Should You Settle for a Not-So-Great Job?
Deciding whether or not to hold out for that perfect job
You might also like these articles:
Search for jobs in your area
In the book “Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough,” author Laurie Gottlieb tells single women over 30 to stop looking for Mr. Right and to just settle for the next best guy who comes along. Gottlieb encourages women to ignore any flaws in a man (even serious ones) and instead look for someone who would make a decent life partner. According to her, passion is less important than someone who will take out the trash.
You might find yourself of the same opinion, especially when it comes to finding a job. You need cash and you need a job. So you should settle, right?
Not so fast. While there will be times in your life when you will need to take any job that comes your way, there are also times when doing so can be a big mistake. After all, the Prince Charming of jobs could be right around the next corner, and if you settle, you’ll miss out.
When to hold out for a better job:
When you’re already employed – and not excited about the new job. You’ve got a steady paycheck and things are fine at work, but you’re looking for something new. Unless that something new gets you excited and fits into your career goals, then don’t do it. Wait till the right job comes along and then make your move.
When you’ve got big plans. You’re a person on a mission. You know exactly where you want to be in five years and know exactly how to get there. So why derail your life goals by taking a job that will only hold you back? If you can afford to, wait for the right job to come along. It’ll be worth it in the end.
When you know it’s not right for you. You might think to yourself, “There’s no dream job out there for me,” but you’d be wrong. There are people every day who wake up excited to go to work, who love what they do and are proud of their work. You deserve to be one of them. Why not get an online degree in a field you’re really passionate about? It’s the only way to make sure that you’ll end up getting a job doing something you actually like.
When you get a bad vibe during the interview. You’re interviewing at a place you’ve been dying to work for. You prepare, look your best and are at your most charming – but when you get to the interview, something feels wrong. The manager is rude to you, the store is extremely dirty or your future co-workers are snapping at each other. Don’t ignore those little warning signs. Things are only going to get worse once you work there. A manager who can’t put a happy face on for the interview isn’t going to start smiling once you’re an employee.
When to settle for a less-than-perfect job:
If you need the money, now! If you’re in danger of losing your home, or are unable to take the bills, it’s time to settle. It might not be your dream job, but if taking a job as a cashier pays the rent, then who cares?
If you can get valuable experience out of it. You’re a teacher but can’t seem to land a job teaching where you live. Instead of just waiting for a teaching job to come along, go out and get some experience in a job that lets you work with children or sharpen your skills. If you teach math, then take an accounting job. If you’re a shop teacher, then find a construction job.
If you’re currently employed and your workplace is hostile. Unfortunately, sometimes co-workers and bosses can make your life miserable. Settling for a new job, even if you don’t love it, is okay in this instance. If your current job is making you seriously unhappy, then leave ASAP. You can worry about your career later; in the meantime just take a job anywhere you can get one.
If the job supports your long-term career goals. You really want to enroll in college, and you need a part-time job to pay tuition. In this case, take the first decent thing that comes along. College is so important to your future; you shouldn’t let a job hunt get in the way of it. If a less-than-perfect job now can help you get to where you’re going later, then take it.