Hi gang,

Just me.  And, I'm on the horns of a dilemma.  Again.

I've been offered a position as Youth Counsellor on the Disney cruise ships. 

I *have* a job, at Scienceworks Museum in Melbourne, in Visitor
Programs. ( http://scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au/ )  I've been here
since Feb, and I have an ongoing permanent contract.  I am not that
worried about job security, my industry seems strong, I like variety,
and I am fairly fancy free (no mortgage, marriage or kids).  I've
written a list of pros and cons about my situation here.

Cons
- Badly paid (A$32K per annum before tax) - this is very entry-level
(especially after 5 yrs of uni, 2 yrs full-time work experience)

- More admin than I'd like.  

- A lot of politicking going on, which is draining to say the least. 
And there seems little chance of promotion, unless I'm willing to do
MORE admin, rostering, etc.

- I am living with (and supporting) my unemployed twin sister!  I
think if I leave the country, that's a fairly good sign she'll have to
start taking care of herself again...

- I don't really like living in Melbourne, I think because I don't
like living in big cities in general.  I don't have strong ties to the
place, just a small network of close friends.

Pros
- My job here is pretty cool; it's the value-adding for our visitors,
coming up with new activities and science shows to complement the
exhibitions.

- There's a fairly good mix of performing, developing and presenting. 

- I am living with (and supporting) my unemployed twin sister!  She's
great, but I'm too nice to her.


Now.  The Disney job.

Cons
- It's being recruited through a procurement ally, DK Australia.  I
think they're pretty dodgy, as I'm finding it difficult to get details
out of them.  For example, I've not been told the exact length of
contract, only that it's 6-8 months.  I've also only heard a salary
range, with the benefits and bonuses 'talked up.'  This seems like
it's only a hurdle at this end, and after I'm fully hired, would deal
direct with DCL.

- It might be glorified babysitting.  The DCL recruitment website (
http://www.dcljobs.com ) has a lot of info, mostly in the (annoying)
form of Quicktime interviews with crewmembers.  One of them mentions
'a lot of sanitizing' as a downside.  Also stuff like supervising kids
"suckling at the glass teat" (i.e., watching movies/playing
videogames) and taking them to meals.

- Sharing a small cabin.  Not so bad, I'm pretty easy-going, and
shared a room with my twin growing up!

- I bet the bureaucracy/corporate image stuff is a million times more
exacerbated in such a recognisable brand.

Pros
- It's cruising the Carribean.

- The pay is better, I think.  (I'm no good at maths!)  And, no rent,
no bills, food provided, etc.  Also, airfares home between contracts.

- Opportunity for promotion.  I've always fancied the title "Imagineer." =)

- I'm a big Disney fan.  I can do the Disney Smile.



Basically, I can't decide.  As The Clash immortally asked in song,
"Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

I would love some opinions, especially if anyone has personal
experience cruising, Disneying or other.  Please take the fee if you
think you can help!

A.

I have two friends who have worked for Disney, one as an animator and
one as a landscaper at Walt Disney World. I know their experience
isn't universal (there are definitely folks who hate Disney and will
badmouth all things associated with it), but both my friends speak
very highly of the organization. Neither left the job because of
dissatisfaction with the work or the way they were treated.

If I were in your position, Araminty, I would be packing my bags for a
long, glorious cruise. Of course, your current job sounds great to me,
too.

Tell you what. Whichever job you decide on, may I have the other one? :-D

Hi araminty-ga,

What a great dilemma you have! Congratulations on getting the
opportunity to choose. Here are some articles about working for cruise
lines.

http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/other/jobs_overview.asp
Expert Answers to the Top 5 Most Popular Questions on Cruise Ship Jobs
from How to Get a Job with a Cruise Line author Mary Fallon Miller. 

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,788047,00.html
Cruise liner crews slave below decks 

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&th=a93fa4d45f2b660&rnum=4
"Disney Cruise Lines question"

Good luck.

~ czh ~

Apparently you have never watched a single television show.

The OBVIOUS solution is to have your twin sister take over your museum
job without telling any one.


Oh the hijinx that will ensue !

Hmm, interesting suggestion, shockandawe-ga.  We're not THAT
identical, and I've introdued her to my workmates.  Oh, and she
doesn't really want the job.  Piker.

Thanks guys... more!

A.

I was did 1 and 1/2 contracts as a youth counselor for DCL.  Contracts
are typically 4 1/2 months, but once you're actually on the ship, you
can trade around with peers to do less or more time.

Pros:

Once in a lifetime experience.

Team dynamic is constantly changing as people come and go -- always
excited and fresh

Work for Disney

The Carribean

Work with guests who are thrilled to be there

The unique experiences and memories


Cons:

Team dynamic is always changing -- making close friends can be a challenge

70 hour workweek

Poor pay

Controlled living environment

Kids all the time -- cleaning is something you look forward to,
because it gives you a quiet little break



There is much more to both sides.  If you have any specific questions,
I'll answer them.  Even though I ended my contract, I'm amazingly
thrilled I had the experience, and VERY strongly encourage you to do
it.