Have you ever had to take a job just to make ends meet? Are you in that situation now? I promise I’m not being patronizing when I say that I see that as a very noble reason to work. I truly do! You’re doing what you need to do in order to take care of your needs, and I generally find that people are still willing to work hard, even in something that isn’t a great fit.
Here are a few more benefits to taking something just for now:
- It will give you the time and space to decide what you really want next, without the constant worries about bills piling up
- It will make you look more appealing to future employers. There’s some truth to the saying that it’s easier to find a job when you have a job, so even something you’re not crazy about can demonstrate to future hiring managers that you’re willing to do what it takes.
- It adds structure to your week—structure you don’t have to define for yourself. One of the hardest parts of being unemployed is the vast amount of time that needs filling. If you’re anything like me, because the days stretch so long, it’s weirdly easy to get nothing done. But someone else imposing structure can be a huge help!
- You can make new connections. Sure, it might not seem like cashiers or baristas are the best networking options for you, but remember that these are often transitional roles, which means there may very well be other people in similar situations. It’s never a bad thing to have a pool of people you can help and who can help you back!
You can also work to find plenty of meaning in even the most basic of roles. You can volunteer to update any outdated processes or instructions. You can take on new areas of learning with an eye towards things that will benefit you in the long run. You might even qualify for benefits, which all adds to your bottom line. And don’t forget, you might make some valuable connections, all while doing something comparatively easy!
So how can you make the just-for-now job work for you? Well, if you can, start by finding something that takes you a step or two closer to where you eventually want to land. If you’re planning to become a vet tech but need money for schooling, see if any veterinarians in your area need receptionists. If you’re thinking about working for a university study abroad office what are the other student support roles you can find?
And of course it’s always beneficial to learn new skills. Dive in to any training you’re offered. What you learn might not look quite the same as what you’ll need in the future, but it’s not unusual for skills to translate pretty easily. You might learn a particular customer relations management tool, for example, which you can later demonstrate as something similar to what the new employer uses.
Finally, whenever possible, look for mentors. These can be formal or not, but it’s a great opportunity to work on your weaknesses, sharpen your skills, and learn a lot about the organization and world of work—even if you’re not exactly a spring chicken. After all, there’s always more to learn, and there are thousands of ways people go about working, some of which could be a great tool for you.
