Decision: Should I take the new job?

[Ihavehope]

2005 was a bad year for me because I was jobless most of the year. I started a terrific 25 hour/week job at a University working with computer where I am the boss and I don't have anyone looking after me. I get paid more than full-time staff, make my own hours BUT no benifits. I started this job about 3 months ago and it is ideal for me right now because I basically do what I do when I want to.

Yesterday I got a call from another department to work as as a staff member in recruiting students for the university which is full-time but pays  less but at least I get medical benefits . I hear the people in the department are a bunch of crazy people who are difficult to work with. As a matter of fact I know 80% of the staff and they are miserable. 

In my heart, I know that I need to find a better job that pays more and is more challenging but going through a new disgnosis it has really affected my concentration. I do not want to apply for the full time job because of the stress level and lower pay, but I know the medical benefits are essential. Should I wait a year or so to find a job with benefits? I am a bit lost here. I turned down another job working for Nasdaq in their IT dept full-time which paid well but that was offered to me 4 weeks after diagnosis and working there I know would kill me faster because of the fast pace routine so I declined. In 2003 when I graduated college nothing good was offered to me and all of a sudden I am getting calls. How WTF? Went through countless interviews and dressed up all nice, my suits were getting so worn out because of all the interviews I was going for and now they are being offered to me without the interview process because of the people I know.

As of now I am under ADAP. I don't know how well they since I haven't dealt with them much. I was told that ADAP covers most of my medical expenses except hospital. I was in the hospital in october for dehydration and was there for about 18 hours and received a bill of $1100. They lowered it to 380 but still for one day? My case manager told me not to worry about hospitalization now because I am newly diagnosed. But one doesn't really know what can happen therefore if I do end up in the hospital I will have to pay for it out of my own pocket.

Should I take the new job which pays less, double stress but with benefits?

[Robert]

NO

[Strayboy74]

Should I take the new job which pays less, double stress but with benefits?

HELL NO!

Speaking as someone who finds themselves in the very situation you are considering entering into; my health has suffered.  I have seen a consistent and dramatic decrease in my health since taking this position - even though I've got GREAT benefits and get paid well.  I carry the stress home, buffer the boss' hateful tactics and the grief that accompanies it.

I'd trade it all for a job where I am happy, and healthy.  Don't make a mistake.  Wait, and keep looking, the right job will come for you.

-joseph

"You may know what you need,
but to get what you want,
better see that you keep what you have..."  - Into the Woods

[Razorbill]

No.

[ACinKC]

No.

[Strayboy74]

One of the therapists that I support told me (once I told her I was unhappy with my position, and I was suffering undue stress) that your body releases cortisol to combat the stress, and it definitely has a negative impact on the immune system.

Go stress free! 

-joseph

[Miss Philicia]

On the other hand, I took a stressful job for more money after diagnosis and it took my mind off of HIV and my numbers went up.  Surely that was the HIV medication though, but I digress.  Or it could have been that I stopped smoking and popping endless tabs of LSD, ecstasy and copious lines of ketamine, but I digress again (thank goodness meth wasn't prevelant back then!)

I had an even WORSE (imagine) stressful period due to something else a couple of years ago and actually my physical health improved.  Mentally though was a different story.

No offense ihavehope but I'm not sure you're ready yet, just going by your posting here this past month.  I'd hate to see you overwhelmed.  No reason you can't wait and look 6 months later is there?

[LatinAlexander]

NO WAY!

[Val]

I'd say NO!  Unless you're very ambitious...

Val
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[Christine]

Can you talk to the department where you are working now, and ask if benefits can be added?

I would avoid the stress. Stay where you are, keep your eyes open for a low-stress job with benefits. Something will come along.

If you were to be hospitalized, the hospital can work out payment plans which are affordable.

Christine

[Miss Philicia]

Actually if he's on ADAP in New York state he can get them to pay for a private insurer.  At least I think so... they did for me though it might have been because I was on COBRA.  I can't recall.

Whatever... he should be getting this information at an ASO.  If he's not gone and talked to someone at GMHC he's not doing his job.  He needs to know all of this information to make decisions and I'm not sure he's going through these motions.

Can you weigh in on this ihavehope?

[pozniceguy]

I think the vote is unanimous    ....NO  ...don't take the job..You already know it is not going to be a "good" job..you will be miserable....If you are getting referrals because of friends..be sure to keep up the contacts with them and let them know why you didn't accept the jobs offered...be sure they understand what you are looking for and ask to be considered  for that type of job ......If you just turn the jobs down the word will get back to whoever reccomended you and they may hesitate to do so again.......   Don't rush the decision..as long as you have meds coverage ..there are other programs that can help with Hospital  or major medical expenses.....

[poet]

I also think that you answered your own question: I started a terrific 25 hour/week job at a University working with computer where I am the boss and I don't have anyone looking after me. I get paid more than full-time staff, make my own hours BUT no benifits. I started this job about 3 months ago and it is ideal for me right now because I basically do what I do when I want to.


Ideal.  As for healthcare, I am guessing that you are in NYC.  If so, ADAP is fully funded and, as posted above, call ADAP to sort through what they do and do not cover?  We now have an unlikely proposal from the President which may also change things, so I wouldn't suggest that anyone, unless forced to do so, make a move ONLY for healthcare coverage until the dust settles as long as there is some form of healthcare.  At worst, given the hours that you are not working, you can test out some other options parttime and make a move if any of them seem wise.  Best, Win

[Nico]

I echo all the other good minded friends on here...HELL NO!  You have many options and you have got some great advice from the people on here.

Roger