Today we have a new question from a 2o-something on career, following your passion and timing. Some thoughtful perspectives from our 40-something panel on what to do when you have found your dream but you haven’t found the job.
Dear 40-somethings,
I’m 24 and just finished my Masters in something I absolutely LOVE doing. I’ve come so far in the last few years and finally found a career that I know I am meant to be doing right now. The problem is, now that I’ve finished that Master’s, I’ve moved back home and I’m having a frustrating, grueling job search.
I got offered a job that would pay well for the time being, but I know my heart wouldn’t be in it. Do I take the job to fatten my saving account, knowing something better may be out there, or do I hold out until that does happen? My fear is that if I take the job and leave after a few months if something better comes along, it looks poorly on me. I’m on the hunt for the dream job and hate feeling like I’m settling if there are bigger and better things out there.
Thanks for your wisdom!
Dear 20-something,
Congratulations on your Masters degree! Hopefully it will open the door to a dream job soon. However, in this economy, finding a job that is “pretty good” is actually quite a bonus. There is no need to hold out for the dream right now. It’s amazing how walking through one door may open so many more that you had no idea even existed. Take the job, save up now and keep working towards your future. If the dream job comes around quickly, you may say your apologies and gracefully bow out of the “pretty good” job. Again, in this economy what may have looked unflattering in job moves has changed to acceptable given the limited opportunities. Good luck!! – 40-something, Cleveland, OH
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Dear 20-something,
There is nothing wrong with taking the job to help pay expenses while you find your ‘dream job.’ Dream jobs are hard to find and could take you a long time to do so. It will take extra work and due diligence to hold down a full time job while searching for this dream but it will be worth it in the end. Generally, companies look to people who have jobs to fill their current openings, not people who have been out of jobs for extended periods of time (post schooling or not.)
As you will be using this job to help build up your resume and career, there is no problem leaving after a few months (if you are so lucky). Just don’t make it a habit. You have to be strategic in how you build your career and as long as you have a story to go with it (eg. “I wanted to gain knowledge in blah blah blah field to build upon my educational skills.” “I felt it was important to gain first hand industry experience while still searching for my dream job.” etc….) an occasional job hop or two is OK. Remember, your ultimate goal might be to find your dream job but along the way you will gain invaluable skills at the in-between jobs that you can translate to your final dream job. No work experience ever goes to waste. Good luck. — 40-something, San Diego
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Dear 20-something,
I am a gal who generally regrets nothing — I am convinced that you learn as you go and even “wrong decisions” are valuable, instructive and eye-opening in a way that often trumps staying true to yourself.
BUT. I had an opportunity to continue to explore a career at age 21 that I abandoned because it didn’t pay well, and I feared it would not translate into the lifestyle I imagined would be more rewarding. My wish today (at 40) is that I would have at least tried it for 2-3 years. To invest the time (and the poverty) early on to try something you love is the opportunity of youth…life gets infinitely more complex as you get older, so I suggest you sacrifice now to follow your heart…there’s always time to pay the bills later! – 40-something, New York City
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Dear 20-something,
It is difficult to fully assess the situation without taking into consideration the industry you are targeting; how you define your dream job and what opportunities are being offered with the new position to name a few. But going on a limb, I would say when starting out, it is difficult to describe or know what a dream job will entail. The beauty of getting started and working is that you get exposed, you build contacts, you learn about yourself and your industry in a way that no educational institution could ever teach/provide. If you are interviewing and have potential multiple offers, you then manage the process differently. But if this is your only offer, then you have nothing to lose by getting started. Take a leap of faith and learn from it.
My only caveat: listen to your gut instincts. If your instinct tell you to steer away; listen to your gut. – 40-something, NYC
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Dear 20 something,
Take the job you got offered while you look for something else. Do the job well, do it enthusiastically, and be ultra thankful to have one. When you get something better, express how grateful you are to have had the experience and move on. You can always spin anything on your resume to sound positive or to make sense. Always take the better job, even if it is a risk or too soon – opportunity does not come knocking every day. Best of luck! – 40-something, NYC