“Quick decisions are unsafe decisions.” This quote from Sophocles has proven to be correct in my life time and time again.
It occurred to me over the past week that I make terrible decisions. I have for the majority of my adult life.
I act on impulse. I lead with my heart. I do not take the time to think logically. All of these things can be well and good, if from time to time your decisions are made that way. But when every decision you make is based on how you feel and not logic, then you can be steered in the wrong direction.
I haven’t made a good decision in well over four years and I find that the realization of this has actually made me shy away from making decisions about my future. I’m afraid of failing.
I have determined that my newest personal improvement goal will be to make better decisions. But how does one even do that? I did a search for “how to make a good decision” and was giving a number of internet links from Wiki to eHow to Life Hacker. What it boils down to is three basic steps:
1. Make a list.
2. Consult those you trust.
3. Consider what your instinct is saying.
I’m working on the first one. I don’t yet have a pro & con list but I’ve been mulling it over in my head. I’m consulting those I trust. I asked a group of trusted friends and I’m blogging about it (my readers always have awesome ideas!!).
It’s the instinct I worry about. It’s lead me wrong many times and I don’t want that to happen this time.
How do YOU make a big decision?
The decision I’m working on pertains to a job.
I have been offered a low paying, part-time job near my home. When I say low paying, I mean minimum wage. While I should be excited to have a job offer in hand, I’m worried that taking it is the wrong decision.
I am in the process of signing up to be a substitute teacher with a number of districts and should have that going in a few weeks. When that happens I don’t see any reason why I won’t be able to work every day of the week. The pay is three times what this other job is offering me and it’s not on weekends which leaves me time to continue doing the product demos that I do on weekends.
My concern lies in the fact that my car is dying. I don’t know how long it will last, it could be a week, it could be four months (PLEASE let it be four months!) When that happens, there will be only one school I will be able to sub at because it will be within walking distance of my house. This other job is also within walking distance, so I will be assured that I can still work.
Now if I choose to work this part-time job, I’ll be losing money each day that I don’t sub. Subbing is better for me in the log run as it will cover all my bills and allow me the chance to pay off debt. This part-time job does not do anything but give me the opportunity to work should my car break down sooner than I can buy another one.
I’m inclined to pass on the part-time job and hope that my car makes it but what if it doesn’t? Will I be sitting here in a few weeks upset that I passed on it? My pro-con list is very heavily pointing towards passing on it but the one item in the pro column that makes me pause is the question “What if my car breaks down sooner than January?”
What do you think I should do? Any tips?
While researching for this blog post, I found the following quote:
“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
It gives me a little bit of hope.
Photo Credit to Ian Wilson on Flickr
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Could you accept the part time job, while still pursuing sub teaching, and continue working hours when you can (even just a few a week)? In the event that your car does break down, you’d still have a job you can get to and from. You’ll make it work! And as far as you not making good decisions – I think I speak for more than just myself that you’ve made a GREAT decision to share your story and help others through this blog. Don’t forget to look at and make a list of the positives in your life, and of your decisions that have made you a better person.
Kristy(Quote)
I agree with Kristy —
Take this job, still pursue the substitute teaching — and fit the teaching in around the job. For now, at least. I also have subbed before, and know that you’re allowed to say “no,” as well as “yes.”
This part-time job is just a temporary thing, taken so you can pay the bills while the other parts of your life start falling into place. WHEN (notice I didn’t say “if!”) you get higher-paid employment and give your notice at the part-time job, you can do so with a clear conscience. Do your best for them, and you’ll have nothing to apologize for. (And they have lots of people work only temporarily for them…)
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Cindy Brick(Quote)
Twitter: readtoawake2
“Quick decisions are unsafe decisions.” – sometimes it’s not like that.
Sometimes in a blink you can make a perfect decision than making a decision going through due diligence. In this way you can save you a lot of stress and time.
but it’s also true that sometimes making a decision becomes tough…. in that time your 3 points are worth taking in consideration.
Thanks for posting such a wonderful article.
Parvinder@Readtoawake(Quote)
I agree with Kristy sacrifice a little and work both if possible. More income = more money to repair or replace your car.
Cash Warren(Quote)
LOVE that Emerson quote! I think you need to take the first job – I’ve always believed that it’s easier to find a job when you already *have* a job!
Elizabeth @ Broke Professionals(Quote)
You seem to be a very strong woman. I really admire you and the courage you’ve had dealing with this difficult situation.
I’ve made so many poor financial decisions too. I understand. I’m deeply in debt because of mistakes I made half a decade ago.
I think you’ve made some good decisions, and just being aware of the problem puts you ahead of many others.
I hope you’re able to get a job and keep everything together.
C The Writer(Quote)
I also agree with everyone: take the part-time job AND pursue the substitute teaching. You’ll have two opportunities and two potential references to see you through to your next major milestone. Just give ‘em both all that you have (with balance in your life, of course!). Good luck!!
Christa recently posted..Investing in Yourself: You’re Never Too Old
Christa(Quote)
Any reason you cant do both?
Take the job until the substitute teaching has been enough to save up for a car repair.
On the topic of the car do you know car guys that could have a look at it in exchange for something (online promotion – review, mention on this site etc). Just so you can get a little more data to make your decision. If you were told your car had a 80% chance of lasting at least 6 months how would that change your decision?
Jon(Quote)
Well I’ve taken the part-time job to work for now. BUT I won’t be able to do it and sub so in a few weeks, I’ll have to make another decision.
As for the car, I don’t know anyone where I live. I know someone about 2hrs away but I’m actually worried to drive my car down there for fear it will break down. IF I knew my car would last a few more months then I wouldn’t think to pass on the part-time job and stick to subbing.
Jessica The DebtPrincess(Quote)
I agree with everyone else that says to persue them both at once. I have a feeling that substitute teaching won’t be as fruitful as you think at first. I would imagine that unless they are super duper desperate for substitute teachers, there isn’t going to be a line of schools waiting for ones without any experience. What you’re imagining to be a 5 day a week demand might really be a 1-2 days a week with some off weeks until you get more experience under your belt.
On that same note, a minimum wage job is probably use to high turnover. I know it can feel “wrong” but there is no reason you can’t accept that job now and quit it in a month or four months when you’re more financially grounded.
WeeMason’s Mom(Quote)
I have a ton of experience (6+ years of teaching before I had kids and 2+ years of substitute teaching). BUT subbing doesn’t work that way around here. I’m signed up with about 7 different districts. You sign up by logging into the online database and picking the jobs you want so there’s no need to worry about a sub caller who plays favoritism. I don’t honestly think I’ll have any trouble finding jobs.
BUT, I did take the part-time job to work until things change.
Thanks for the replies.
Jessica The DebtPrincess(Quote)
Thanks everyone! I did take the part-time job. I’ve just completed my drug test and background check. I should be able to start training sometime next week!
As for subbing, I have about 4 weeks of waiting for background checks and my certificate to arrive before I’m ready to go. Keeping my fingers crossed over here!
Thanks for all the great replies!
Jessica The DebtPrincess(Quote)
OMG, I do that all the time. Check out my about page for starters. It took me MONTHs actually a few years to decide to do a BK, then I couldn’t decide how to do it.
Debt can paralize a person.
Love your blog!
debtgirl(Quote)
1) I love Emerson, but I’m more of a Thoreau girl so, “In the long run, men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.”
2) I’m sorry, but I am too scared that I would give you the wrong advice. Could you take the part time job and quit if you needed to spend more time working being a sub?
Cassi(Quote)