Hours/Length of Activity

[StretchDoe]

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I started a per-diem job about a 2 months ago. I basically pick shifts based on my availability and work it out with the other premed/postbac/gap year students.

The job has been a good experience and it's paid so I don't have too many complaints about it. However, at this point, even after only working there for 2 months I am looking for another part-time job preferably a clinical research position. The reason being, I feel like I have gotten everything out of the job and learned what is available for my position (I work in the ER). At this point the job is very monotonous. Don't get me wrong, it's a great clinical experience, but there's not much more to see/do after doing it for 2 months. Also there is a lot of downtime within the job that can get boring, but I make the most out of it by following/helping residents, etc. On top of all this it takes about 1.5-2 hours to commute one way. Hopefully all this make sense.

My question is how long/how many hours is adequate for an activity. I know there's no correct answer, but I just want a general idea. I plan on keeping the job as I apply for other positions. What sucks is that I got offered a position as a clinical researcher, but had to turn it down because I just started this job and would have felt awful leaving immediately, especially after saying I'd stay for the summer. Now I'm looking to leave in the near future. Funny how things work.

Thanks!

 

[thatwouldbeanarchy]

I really don't think it matters. You've been there 2 months, which is about how long someone might stay at a summer job. As long as you can reflect on what you learned (in an interview or in the AMCAS activities section), I don't think adcoms will harp on how long you've been there. I wouldn't even bring up your short stay unless someone asks you about it and, if so, you have a good reason. Long commute. And although you didn't stick with that position long-term, you did learn about XYZ. And (hopefully) leaving that position will give you an opportunity to get some research exposure.

I would only think of it as a potential red flag if you have a history of moving from position to position in very short periods of time. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it. Find a new job, if that's what you want!

 

[StretchDoe]

I really don't think it matters. You've been there 2 months, which is about how long someone might stay at a summer job. As long as you can reflect on what you learned (in an interview or in the AMCAS activities section), I don't think adcoms will harp on how long you've been there. I wouldn't even bring up your short stay unless someone asks you about it and, if so, you have a good reason. Long commute. And although you didn't stick with that position long-term, you did learn about XYZ. And (hopefully) leaving that position will give you an opportunity to get some research exposure.

I would only think of it as a potential red flag if you have a history of moving from position to position in very short periods of time. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it. Find a new job, if that's what you want!

Thanks for the help. I'll probably stick around till summer ends and keep applying to positions as I still work there. I'd have accumulated around 150 hours in total.

Yea I don't plan on bringing up the short stay, but on the AMCAS you have to put in the time period you worked, so I didn't want it to look like I just barely did anything.

Thanks again!