Well at the law firm I worked at, they had Data Entry Clerks that entered data into Access Forms, or directly into the tables. The Developers did the Database Administration for them. That was my job, import data from another source, update the queries, fix the reports and forms, etc. I got paid way more than $7/hr for that, more like $24/hr for Programming, Database Administration, Tech Support, Documenting of Applications, Report Writing (Database based Reports in Access and Crystal Reports), and other misc things that always came up like training people, etc.

Yeah, see? I mostly wanted to be a data entry clerk. So the first thing that tells me is maybe my resume should be changed from "Data Entry Operator to Data Entry Clerk" that could be one of the confusions, since operator seems to have changed meanings.

All I can say is that if it is raising red flags for you on stress, you might want to consider a different job. Learn Access anyway, at least it can give you a good idea on how Databases work and you can work a job with Access in the future some time.

I intend to learn it, honest. My book should be here today, and I'm excited about learning the program better, but you're right, there are several red flags about this job, so I'm probably not going to accept it. Bear in mind, she hasn't offered it either, and it's Friday, and I got the impression she was going to call right away if she did, so... maybe she realized the limitations too and decided against me, which makes us both smart. :)

I might like a job with Access down the road, doing more than data entry, but I still don't want to start at 30 hours a week, regardless. I'm trying to ease into this, not jump in with both feet and possibly drown. John is still willing to help me, and he said we could both learn it together, because he doesn't know it either, although he has a much better grasp of data base logic, being a programmer. :)

I have worked jobs where I was given time to learn the new technologies. In 1994 I was handed a shrink wrapped box of Access 1.0 and was told to learn it, or else. So I installed it, started reading the manual, and made a few sample databases, much like the one I had you made to teach you a simple example. Sure I was afraid that I might not be able to learn it in time, but I learned it and was able to build my skills and get pay raises

And there was a time in my life once where I was up for that sort of a challenge, but this isn't it right now. Maybe again down the road, when I get more confidence and have worked again and been ok first, but not now.

I've never failed to learn a new program, yet. I always worry there will be a first time though, guess that's normal.

Remember that sometimes you don't always have to take the first job offered to you. Learn from it and maybe the next few jobs will be more appealing. Maybe you can ask for $8 or $9 an hour at your next job interview, and maybe they can offer a 20 hour work week and Data Entry without DBA work.

That's what Ank says too. He says I'm feeling compelled to accept something that I feel is way over my head, just because it might be offered. He keeps telling me "you're in the driver's seat, YOU have the right to accept or reject any job" and that's all new to me, having been used to having my ex-fiance PUSH me into whatever job was offered, no matter what. So I'm trying to feel positive about it regardless, and learn what to change from it to make the next one better. :)

And I do appreciate everyone's input here.

Nightowl >8#