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Career Advice
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| IpLaYWiTLiGhTs |
I'm a Radiologic Technologist currently employed at a Children's hospital doing the graveyard shift. I hate it. My sleep pattern and social life is just non-existent. I have the opportunity to transfer to another hospital or clinic within the same company and I'm having a hard time choosing. Pay would stay the same. Just wanted some opinions.
Hospital Pros
-Full time job
-Good experience
-Diverse studies
-Able to easily venture into better paying modalities in the future (MRI,CT)
Hospital Cons
-Stressful environment
-Open and random schedule (including graves)
-Far from home (traffic is horrible here)
Clinic Pros
-Stress free
-Set hours (no graves)
-Close to home
Clinic Cons
-Part time job
-No movement
-Redundant
Most techs want to eventually work at a clinic as they get older, so I feel I'm cheating my experience if I get that job now. But why pass up something good if it's available now? That position is rarely available. |
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| Jon_Snow |
| That sucks wish I had good advice for you. Ever see the movie Nightwatch? Maybe you should buy a radio... |
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| Sphere City |
| My mate is a radiographer at a public hospital and enjoys the variety of work he gets, hes always on his feet which is also a bonus. Shifts vary so they are never the same, he says it keeps things interesting, hope that helps |
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| SYSTEM-J |
I used to work night shifts and getting out of it was one of the best things I've ever done. Although it sounds like working at the hospital would be better for your career in the long-term, my advice would be to get out of working shifts. It s you up physically, mentally and emotionally and it ages you rapidly.
I also have the personal belief that minimising your commute is one of the most important steps in achieving a happy work/life balance. Commuting is time you are not getting paid for and it's time you can't use for whatever you want. The longer your commute the more money you piss away on this dead time.
It depends on your personal philosophy. I know a lot of people on TA are very careerist and money-driven. I personally am not. In your position I would choose to work at the clinic, 100%. |
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| Silky Johnson |
It sounds like you already know the choice you want to make and are just looking for outside validation.
Go with the clinic. It seems foolish not to, given what you've already said. And I agree about commute time, I think (after choosing a career that is right for you in the first place) it is the number one factor that contributes to job satisfaction. |
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| Dykes_on_Jay |
How old are you? Single and so on?
I'm the most money driven guy I know, however I don't have the choice to be otherwise being in the position of primary provider for my family. 6 days a week of grind (the plus side is that I am paid very well) gets to you, and I don't work graveyard shifts. I have in the past, and know how brutal those can be.
You are in the position to make the same money for less work, or at least work in a more convenient time frame for you. I would take that in a second.
The future is a funky thing, focus on being able to happy. I've known too many people who are so focused on only one aspect in terms of career options, and it doesn't always work out the way you plan. Having the opportunity to support yourself in the same way, while having more free time to pursue whatever it is you endeavor to is a safe bet; be it being able to have a relationship, social life, or even a hobby, it is worth its weight in gold.
Truthfully you don't know what could happen 5 years from now; if you are financially stable and happy, it is better than being financially stable and miserable. Possible upward mobility is hardly worth it unless you know for sure it will come. As Jack mentioned, the wondering and the grave shift grind will age you; you don't get that back.
Choose the one that you think will make you happiest, the money is the same; you aren't taking a hit in the pocket. Stay, and it sounds like your psyche is the one that will suffer.
You will remain qualified no matter where you ply your trade. You could possibly still advance when the need arises. |
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| Lews |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
I also have the personal belief that minimising your commute is one of the most important steps in achieving a happy work/life balance. Commuting is time you are not getting paid for and it's time you can't use for whatever you want. |
100% agree. Lots of evidence in the last decade or so that has quantified just how awful it is, too: Commutes are Terrible. |
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| Dykes_on_Jay |
| I usually work at 6 different locations a day. It sucks. |
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| Floorfiller |
| quote: | Originally posted by Silky Johnson
It sounds like you already know the choice you want to make and are just looking for outside validation. |
+ 1,000 |
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| DJ RANN |
| quote: | Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
I also have the personal belief that minimising your commute is one of the most important steps in achieving a happy work/life balance. Commuting is time you are not getting paid for and it's time you can't use for whatever you want. The longer your commute the more money you piss away on this dead time.
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This is sage advice. After my first few jobs, I made an effort to never work more than 30mins away home, and it's been getting less and less, to the point I now work 6 mins away from home (15 in traffic). You spend so much of your life commuting otherwise and it's the worst waste of usable time. The only person I know who is happy with a 1 hour commute is a girl who has to take two busses and it's the one time she gets to read which is her passion.
Everyone else, it's bonkers. I know people here in LA that commute as much as two hours each way per day. Sure I know it's not as easy "just get a new job" and you can;t always just move your home, but it should be a top priority as it makes such a differnce to the work/life balance Jack is talking about.
Go for the clinic job - although you think it won't progress it your career as much it very well may give you time to focus on your career, maybe even go to school and expand your skillset etc.
And just remember, you'll never think back on your death bed "I wish I'd worked more". |
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| Dykes_on_Jay |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ RANN
And just remember, you'll never think back on your death bed "I wish I'd worked more". |
Pretty much.
I know that my final thoughts will be, "RYHJHJJHJHJGHHJHJJGHDJnsnksnndskkndksGASSSSSSSSP...did i leave the stove on?" |
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| Jon_Snow |
| If your in a rest home or bagging groceries instead of enjoying your retirement you might wish you worked harder. |
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