Today I went in for an interview with the YWCA. I was approved for the workstudy program at school and this was one of the jobs offered to me. I really had no idea what I would be doing, but my expectations did involve me working in a small IT department. Probably making some cables, troubleshooting end user problems, and learning some things along the way. Nothing exciting, nothing positively challenging. I had been hoping to hear from the MIS department on campus so that I could just work after class. The environment on campus is pretty much designed to be taken down and set up from scratch anyway, so I thought that would be an ideal situation. This YWCA position came up while I have been waiting to hear from MIS.
So, I get into the interview and the first thing the lady tells me is how they have no idea what they have, how it works, how to fix it, and other than a contract guy who comes in twice a month, they have no IT department to speak of. Additionally, they are a non-profit so they don’t have much of a budget either. I, the lowly workstudy, would be the guy who tries to get everything to work. In addition to office network problems, they also want to set up computer and internet services at their safe houses around Norfolk. She did, however, think it was cool that I was a musician.
I have mixed feelings. It seems like a total disaster area, but I know that sometimes those situations are the ones that offer the richest learning experiences. I would prefer the comfort of working on campus, but if I am able to achieve any level of success with getting them up and running, it would yield more resume prestige than just some dumb on campus job. I have a feeling I could help them out alot and knowing that I could genuinely help someone and maybe even teach them something is really appealling to me. Of course contributing to the greater cause of the YWCA and their efforts to protect battered women is also appealing.
Seriously, though, I was NOT prepared for the level of responsibility this job will require.
Another plus is that they are very near to ODU. The Governor’s School sent me a letter today inviting me back next fall as their jazz bass instructor. I’m not sure I’m doing that either, but this job would be convenient if I did. I really need to get an upright if I am going to keep agreeing to do this.
Once again, it sounds like a good opportunity for you. I say take the job, it’s non profit so they get what they pay for. If you can’t do something because it is out of your league then don’t do it. Also, the governor’s school KNOWS that you are a good teacher regardless if you have an electric or an upright. We all know that REAL bass players use electric basses anyway.
You are there to challenge those kids and make them into better musicians. Plus an upright is huge, bulky annoying to carry and you can’t leave it in your car because of the heat. Your bass rocks….Take that job too. Everything is Everything you dig?
I really just want a fretless anyway Tom.
If you really need the upright that bad just go to angelicos. They said they had more uprights to rent when went to get mine, so they might have unpacked them by now.
dude, all kidding aside…God is throwing you a bone here. although a serious disaster potential with the YWCA…it combines a lot you believe in. work ethic, empowering others, teaching, learning, computers, humaniarianism. i think you should go for it and just set out a logical plan of action including some decent timelines and markers. share that with them so they know what they are getting. as for GSA? i know your pain. you want to but you don’t want to. dude, those kids need someone like you. they don’t need more sunshine blown up their ass. most of them will never make it past GSA unless they have a firm foundation and i think you are able to offer it. you only live once and unless it kills you? man, it will only enrich you.
Like I said - The only folks who start out on the top are Grave and Well-Diggers and some select Porn Stars.
It sounds like a cool opportunity. Plus, it would be good to help out the YWCA. Congrats!