I first came across the term survival job when following Liz Ryan on LinkedIn. Anyone who has been through this process understands there are bills to be paid. Also, if we’re really honest with ourselves, we know that the longer the gap in our resume` the more challenging it will be to explain this to a recruiter in the future.
The irony is that I found it isn’t as easy to find a ‘survival job’ as you might think. At one point, I had some savings to keep me going. But, I needed to do something – anything – just to keep me sane. I tried applying to Starbucks, as I knew of their policy to provide health care to all employees; even part time employees had health care benefits. But, no offers from Starbucks– not even a phone interview.
I went to a temp agency, and while they told me I was over-qualified for the types of jobs they were filling I told them I was fine with an administrative position. After a while when nothing was coming my way, I reiterated that prospective employers should be told I want to work, I can add value, and my experience will benefit their organization. But, no offers.
In an act of desperation, I even wrote a letter to the owner of a local bakery. We were going into the holiday season soon and I suspected they might need additional staff. I told them I was willing to intern – I would work for free! But, the owner never even called me! She had an experienced, customer service and supply chain professional who was willing to work for no money – and she wasn’t interested.
After many hours searching job boards, applying on line, and following up with recruiters and temp agencies, I did receive a call from my current employer. I knew the position was about two levels below what I was capable of, but I also knew I had been out of the game for 18 months. Every month I was unemployed was a dark mark against me. This was going to be my survival job. This was not going to be the job I retired from in the future. I made a choice: take a lower level job to get in with a large company that could provide opportunities – if I could prove myself. A little over a year later, I was promoted to a management level position.
Are you holding out for an opportunity to hit a certain salary level? Are you holding out for an opportunity to be given a title and level of responsibility that you feel is commensurate with your experience? Don’t. Think of it this way – you need to get back in the game. Either a new opportunity will present itself in the future OR you can continue to look for your dream job while you are employed. Looking for a job while you have a job is a much better place to be in – always. Dr. Randall S. Hansen said in a recent article on this subject, “You can put your ego aside and do the best work you can…or you can become bitter and defeated.”
To see how others have recognized the first step may be a survival job, read NPR’s article on Overqualified & Underemployed. For tips on preparing for an interview, see You Have An Interview! Take advantage of opportunities (even small ones) and show the world how fabulous you are. Be strong!
