I’ve been in a job search for a while and am finally offered the opportunity to join a company. The role, however, is a “job,” not a career move. There is nothing in this position that I haven’t done before. Should I take the job?
This question came up several times in our “Coffee & Conversation” peer-to-peer small group forums.
There’s no easy answer. It really depends on your financial situation. If you can “hold out,” it makes sense to wait until a role comes along that both excites and energizes you. If you really need money to keep your house and pay your kids’ tuition, then you take the job. Keep in mind, “the job” need not be as one dimensional as you think. Look for opportunities to expand your role. For example, volunteer to be on committees in areas that are outside your comfort zone; attend conferences that you haven’t gone to in the past. In the best of all worlds the “job” turns into a smart decision. In the worst case scenario, you leave when the market turns around.