The Velvet Hammer tackles tough office dilemmas.
Q: I was laid off from a mid-level managerial
position at a large company about 14 months ago
and haven’t been able to find a similar job at a
comparable pay grade or level of responsibility.
I’ve been offered an entry-level position at a
much smaller firm, and I’m wondering whether I
should take it or hold out for something better?
Your thoughts?
—Feeling Anxious in Affton
A: If unemployed more than a year, I’d definitely be tempted to jump at the very next job offer. Be aware that the longer one’s work history runs fallow, the higher a prospective employer might raise his/her eyebrow and wonder whether that prospective employee’s skills were still viable, or worse—question their work ethic. But before I made a snap decision, I’d calmly evaluate my present situation—personally, professionally and financially—to determine whether this career move would make sense now and long-term. First and foremost, I’d review my finances and determine whether I’d be obliged to take the job because I needed money for essentials, such as food, clothing, rent/mortgage, etc. If I determined that I had the financial wherewithal to consider other options, I’d then want to do a kind of cost-benefit analysis, writing down all the pros and cons of taking the job versus not taking the job. A couple of downsides/costs of not taking the job are pretty obvious: lost income and continued unemployment. But would the potential benefits of taking the job outweigh the alternative(s)? To make this judgment I also would want answers to several additional questions. Would this entry-level position put my skills and training to good use? Would I have an opportunity to learn even more valuable skills and/or knowledge that could further my career? Are the prospects for advancement promising? Would there likely be any job security and, if so, could I envision myself working my way up through the ranks to reach my career objective(s)? There might be no cut-and-dried answers to these questions, but by thinking them through and doing your due diligence in checking out the company, you may be able to piece together enough information to come to a well-reasoned decision and, hopefully, alleviate your anxiety.
By Joan Lee Berkman
[If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.]
