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SITUATION: I've been unemployed for awhile. Should I accept a so-so job offer?
Imagine you've been unemployed for a fair amount of time, and then are offered a job at a lower level/lower pay than your previous position. Should you take it?
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10 Answers
It is important to know the reason for unemployment first:
1. Is it because of recession?
2. Is it because of company shut-down?
3. Is it because of poor performannce?
4. Is it because of lack of knoweldge required for the job?
5. Is it due to a certain plan for further studies?
If its Point 1: Please understand the recessory trend. Wether it is a sectoral trend or an economic trend spanning the whole country? In this case, it is advisable to move out of the sector temporarily for sometime or permanently change the sector. When you change your sector, you change your expertise and you need to unlearn/re-learn. Here you need to compramise with the brand and also the pay-package. No harm in that, it you will aquire a new skill and sooner your original sector will come back on track and you may rejoin that.
If its an economic resession then you do not stand a chance, but to comprimise. Look at some entrepreneurial and start something on your own and grow.
If its Point 2: because of the company shut-down, if it is, then there are dozens of your colleagues' CV floating in the market. Your value will go down and you will be asked to compromise. Again, look for alternative sectors and plan your career. Few months of salary compromise and then again you grow and excel.
If point 3: If its your own poor performance, just accept your mistake and then start building your foundation again. No issues, we always learn and move ahead. Then no looking back, we succeed
If point 4: Lack of proper knowledge, then go back to your existing employer and ask him to give you a PIP (Performance Improvement Program) and allow you to learn and achieve your KRAs in a specified time. Yes, be brave to accept a lower remuneration for that period and freeze on a fixed insentive once you achieve the KRA as per your PIP. You cannot imagine the growth in your self-confidence once you achieve the set goals. It makes you a totally different human-being and a great professional.
If point 5: Studies at any point of your career is the best thing to do. It build the human being, a professional and an achiever in you. You feel confident with the knowledge. Go back to your employer and ask for a Study Leave and a part time job. You may take up a freelancing project or a part-time job. But studies must continue. It will help you bargain bigger pay-package once you get your degree.
Other factor could be some family issue or any personal issue that has made you leave your job and created a gap. In that case, you usually have to start fresh or near fresh which may be lower than the current remuneration standard. No issues, we may start afresh and achieve.
In any case, accepting a so-so job offer or a lower pay package should be a very well thought and a planned decision else, you get frustrated very fast and this effects your performance.
Therefore, will not recommend a un-thoughtful decision in this regard.
Cheers! All the Best!
The answer to the question is, depends. It really depends on your financial situation, at some point, many have been forced to take work so that they can pay their bills and buy food, that of course is quite understandable.
I'm not certain what a so, so job means, I would need some context for that description.
I don't agree with Michael about the longer you are unemployed, the more difficult it is to find a new job. I think in this economy, it's the exception and not the rule. There are many people that can't find work because they can't move and they can't move because they are underwater on their home, so it's not just a simple matter of finding work, it may be finding work in a market where there are limited opportunities. I knew many excellent performing professionals that have been out of work for more than a year, they would add tremendous value to any organization, but there are only so many positions available, and these individuals are in a position where they don't have to take just any job.
There is no simple answer to this question and some may even suggest that there is a morale issue at hand from the companies perspective. Some could argue that you are not being fair to the company by taking a position you really aren't interested in, I could certainly understand that perspective, although I wouldn't agree with it, but that's just me.
There will always be some reason that taking the less-desirable position might not be right. But, it's generally much better to be looking for the desired job from a position of being employed - especially with current prejudices against applicants who are not presently working.
Working, even at a job one would rather not have, does present opportunities for accomplishment, helping morale and self-confidence, which are big plusses as one approaches new prospoects.
Then, there's the financial reality to consider.
Caty,
Been there, done that! Taking care of my family is more important than my job title. Besides, there are many things you can learn from any job or organization that will help you grow.
Thanks!
Mike
Wanna pay the bills? Take the job. As many as 82% of current workers are leaving their current employer when the economy turns up. Why not be one of them?
I think it is entirely dependent on your attitude. If you look at the job as a stop gap just for income rather than as an opportunity, do everyone a favor and turn it down. However, if your attitude is to use the job as a means of contributing to the company and doing your best in the position then accept the job. If it is a good company, your efforts will be noted and you may find surprising opportunities down the road.
I know a person who took a job that he felt was lower level when he was laid off during the telecom industry crash. Unfortunately, he was very vocal about how he felt getting less pay and in what he considered a less senior position. He showed up late to work but left on time and refused to put in overtime when there was a crunch. He was stunned when he was "laid off" less than 6 months later. It was a year before he got another job at even less money but he learned nothing from the experience and found himself in the same position once again.
Based upon the fact that it's always easier to "change jobs" than "find a job," take what you can find and keep on looking.
Yes.
I am always amazed when I talk to people who are remaining unemployed because they are holding out for the perfect job. I was brought up to work hard and be responsible. I have a family who is depending on me so I will work three lesser jobs if I have to. Eventually I'll put myself in a position where I am working that great job, but until then, I'm working hard at whatever I can find. Without getting overly religious, I don't work for myself. Like my mamma always told me, "No matter what you are doing, work like you are working for God himself".
In my experience the human resources market is extremely inefficient and subjective. When I look at consulting opportunities I find the range of budgets, rates, firms varies widely. It might be ok to settle for a different salary than a prior position but there should be some opportunity to learn and grow as well. I consider the work I do not only to be an exchange for money but also an investment in myself. Many times it's less about money than finding a good fit between a project and your capabilities. I would suggest researching the market to identify the nature of the disconnect between capabilities and market value. It's to easy to simply suggest that price is the issue. When deals don't work out based on price it's often more about the fit than it is about the number. Focusing on the number is too easy. Even it somewhat efficient marketplaces like the NASDAQ pricing is very subjective. Figure out how to market yourself and make this an ongoing practice as you can almost always find a better project job if you truly enjoy your work and look at yourself and your efforts as an investment.
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