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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu ... Need your help with a decision tonight

32 replies

Alleymay · 27/08/2020 20:38

I have a job offer in an after-school club. I need to either accept or reject it tomorrow morning.

Anybody want to give me a heads up on the good and bad of working in an after-school club?

OP posts:
Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 20:39

Ah no! Didn't mean for voting ! Please ignore

OP posts:
purplecorkheart · 27/08/2020 20:40

What are your concerns?

Lockheart · 27/08/2020 20:41

Well what did you think the pros and cons were when you applied for it? There must have been something that attracted you to it.

Cocomarine · 27/08/2020 20:45

Well, accept it - unless you were wasting their time applying?

The80sweregreat · 27/08/2020 20:45

The hours might be a bit awkward ( guessing 3 till 6 ish ) but it is family friendly as you will get all the holidays off etc?
Do you have your own children who can look after themselves ok?
What are your main concerns?
I know a few people who loved working after school club as it was quite laid back and they had lots of time playing outside.

MolyHolyGuacamole · 27/08/2020 20:48

Is the pay worth the time you'll be doing? Are you leading the club or assisting? Is it in a school that you already work in? What resources will you have access to in terms of keeping the children entertained, and how is it funded?

There are questions that I'd consider in determining whether or not it's worth my time.

ImLizawithaZ · 27/08/2020 20:48

I've worked in one for 15 years and I absolutely love it! Ok so there can be stressful times with behavioural issues but the good outweighs the bad by far. If you get on with children and enjoy their company then go for it. There are times when I can't believe I'm getting paid to have so much fun! Give it a try.

Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 20:49

Just looking to see what others experiences of the job have been Smile

OP posts:
MonkeyToesOfDoom · 27/08/2020 20:51

Why did you apply if you didn't really want it? Someone out there is gutted they lost out on that offer so they can offer it to you.

Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 20:52

Imlizawithaz I'm going to pick your brains now! why did you leave? What is the worst thing about the job? Will all the staff be very young?

OP posts:
Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 20:54

Monkeytoes firstly who said I don't want it?
Secondly no one will miss out fgs. If I turn it down the next person behind me scoring well in the interview will get it. Chill out

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 27/08/2020 20:55

From your short attitude I would suggest childcare isn’t for you

Standrewsschool · 27/08/2020 20:55

What attracted you to the job? Hours? Working with children? Term time job?

What’s your long term plan? Will this be a useful stepping stone? How desperately do you need a job?

Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 21:01

Current employers and recent interview panel think differently runningfrominsanity!

But hey if me not wanting to be accused of doing someone else out of job doesn't do it for you then no probs x

OP posts:
BowowMttt · 27/08/2020 21:02

My DM worked at an after school club for a few years and enjoyed it. She used to take all our old toys in for the children to play with or come up with lots of craft ideas (collecting leaves, lolly sticks or toilet roll tubes etc.) and the kids all loved it! Not sure her colleagues had the same enthusiasm or creativity though Grin

ImLizawithaZ · 27/08/2020 21:06

I'm still working there, I never wanna leave Grin well ok maybe by the time I can retire lol. So I'm 41 and the other 2 women there are older than me but I don't know what it's like elsewhere.

The worst part is when there are kids with behavioural issues, but thankfully they are in the minority.

I can't imagine doing any other job. I'd worked as a classroom assistant before but at after school club you get to have fun and play and have a laugh. Grin

MonkeyToesOfDoom · 27/08/2020 21:08

Monkeytoes firstly who said I don't want it?

Your topic title is literally asking for help deciding to take the job or not. If you want the job, there would be no decision to make. So obviously there is some doubt in your mind...
Chill out.. you'll need to when the kids are kicking your shins to pieces..

Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 21:10

I told you to chill out first
Stop copying me GrinGrinGrin

OP posts:
ireallyamthewalrus · 27/08/2020 21:11

What are the merits of your current job vs the one you’ve been offered?

Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 21:12

Imliza .... Any tips for a newbie starting?

OP posts:
BritWifeinUSA · 27/08/2020 21:14

The reasons I wouldn’t take the job are probably the very reasons you applied for it. You should have asked more questions in the interview if you still don’t know if it’s right for you.

Original poster
Alleymay · 27/08/2020 21:15

Britwife oh I know but it's always better to hear from folk who've worked the job tbh

OP posts:
TinyTornado · 27/08/2020 21:22

I ran an after school /holiday club about 20years ago- and loved it. Not sure it would be the same now.

Good things... a fun job, planning organising and being in charge of day. Not having a boss stood over you. Informal and friendly interaction with children.
Bad points.. not really enough hours, pay /status of role is low for the effort required, no real career path or progression.

Veryverycalmnow · 27/08/2020 21:23

You'll probably be providing activities to tired kids who have had a long school day already, giving them some tea, making sure they feel relaxed and safe. The hard aspect might be a range of ages to deal with. The hours wouldn't suit me, but if the hours are ok, I reckon it's a good job. I'm a TA, but friends with some after school care staff.

Royalbloo · 27/08/2020 21:25

Try it. If it isn't for you then jack it in. No one can tell you what it might be like. If they try to guess, they're likely to be wrong. You might love it. You might hate it...who knows if you don't TRY!?