Here we go. Two interviews coming up. WWYD?
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 610
    This is sort of a “WWYD” thread.

    Interview 1: Not until August, so I have time to prepare. 35-40 minute commute, into snowbelt territory in winter. Beautiful church with a nice Casavant organ, I’ve performed there many times with a local choir. Very invested in the musical community, strong support for traditional sacred music and classical music. Presbyterian, no problem I’ve worked for them before.

    Interview 2: Second week of July, they just cold called me today after getting my contact info from the diocese. Desperate and looking to fill position immediately. Older Allen digital that is kind of on its last legs, person on the phone said they’re “considering” options on its replacement and the word “keyboard” flew out of this person’s mouth. Further sleuthing around revealed a “contemporary ensemble”. Job description says part time but demands open availability seven days a week, which I could technically do but with the hassle of constantly rescheduling my private students whenever a wedding/funeral/whatever else comes up, and who knows what the salary is. Also might be part of a merger with another parish, sources say it may not be stable, and now that I think about it I remember them being considered for closure a while back. Soooo...Oh yeah and I’m away on vacation all next week and basically have zero time to prepare for this one.

    At least I’m getting calls so I’m thankful for that, but I’m just bummed at my options. The commuting position is probably quite nice, and I would be appreciated there, and I already know several people involved directly and indirectly with the church. But, it’s yet another non Catholic position. Catholic position is closer to home but sounds like a hot mess that I don’t want to get involved with, and might just be a Catholic redux of the job I’m in now, and I don’t want that either.

    Fire away with those comments :-)
  • MarkS
    Posts: 282
    Interview 1 sounds good to me! A rewarding position would be worth a relatively modest commute to me. 2, not so much!
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 610
    I’ve worked in Protestant jobs since I started my career in church music, and I really have nothing against it. But I also really want to work in my own denomination, for my family’s sake as well as mine. I’m just frustrated that something finally opened up and it’s something like Option 2. :(
    Thanked by 2MarkS CHGiffen
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 12,041
    Go with the Presbyterians even if it is a long drive. The Catholic parish sounds like it may be headed for trouble if not outright closure.
    Thanked by 2FidemInFidebus CHGiffen
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    Fidem,

    That thing which opened up, in option 2, is a CHASM, not a job opportunity.
  • ELapisardi
    Posts: 33
    Prepare for option 1 interview while also continuing to be open to an option 3 should it present itself before August. I was in a similar situation once-- while I was contemplating two less than ideal positions, three more were posted, one of which proved to be a wonderful parish where I subsequently worked for over three years.
  • FidemInFidebusFidemInFidebus
    Posts: 610
    Chris, that is kind of how I felt after I got off the phone. Funny how the enemy tries to dangle the carrot and swallow us whole...I will remain patient for now.
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
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