I and the store manager knew I was over-qualified for the job, and he had encouraged me to look into working full-time and even managerial positions. In the end, the job wasn’t a right fit for me for various reasons and it was time to move on.

About a month later I was contacted by a friend I’d worked with years prior about my most recent position.

http://www.linkedin.com
http://www.indeed.com
http://www.realmatch.com

Give them a try….before shake training

I just wanted to pick out a GEM from Heather’s comment… her husband had a step job and he essentially camouflaged himself as a passive job seeker… which is the thing that many recruiters and hiring managers are looking for (unfair, I know)…

If nothing else, getting the right step job helps you become a PASSIVE job seeker, and thus, more desirable… WOW – that is reason enough!

Very powerful.

I have heard this story time and time again about interviews:

Interviewer: Why should I hire you?
Interviewee: Because I “need” a job.

This is not a good reason to hire someone. “Because I’m the perfect person for this position!” is…

Let’s face it, if you are already working, earning some income to cover your expenses while interviewing for your next career position, you will come across more confident about why the next company should hire you. It can also help your time line so that you don’t have to job hunt.

My husband just completed a 15 month career search – working at a job he really couldn’t stand… but paying our mortgage and living expenses! Sure it was painful, but in the end he was a far better candidate (passive) to employers, recruiters and referrals. They had no idea he was actually an active seeker!

If I were in a situation where I needed to work, I’d sign up with a temp agency (Volt is a great one!). A lot of agencies have large accounts with large venders and it could be a good foot in the door to one of them. OR, I’d at least work for a large chain that pays health benefits. Gosh, the savings in health benefits could be huge and should be considered in the calculations.

Network, network, network into your next position! Working someone only helps build that network.

Another GREAT post Jason!

I looked at actors who’s work life is unpredictable with long periods of ‘unemployment’. The psychologically healthiest where those who had ‘part-time’ jobs that got them out of the home, interaction with people and some income as well as ’structuring their time’. There was a tendency amongst the ’stay at homers’ to higher levels of despondency and depression etc etc. Less good mental health.

So there are potentially large mental health benefits, putting you in a better state of mind for the job hunt and the interview etc apart from personal relationships etc which can suffer to.

To fund my entrepreneurial venture I work in “step jobs” as an HR consultant to a temp agency ( interview prospective employees) and as a conceirge at a major specialty retailer.

I love the time flexibility and the people I meet!

I think a step job is always a possibility, and a stronger one at that. Find a skill in your set that is worth some money to someone and take a position. I know earlier in life I did so to make ends meet. Of course, I also tried my hand at fast food management, and after a month in the position knew it was not a good move!

My brother has used temp agencies as a stop gap in a time when he needed a position, and it actually got him the position he has now. Something from that avenue is always going to be better on your overall resume than flipping burgers (unless, of course, you plan on taking Ray Krok’s job – no wait, he’s already gone!).

Is McDonald’s an option? I think a better one whould always be a temp agency, if the need arises.

I guess in the end it comes down to finances whether I like it or not. I can’t pay my mortgage with pride. I’m giving myself 2 more weeks and then I’m going to suck it up and start applying for junior network admin jobs and take the $20-30K pay cut I fear is coming. It beats the heck out the $40-50K pay cut I’d take as an entry-level tech. I’ve applied for several lower positions so far (those with large companies where I could work my way back up in a couple of years) and got turned down each time for being overqualified.

It totally depends on where you live, what you do, and how well and quickly you recover and gain entry into your previous or future profession. Personally, I know there is money to be made online and when I went through this that was the route I took. Is there anything wrong with working at McDonalds, absolutely not, but it’s not how you should be remembered. I caught a lot of slack for not just taking any job, but in this place I would rather be known as the guy who works from home that the guy who pumps my neighbors gas. Pride, yes, Right, no. As a professional and someone who makes six figures even in a bad year, you have to keep yourself at a certain level or you won’t be taken seriously later. Even step jobs can have a negative effect when you live in a small town. Now, change the city to Tampa, a town with millions. The chances of having to face your neighbor are significantly lower, but if you are a memorable person you still risk being known as the VP who took a job at Mickey D’s.