Taking a “Survival Type” Job Is Good for You.
Ugh! How can a survivor type job be good for me? I’m barely hanging on to what I’ve found and at minimum wage. (I have been promised a ten cent an hour raise in a month).
I used to be a facilities manager at a tire factory. I have now hit bottom! I’ve had to give up a lot of things that I liked; like my fitness club membership. No extras for me now. I feel so down in the dumps that I don’t even go for a walk, much less worry about being physically fit.
I feel lousy since the tire factory went overseas. This new job making and serving coffee AND making sandwiches makes me sad at what I’ve lost. How can I ever feel good about what I’m doing now to make money and pay my bills.
Stop! As a career coach, I want to come to the rescue of this job holder’s blues. I suggest the following ways to help someone who has had to take something less than what they wanted in a job My suggestions are as follows:
1. You did find a job! Yes, yes, yes, it is not what you want or expected after job loss. However, you found one that offers you some money, structure and to be out in the world. Try on some samples of gratitude at your luck in having a job.
2. Learn all you can about this job, not matter how menial you think it is. All employers like people who are enthusiastic. See what you can do to improve the job, even in small steps.
3. Since this job is one in working directly with customers, (yours, above), network politely by finding out more about your customers. One might be your next employer. And, good customer service has never gone out of style.
4. Use your spare time to decide what you really want in a job. You are already using some of your transferable skills in this job. Pinpoint what they are.
Make a list. Keep applying for other jobs.
5. Keep supportive people around you. They’ve probably been where you are now. Show them you care about them.
6. Stay happy! Situations change in a flash. This job is one you CAN use to your advantage. Keep on learning. Smile a lot as you know you are on your way to better things, some day.
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