Ask Miss Smartypants - February 15, 2010 |
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| Written by Miss Smartypants |
| Monday, 15 February 2010 00:00 |
Art: Nina Charest
The other day an old boss emailed me about a position opening up at the company where I interned a few summers ago. I don't know much about the job, and the company isn't the best fit for me, career-wise, but I'm graduating soon. Is it better for me to walk into the wrong job (at least then I'll have one) or should I at least try to find something in my field first? One Wrong Move? Dear Move, Why can't you do both? First, get as much information as you can about the job: what it entails, the salary and benefits, who you would report to, contract or full time, etc. Next, determine how long after graduating you can go without a job. Six weeks? Three months? Six months? Finding a job can be difficult enough without adding in the career focus. You can tell your old boss this if you feel it necessary, but there's nothing to stop you from taking the wrong job while looking for the right one. It will keep a roof over your head and food on your table while allowing you to set aside money to help you make it through if you decide to look for a career full time. I understand why you don't want to get trapped so soon out of the gate, but you're never under any obligation to stay forever at a job you don't like. Make a contract with yourself, e.g. I will give this job six months before I start looking for something else, I will spend at least one hour an evening looking for something better suited, and so on. So long as you know what you're doing and you don't get yourself into a situation that you can't legally get yourself out of, there's no reason you can't look for something in your field with a little money in your pocket. Checkmate, Miss Smartypants Got problems? Sure ya do. Send 'em to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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