Asking yourself a few questions might help you decide which
job you want (I apologize if you've already tried to do this -- this
is just what came to mind when I read your post).  First, what
kind of career do you want (e.g. a career in the museum field,
maybe a career working for some kind of company that deals
with museums, maybe a career in some other kind of work)?
No matter what your answer to that question is, what kind of
work do you want to do (i.e. what do you see yourself doing
5-10 years from now)?  Which of the jobs that you mentioned
will better help you get from where you are, to where you want
to be?  I realize that last question is essentially what your
post is trying to ask, but it's something you have to ask
yourself.  Unfortunately, the answer may come down to a
"gut instinct."  Based on what you included in your post, I'd
be inclined to say that you should stay with the job you have.
Unless there are facts that you didn't include, the second
job doesn't sound any better than the one you already have.
If you've only been in your current job for a few months, I'd
suggest not changing jobs merely to get out of the one you
have -- the new job ought to be clearly better in some way
(e.g. much better salary, better opportunity to learn or grow,
or it will help you more in attaining one or more goals).  Your
post suggested that you're not even sure the second job will
give you the opportunities that you've already had in your
current job beyond answering the phone & giving tours.  If I
were in your position, and wasn't sure that a new job would
be an improvement or help me (either financially or in working
towards a goal) in some way, I'd probably stay where I am
awhile longer.  I'm sure it's not an easy decision to make, and
I wish you luck with whatever you decide.

Steve Shisler


In a message dated 08/28/2001 7:59:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Hello, I am new to this list, being a newly graduated History major.
> Anyway,
> I was wondering something.  The job that I have now is actually at a
> museum,
> but basically I am a glorified desk clerk.  I answer phones and give tours.
>
> Now, how valuable is this experience in getting a job?   I have an
> opportunity to get another such job, and I wasn't sure if it would be worth
> it to take it, or to just volunteer instead, and get a higher paying job
> out
> of the sector.  at the first job I had an opportunity to do some cataloging
> and help with a few school programs, but I don't know about this one.  so
> what so you think?  I'd appreciate the help.
>