People Employed in Education / Schools (United States)

My job is funded by research grant money. Since it is harder nowadays to obtain research funding I don't have a strong sense of job security. On the other hand I have a lot of control over my day to day work including when and where I work, which is probably the best part of the job. I would love to get a tenured position, but they are hard to come by.

When I started working I was explained how things worked and what system was being used. Eventually I got comfortable with the job and I started to notice of ways to be more efficient, however, I was hesitant to say anything because the person who taught me was loved by everyone and they seem to do everything she wanted, and being that I was new I finally decided to speak to my boss, who was over the person training me. The person who worked their previously, who was training me, was promoted to a Attendance Specialist. I noticed she was happy and dandy at her job, however, I finally spoke to my boss and I let him know of how we can be resourceful and organize the department with some of the technology that was accessible, however, it was not being used, not sure why, and my boss said, "What were you waiting for!!!" and continued saying, "That is what we needed someone who can get us organized and get things done with efficiency." I was shocked, and from then I would always speak up. That was the best thing I could have ever done, later, the other person stop coming by to train me, instead, she would stop by with questions on how to work with computer software. Sometimes new ways are better. Use your best judgement and go for it! Speak Up!

Never think that there is job security. After 14 years of excellent service to the vice president of a community college, I was "laterally transferred" to an entry level job. Remember that administrators are playing their own game of chess and they must keep their soldiers close. I was in the way of getting her girlfried into my job, so I was moved to a job that will probably be terminated due to lack of work. Remember: life is not logical or fair!

At the end of my interview I was asked if I had any questions. I wanted to know about the salary, but I wanted the job so bad I didn't say anything about it.