My sort of job dilemna

Here's the thing.  I work in a food hall of a local college.  I was a housewife for 13 years after moving to the UK, and found that professional jobs were not happening for me-I think because of lack of UK experience and qualifications and the fact that all my work references were obsolete.  And since I needed the money I took a job that I'm spectacularly overqualified for.  But it's okay.  I have a laugh, I'm good at it, there's very little stress.  And to be honest I'm a bit too comfortable there.  A bit too afraid to go look for something else. 
So anyway, a job has been advertised in the paper, for a 'first responser' at the college.  First aid, dealing with unruly students, watching the cctv.  And it's the first job I've seen that I'd really like to do, and know that I could. 
BUT, I've been waiting on the people doing the hiring for two years.  They might hate me.  They may not be able to see me other than as a dinner lady.  And it's only for initially a year.  And what if I wasn't good at it?  Or if I got as far as an interview, didn't get the job and had to keep waiting on them?   Sigh.
What should I do? 

Mindy, you know what to do.  You know you should go for it. 

The best advice I ever got from anyone was that the best way to make a decision was to imagine there was no such thing as fear.  Take everything you're "afraid of" and put that aside.  Then look at the choices.  The right thing to do will be obvious if you stop being afraid of "what if". 

And as Dr Phil says, if you're gonna play the "what if" game you have to play it all the way....

--What if they hate you?  What if they only see you as a dinner lady?

So what!  This will be a great opportunity to really go in there and show them what you're made of.  Show them how wrong they are! 

And if they still hate you and think you're "just a dinner lady" think of the great experience you'll have for your next interview. 

--What if it's only for a year?

Great!  That's the perfect amount of time on a CV.  You'll have both UK experience and a chance to see if you like that line of work.  Perfect!

--What if you aren't good at it?

See above!  You will have a great opportunity to try, and to learn some new skills.  Look, I hire people quite frequently, and I've learned one thing - Attitude is way more imporatant than skill or knowledge in a good employee.  If you go in there and give it your all, even if you look at it as a learning experience if nothing else, they'll love you and you'll do a great job!  You can't fail!

--What if you only get as far as an interview and still have to wait on them?

They'll see you every day and might just be able to give you the heads up because they know you're looking for something else.  And even just going through the interview will shatter that image of "dinner lady" they might have of you.  It'll be a great chance to build some networks.  I've worked in a university before and I expect UK ones aren't that different from US ones....it's like it's own little world.  Knowing the right people is a good thing! 

Your situation is not that unusual,  Minday...especially in this country where a lot of women stay home with their children and then re-enter the workplace.  There are tons of programmes out there to help you do this, if you're interested in a bit of support.  But you can't be afraid, darlin'!  You need to go for it.  You can do this!! 

At least, that's what I think.   

I agree- DO IT!! It can't hurt just to apply. 

My brother's girlfriend just quit her job as a social worker (hated it) and took a job as a waitress for the time being.  She ended up having to wait on the people she used to work with, a week after she left.  She was embarrassed for the day, but then got over it. 

Think about it, if it works out for you, then it will be so worth it.  If it doesn't, you'll only feel funny the first day you have to wait on them (maybe you won't even feel funny that day) and then things will return to normal! 

Who cares what anyone else things anyway!!! I know, easier said than done.  But definately go for it! 

Wow, what a great response, Wishstar, and that some wonderful advice, Mindy.  I think you should go for it too!  What do they say?  Nothing ventured, nothing gained?

Thanks guys.  That's exactly what I needed to hear.  I'm seriously considering it now, and might be back to ask for help with the application.  

Or I might chicken out.  As I tend to do.  

I don't think I could add anything to Wishstar's fantastic post.  I ditto what she says - go for it! 

Don't you chicken out Mindy!  You will be brilliant, and wow them!  Wishstar really gave you a wonderful response!!!  Go for it!  We can meet up for coffe and go over the application and I have books, Books that need to be read for interviewing!!!  Oh and a great friend who is in HR and helped me get my job!

OK.  I'll do it.  Thanks everybody.  And Stacey, I'll take you up on that when I get the application form.   

Wooo!  Go get 'em, Mindy! 

My fingers will be crossed for ya!!

Just adding my GO FOR IT! to the group! You have NOTHING to lose!

Helena