that it seems you care about. If you do that until August, you can always look for a bartender job later.

My 2 cents worth.
 
Seems to me it depends on a few things. How old are you? How career oriented are you right now? If you are still in your early to mid 20s, you can more easily afford to do the bartender job. There will be lots of time for more serious jobs, and trying different things when you are young is always a good idea.

That said, the field job sounds very interesting. The question with that one is not whether you can do that per se back here in PDX, but whether you would gain transferable skills that could be applied to better jobs here. Plus, it would look great on the resume.

I would vote #2, but it really depends on your mindset and goals right now.
 
I feel like through both you can accomplish great things. But with humans you can only help those who want to be helped. All of the birds want the help, and they need you to help them. If you are looking to make a positive impact it can be really hard if you are stuck trying to help those who don't want it.

Therefor I think on average you will probably go to sleep at night in a more peaceful state of mind with the field biologist job compared to the Bartender job. I haven't met you so I can't claim to know you well, but based off what I've seen I would say that less drama is more your style. That's not to say you cannot handle drama, I'd surmise you probably handle it quite well, its just to say you are more in tune with yourself when you are not surrounded by it.

tumblr_npa6w0ToYf1u9u02so3_250.gif
 
Last edited:
theprunetang said:
Hola. As many of you know, I have been living in Florida for a bit with the plan to move back to Portland once I can save up enough money. I have been here for over 3 months now with no luck finding a job, until today. I was offered two very different jobs today and have training for both this next week. My plan is to do the training for both jobs and then make a decision after that. However, suggestions from an outside perspective are always helpful.

Job 1. Bartender at a local billiards bar. It is a pretty neat place for this area as it has over 100 different micro brews. I have service industry experience and know I could do the job. Plus, I was always relegated to serving in Portland and have always wanted to bartend. This job is open ended, so I could work there as long as I need and it would help me find a similar type of job once I move back to Portland. Nothing sexy, but it might make the transition back somewhat simpler. I would also be reliant on tips, which can be hit or miss.

Job 2. Field Biologist working with endangered shore birds hired on by State University of New York. This is obviously a much more sexy job. It would be fun getting to work with something I can care about more than drunk people. I would spend 4 days a week doing nesting surveys and have the rest of my time for relaxation. I have never done anything like this, so I would definitely have to learn on the fly, or fail. That is a bit scary. I also would never be able to do this job in Portland, so I'm not really sure it would help me once I get back or if it will just be a fun experiment. This job is not open ended and would start next week and end on August 31 (my birthday). But, I would walk away with about $6,000 after taxes.

I can see positives and negatives in both. I just found out about both today, and will probably have to make a decision on Tuesday. Any thoughts? And yes, I could probably meet more cute girls working at the bar. There is a different kind of chick involved in the other job (baby birds). Anyone?
Click to expand...

#2 is more interesting but always go for which ever pays more. Well, usually. Actually fuck it, do #2 and figure it out later, bartending isn't rocket science.
 
EL PRESIDENTE said:
#2 is more interesting but always go for which ever pays more. Well, usually. Actually fuck it, do #2 and figure it out later, bartending isn't rocket science.
Click to expand...

Can't take that shit with you when you die #FETTY
 
from the way you talked about the options it sounds like you know which way to go (as long as the training goes well). You are young, do what could lead towards an interesting life.
 
Well, would you rather be pursued by horny female biologists who are turned on by your social conscience or by drunken skanks who won't remember you the next morning? Though both choices have their upsides......but seriously, do something for the planet. Bartenders are a penny a dozen (and you can get that type of job anytime, anywhere). And who says those skills you learn on the biologist job won't transfer elsewhere??? Personally, if I'm sorting through resumes, I'd look for someone with multiple skill sets, especially those that show some depth of experience. It says you're trainable. Bartenders need not apply......
 
...what do you need free time for? :dunno: Do both jobs. 4 days bird watching, 3 days serving drunks. At the end of summer you will have more than enough money to move back to Portland without having to stress about finding a new job the moment you arrive. #PrunetangHustle
 
Yeah..I have to agree with those that believe the bird gig is the way to go. Believe me, there are a lot of research positions available in this state. Get a little experience, make some contacts, and you may find a field the will embrace you.
 
I see a lot of good points here and I am definitely thankful for the input. I think I should do the bird biological work just to do something different and new. I will have all of the service industry jobs I want when I get back to Portland. And taking both is out of the question. I need my free time to make music and art. I have found through past experience that I cannot be happy in life if don't have time for that.

I did tell the bar that I would come in for a training shift, but I am going to call them and tell them that I am probably going to take a different job. I will come in if they want me to, but I imagine they would probably not like to waste time and train someone else.

This is going to be fun, interesting, educational and very hard work. I'll be kayaking, and hiking about 15 miles a day in the hot and humid Florida sun. The work is about an hour from where I am living, but they have lodging for workers, so I'll probably spend Monday through Wednesday nights there. I'll bring my guitar, writing materials for a book I have been working on, and a fishing pole so I can eat fresh seafood while I am there. I'll keep you updated! Word.
 
oldfisherman said:
One job, you will not be able to keep your feet dry.
The other job, you will not be able to keep your dick dry.

I hate wet feet.
Click to expand...
More like Sandy feet all of the time. Most of the work is on the beaches.
 
Fonzthecpt1 said:
I feel like through both you can accomplish great things. But with humans you can only help those who want to be helped. All of the birds want the help, and they need you to help them. If you are looking to make a positive impact it can be really hard if you are stuck trying to help those who don't want it.

Therefor I think on average you will probably go to sleep at night in a more peaceful state of mind with the field biologist job compared to the Bartender job. I haven't met you so I can't claim to know you well, but based off what I've seen I would say that less drama is more your style. That's not to say you cannot handle drama, I'd surmise you probably handle it quite well, its just to say you are more in tune with yourself when you are not surrounded by it.

tumblr_npa6w0ToYf1u9u02so3_250.gif
Click to expand...
You sir are some kind of psychic wizard. Nailed it.
 
Fonzthecpt1 said:
I feel like through both you can accomplish great things. But with humans you can only help those who want to be helped. All of the birds want the help, and they need you to help them. If you are looking to make a positive impact it can be really hard if you are stuck trying to help those who don't want it.

Therefor I think on average you will probably go to sleep at night in a more peaceful state of mind with the field biologist job compared to the Bartender job. I haven't met you so I can't claim to know you well, but based off what I've seen I would say that less drama is more your style. That's not to say you cannot handle drama, I'd surmise you probably handle it quite well, its just to say you are more in tune with yourself when you are not surrounded by it.

tumblr_npa6w0ToYf1u9u02so3_250.gif
Click to expand...
Jeez, I am only on season 3 of this show and dang I never expected Mac to get fat.
 
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