u/JesRaeTra15

I’m in a bit of a predicament- I am being offered a job at a school in a neighboring district - pretty excited to have an offer especially since to be honest there isn’t a lot of movement around the local districts right now - but it’s at an elementary school (I’ve only done secondary). I do think I’d thrive in the demographic and what they are wanting from me - just nervous about the age range since I’ve never really envisioned myself at an elementary school.

HOWEVER a job just opened up in a school that is literally less than a quarter mile away from me, it’s a junior high, their pay range is higher. But their application process just started and won’t close until end of next week and the school that offered me would like an answer by the end of this week.

I think I just need someone to tell me not to be an idiot - or someone who’s been in a similar situation.

Note: These are both like Student Behavior/ MTSS support roles - not counseling jobs - between the two districts there has been 1 opening and I don’t think my application even went to “reviewed”.

UPDATE: I took the elementary position - the hours actually worked really well with my family needs and ultimately I felt like it was going to be a great challenge and a way for me to expand my resume.

I think it is actually pretty great to see the department heads be so cooperative - like there was a moment where Nate told Cooper to help with beds, and Aesha and Joy are meshing so well. I know Bravo shows thrive from drama - but I do really like the dynamic that I am seeing.

I know everyone has an opinion on Nate and Aesha is just a pro, and Chef Joy doesn’t seem to miss on a meal, but I do think this show is better when people do well at their jobs and are just messy with their out of charter lives.

Also Kat, Kaylee, and Cooper are all just the CUTEST

Context: I am a veteran so I my GI Bill to utilize - I used a different program for my masters and because of how/what I used I was actually given some of my GI Bill months back - I didn’t stay in long enough to pass them on to other family members either.

So I have 30 months of “free” college - I actually love school. Like I love reading and researching… not the discussion post replies though.

My question: So I’m curious if you could go back to school and get an additional degree or postgraduate cert to build you into a “super school counselor” or even to give you the leverage to completely pivot what would it be? Maybe to give you a boost to a similar career path?

I have some ideas - but I’m genuinely curious how other people would use this opportunity and why

One of my old co-workers said to just use it for when I need PD but it generally doesn’t work that way - since I - in my experience - have to be tied to a degree/cert program to use the benefits. One of my mentor counselors said they’d do project management, another said clinical mental health.

I’m going over some options for next school year - I just moved to a new state and my license will transfer however I also don’t have the same connections I did at my old districts, both districts where I am moving are facing massive budget cuts, and the word around the grapevine is that no one is feeling comfortable enough to move positions. I have a young preschool aged child and most of the preschool that I have liked are part time. I am also a new counselor - most of my experience previously has been as a para and as a coach.

So this has sparked an idea - would it be weird if I were to try and be a “volunteer counselor” at either the local MS or HS. Like help run groups, data stuff, class room lessons, large activities - on the days where my kid would be at preschool. I just don’t know if it would seem weird to a counseling department/ principal and how I would even bring it up. Like I said I’m new to the area and I just don’t have the connections here yet. I am worried about not finding a job and having resume gaps.