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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To apply for this job?

37 replies

muggglewump · 27/01/2009 18:21

Quickish brief of my current job.

I am working in a Coffee Shop. I do 17 hours over 3 days and although I enjoyed it at first I've grown to hate it.
There's been a bullying issue (not really resolved but has stopped for now it seems), the Boss is totaly unapproachable and we've all been left hanging for 3 weeks now as to whether we will have jobs next week! There's a staff meeting tomorrow night so at least I'll know if I have a job and what my hours will be if they are to be changed.
I'm a lone parent on tax credits.

Anyway, one of the girls is also fed up and wants out. She has been applying for jobs and has told me of one coming up shortly in a school kitchen. It's 30 hours a week, and of course will be term time only.

I have no experience working in a kitchen so probably wouldn't get it anyway but would it be wrong to apply?
I wouldn't say I'm friends with this girl, we have no contact outside of work but I still feel it's maybe wrong to do this, but then I'd love a term time job so should I put myself, and DD of course who will benefit first?

OP posts:
squeaver · 27/01/2009 18:23

Do you think it could be wrong to apply because the other girl told you about it? NO.

squeaver · 27/01/2009 18:24

By which I mean, you should apply. Sorry, realised that last post could have been confusing.

Tamarto · 27/01/2009 18:24

YANBU to apply, if i really wanted a job, i wouldn't be telling people about it, unless i thought it would interest them too.

She may not think like me but jobs are there for anyone to apply for.

Mutt · 27/01/2009 18:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

dizzydixies · 27/01/2009 18:30

yes, go for it. its dog eat dog at the moment and such a shame to have to do it BUT something good may come of it for both of you and the interview experience will be worth it alone

good luck

MaureenMLove · 27/01/2009 18:33

My friend applied for a job in a school kitchen, after 13 years at home and no experience of catering of any kind. That was only 4 months ago and she is now head chef! The only experience she needed was a willing to do everything from the dishwashing to clearing up the dining hall and a bit of knowledge in good food practice. I assume that if you are a mother, you have those qualifications?

Go for it and good luck!

Original poster
muggglewump · 27/01/2009 18:35

It's an assisstant, so helping rather than cooking from scratch for a whole school IYSWIM?
I actually love cookinbg and do a lot at home, it's having no experience of doing it for work that's a setback.

I'd love the job, but I've encouraged her to apply and it feels a bit wrong to want to snatch it for myself.

Mutt I'm pushing to be allowed in our kitchen at work, but as I said, my boss is unnapproachable.

OP posts:
CHEQUERSmate · 27/01/2009 18:37

I did this once when I was a recent graduate, I asked my friend if she'd mind if I applied though.

dizzydixies · 27/01/2009 18:39

muggglewump seriously do it, it sounds perfect and we'll all root for you on Masterchef next year

Original poster
muggglewump · 27/01/2009 18:42

MaureenMlove, I love cooking and cook mainly from scratch at home. (lentil soup made with homemade ham stock tonight)

I know it's bad for everyone workwise atm, I just wanted to be sure that it is OK to put my family first.

I will apply

OP posts:
tiggerlovestobounce · 27/01/2009 18:42

I dont think it would be wrong to apply. She didnt have to tell you about the job. You wouldnt be "snatching it for yourself".

nickschick · 27/01/2009 18:43

Oh try for it my friend did and she got the job and loves it and is now helping in class too.

I really feel positive for you on this

Original poster
muggglewump · 27/01/2009 18:45

Thanks dizzydixies. Yes it is perfect. I don't know the exact hours but I'm guessing 6 a day and it can't be that far outside of school hours, if at all and of course term time only.

I really don't think I will get it having no experience and I can see loads of Mums wanting it so a lot of candidates but I have nothing to lose.

OP posts:
dizzydixies · 27/01/2009 18:51

well first of all you need to start with some positive thinking!! as you've said yourself you know your way around the kitchen and as long as you're enthusiastic then thats 2 things that a lot of other candidates won't have

laweaselmys · 27/01/2009 18:56

If this is something you'd love to do then let them know how keen you'd be to learn new things/that you'd be happy to go on any courses they thought were appropriate etc.

stephla · 27/01/2009 18:57

Definitely apply . There may be more than one job going. Or you might go for the job interview and be offered something else. Or you may be suitable in some way that your friend isn't. I would tell her that you are thinking about it so there are no surprises.

My husband worked for a bullying employer for 7 years. He walked out just before Christmas. He's got one job offer, and he thinks he will get another in a week's time. He is so much happier. Hope you will be too.

laweaselmys · 27/01/2009 18:57

I think you sound great for the job btw, I bet they'll see the coffee shop as good experience anyway, as you are used to working with tricky customers which kids are!

MaureenMLove · 27/01/2009 19:08

My friends hours were 11 - 2, before she was in charge. So, only 3 hours, BUT the bonus is 5 days a week, in school time and pro-rata'd into 12 monthly payments.

Original poster
muggglewump · 27/01/2009 19:18

Thanks for the encouragement and assuring me it's fine to do this.

I'll think positively and let you all know what happens

OP posts:
theresonlyme · 27/01/2009 19:29

Even if you don't apply, she might not get it anyway.

WinkyWinkola · 27/01/2009 19:30

Apply. The best person will get the job. It could be you! Go for it.

Leo9 · 27/01/2009 19:53

I don't know about your area, but if you go onto the jobs section of your county council website you will most likely find LOADS of these jobs. I've just been onto my county council website and there are 17 catering assistant jobs advertised, nearly all of those in schools.

So I'd do that if I were you - apply for this job by all means but it probably isn't the only one out there that would suit

fledtoscotland · 27/01/2009 22:47

go for it. at the end of the day its down to the employer who they employ. that could be you!

touareg · 28/01/2009 09:14

YANBU. May the best candidate get the job! PS Don't coffee shops have kitchens...?

BodyBagBastard · 28/01/2009 09:21

yes apply, just tell them you do work in the kitchen atm too.
say you do half and half.
they are not going to know

good luck
I hope you get it.

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