Should you accept a lower level job? The hardest question you may have to answer; It is a lower level job or less money but I need a job. Accept it or turn it down?

Over the last several months many people have written to me asking several difficult questions revolving around the same topic. 1) Should I accept a position with less responsibility than I want just to get to work? 2) Should I accept a much lower salary? 3) Should I accept a position outside of the field I really want because I need a job?

I have not written about this topic because it is a decision that could make or break a career. If my advice was wrong or misinterpreted it could severely damage a career if acted on inappropriately. So many people continue to ask that I decided to write what I know to be the  truth based on a lifetime of career coaching and employment consulting. I would have to trust that after evaluating all their options my readers would  ultimately make the decision that was best for them.

My answer to all three questions is NO. If you decide to act in the affirmative it is probably out of desperation. You have been unemployed for an extended period of time. You need money and you do not want a longer period of unemployment on your resume. Your intent will no doubt be to accept the wrong job and then continue looking for the right one and jump ship when it comes along.

If you accept the wrong job out of desperation with the full intent of continuing to look for the right one you will no doubt regret the decision and possibly/probably do irreparable harm to your career. In other words you may end up committing career suicide for a short term gain/solution. My advice is to not give up on your long-term objectives by taking the easy way out of a short term dilemma. If the only reason for taking a job that you do not really want is to pay rent and put food on the table, take a short term temporary job that is not related to your career and continue  your full-time search for the right career position. Lots of seasonal jobs will be available soon if you apply now. You will be being honest with yourself and potential employers. You will not damage your resume or track record because future employers will recognize that you did not make a career move instead you took a temp job to support your family and be productive. They will understand it and respect your actions.

Let’s look at what will probably happen if you take a wrong career level job out of desperation.

1) You will be making a commitment to a new employer that you do not intend to live up to. It would be dishonest and I believe that in some way we always pay a price for dishonesty.

 2) You will change as soon as you find what you really want and your resume will carry a black mark forever. It is one thing to leave a temporary job not related to your career. It is completely different to quit a career level position.

3) Since you will be unhappy you will not do good work or be happy doing it so you will create a bad reference and burn a bridge.

4) You will have trouble convincing a future employer that you will not quit him just as fast for greener pastures.

5)  You will not have time for a full time job search so it will take much longer to find the job you want.

If you are doing everything right and conducting a smart full-time job search you will find what you want. Sure the job market sucks and there are far fewer jobs than a year ago but they are out there and people are getting hired but only those who conduct a smart search. I am a coach so I'm sure I am biased but I do not think anybody can conduct a perfect search with great results without professional help. Hire a coach who you really check out. I don't care if it is me but hire somebody. My blog is full of great advice on job hunting. Read it and all the other free stuff you can find on linkedin. Study hard, work hard and don't give up. I promise that a year from now you will be very happy that you stuck to your guns.

The does not address a question I also get that is close to this subject. "Is it wise to accept a lower level job in responsibility and money if I want the job? My answer to this is a resounding Yes. In this market you really only need to ask yourself two questions. "Will I be happy?" and can I provide security for myself and my family?" If your answer to these is yes there is no reason not to accept the job.

Comments

[rahul]

very useful & helpful blog post.i like it

[Yachts Crew]

Such a good question ,.but for me my self would rather go to any kind of jobs out there as long as I can earn money for my family .I guess there is no wrong or inappropriate job to any one of us ...

[Linda W]

Mark

I agree with your point of view but like others doubt its practicality when job hunters' finances are desperate and temp jobs both so hard to come by and so badly paid. My blog item "outplacement support is key to economic recovery" (see http://www.careers-partnership-uk.com/?page_id=177) mentions that many UK job hunters have less than 2 months savings to fall back on. Benefit levels are set so low that people on them quickly run out of money, so even job hunting becomes unaffordable.

The best way out is better focused and better supported job search, hopefully paid for by your last employer ...

[Rick]

Mark:
Tough call but I don't totally agree with you. If temporary jobs in a field were available more people would be working.

I think people have to do what they have to do. Times are not typical.

Is it ok for an employer to hire you, let you move your family on your money, and then after the big job ends in a year, then lays you off? Happened to me and now we are in a new city, new house payments, and no job.

Do what you think is right for your family. Not doing this would be the wrong decision.

[Bobby Taruc]

Mark,

This is great counsel, I have never looked at a situation like this.

Thanks.

Bobby