I am not sure what kind of advice anyone can offer when I am going to be so vague but here goes.

I hold two masters degrees. My current job is full time benefited in a field of one of the masters, my position doesn't require me to have a masters, just BA. I have been here 6 years but have been in my current position only 1 year. When I was hired the position was considered paraprofessional, but in the past month has been downgraded to clerical. No changes in my day to day duties, but now I am no longer required to be certified by the state (but I am free to continue with certification if I want.)

I really enjoy what I do and feel like I am making a positive impact everyday-something I know doesn't happen in MANY jobs/careers.

A couple of weeks ago I saw that the university in town posted an ad for a position in an area that combines both of my Masters degrees. This is almost unheard of because my other MA is in something that not a lot of people go into, unless, of course, they go into academia. This position does not require a MA, only a BA, so it is not a step up necessarily, but it does get me a foot in the door at the university.

I applied for this other position, got an interview and found out that it is only part time (20 hours a week) and was offered the position yesterday at a higher rate of pay than the starting rate.

Back to current job. I have applied for a MA position at my employer. This is what I have been actively pursuing for the past 3 years and have tried to position myself the best I could- having a good working relationship with all the managers, showing leadership when it is needed, being flexible and a team player, looking for more responsibility, etc. It was originally posted in June, but then taken down, reworked, and reposted at the end of July. It doesn't close until Monday and then it will be AT LEAST a week, but realistically 2 weeks before interviews. I am confident I will get an interview, but as the position is open to everyone, not just internal, who knows if I will get it.

There are actually two positions open but I have decided against applying for the second one because I just am not passionate about departments it serves. I know there is one other staff member who is my biggest competition but I don't know if she is applying for both, or just the one I am. Either way, I know that I might not get this position.

In the 6 years I've been here this is the first time they've posted this position. People don't want to leave, and when they have they have just created more paraprofessional positions instead.

SO, recap: Offered a part time also paraprofessional job at the university, but I am holding out for the professional job at current employer.

My initial thought is this: Accept part time offer. Arrange full time work schedule to accommodate part time hours (very possible). Kick ass at interview and hope for the best. If I don't get the professional position I will be happy to have the other job and then I can see about going PT at current job so I am not working 60 hours a week. If I get the professional position then try to work it out so I can still keep PT position, and then quit PT position at end of academic year. If I can't work it out then apologize profusely and hope I haven't burned any bridges.

Thoughts?

It is just incredibly scary to think about changing career paths when I have been on this current one for so long. But I am so excited about what this part time job is, so I am trying to find a way to have my cake and eat it too.