What to do

[Skyman]

I have a Job interview tomorrow for a Job at a camera store. It pays a little bit more than I am currently earning which is why I applied for it, but....

I don't know that photographic retail is exactly a career anymore especially since most people purchase there gear online. Also in my current Job I am a jack of all trades who - does a bit of web design and graphic design, produces and edits video and multimedia and manages 2 servers and about 30 desktops and laptops.

I love working in a camera shop (I have worked full and part time in several since I was at University) but realisticly it is unlikely to devolop me career wise unless I own the shop and that is unlikely.

On the up side I guess I would get exposure to all the latest toys again so I could post lots of reviews.

Part of me is saying that is an easy (for me anyway) Job that pays more than I currently get and part of me is saying "don't do it, it is career suicide"

what do you guys think?

[livin4lax09]

I don't think it's really career suicide... career suicide would be more something that will completely mess up all your future chances, this may open new doors, you never know.

If it sounds like a job you'd enjoy and if it pays more, do it! If you don't like it, you can always quit and leave it off your resume, haha. Hope you're doin well otherwise, feels like forever ago we met up!

[Grandpaw]

I would have to go with the job that would have a higher potential of benefiting your career in the long run. I think the better end result would be my goal, Jeff

[WesternGuy]

Skyman, look at the camera shop job as one that will add to and expand your career in retail sales. There is always the potential to become manager of a shop (not necessarily this one). The sales person I deal with at my local camera shop is the manager of the shop and he seems ro do all right and he is very knowledgable about the products in the store. While you may not own a store, you may have the opportunity to buy into a store you are working in as a partner and that has to have some benefits.

With your jack of all trades work, you may be able to bring some alternate services to the stores offerings (if management is open minded) and this can only add to the benefit that you would bring to the job.

Judging by the people in the camera stores I frequent, I am not convinced that most people are purchasing online, because, I don't believe that most people have the knowledge and expertise to purchase on-line, unless it is fairly simple equipment. Most people still want to see the look and feel of what they are buying. In the past four years, I have only bought three things online, ND filters, and that was only because my dealer was unable to get the kind I wanted imported into Canada. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Liz]

I'm inclined to agree with Jeff. You need to think of the future, and in that respect, measure both jobs with what your future goals are.

Does each job offer benefits (if you need insurance, etc)? Also what about the other benefits such as the hours, time off (days/weekends/evening, etc).

Would one job be more beneficial to you if you decided to go to school or invest in some other kind of training/classes, etc...........

If you haven't already done so, I would make a list of all the pros and cons of each job - and compare them.

It's really a tough decision - and I will say a prayer you make the right one for you - and for your future.

Liz

[OldClicker]

In my experience (retired at 50), what you spend is way, way more important than what you make and determines what you need to make. I think most people make the mistake of planning without first determining what they think they need to spend. - TF

[Skyman]

So I got offered the Job...
but they wanted me to start work straight away, which I couldn't do as my current contract says I must provide a months notice. The suggested I could work weekends for a month but then my mother in law got sick (she was in hospital for surgery that ended up having complications) so I really needed to be there as much as possible for my wife and son, wich means taking the odd day off here and there for the next couple of months. Not really an option for retail. So I called them up and said that unfortunately I was no longer in a position to accept the Job.... To which they said to me keep in touch perhaps you can pick up some weekend work with us and then look at a fulltime job once the dust settles.....
I am still very much in two minds about it, but I will probably see what is happening in the new year.

[Grandpaw]

Skyman, I hope everything works out well with your mother-n-law. To me it sounds like you have your priorities in order and that things will surely work out in your favor in the end, Jeff

[Frog]

I think Jeff said it well.

More does always equal better and your family appears to be your priority.