I currently am unemployed and job searching.

10 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 5:40PM UTC

   I have done this before and it has worked out well. Being financially stressed, many people just have to take whatever job is offered first. It may not be a fit or it may not be as advertised, you are taking care of yourself by making a change. If you need to leave a job after a short tenure, just be prepared to explain it in future interviews. If you stay at the second job for a while, it may not even be an issue. But bottom line: you have to do what is best for you. Companies will not take care of you.

2. AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 5:48PM UTC

   I can remember feeling this way when job searching.

   Keep a few things in mind

   For your first question,
   If you take a role and then continue to search for another role, what are you hoping to get out of the second role that you aren't getting in your first? What is making you continue to search even though you accepted a role?

   When looking at roles, only apply to things you believe you will be able to do, find some form of joy in, and not be miserable at least with the job itself.

   There will always be other jobs out there. So it is also good to consider if moving is positions the right thing for you at the time?

   Depending on the field leaving in 3 months may be okay but I don't suggest it unless its a truly toxic job. Some fields everybody knows everybody which could make it hard to find another job even if you didn't truly burn a bridge. The company is spending time and money to train you.

   As for your second question,
   If you are turning down the initial role there is a reason. Figure out what that reason is and how you can try to avoid it when looking at other roles. It may take time to find a better fit but in the end it will be worth it.

   I can tell you when I was doing my job search I applied to a job I thought I wanted to do and then after the interview I knew I didn't.....that was hard because I needed the job and they told me they were going to offer me the position. Deep down though I knew it wasn't the right fit for me. That can happen too and its okay to not accept a second interview or an offer that you don't feel is right even though you need a job. Which I know is hard, you need income to survive and don't want to have to stress about it.

   Choosing the right position and company is one of the hardest things. Have a budget for yourself and a minimum salary/hourly wage you need to accept the job as well as a target salary/hourly wage. Always take the time to negotiate the offer once you receive it. Keep things in mind like PTO, bonuses, professional development/conference stipends, etc. are also things you can ask for. Also keep in mind, will this role get you to where you truly want to be. I have no idea what stage you are in your career based on this post but maybe your next role is a stepping stone to get you where you want to go but that also doesn't mean settle to just settle.

3. AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 8:06PM UTC

   I really appeciate this comment and rationale. I'm early in my career, with 5 years of experience in mainly people operations and program management. The only reason I am thinking of not going with the initial offer is because I don't think it's directly correlated with my career path. The role also requires 3 years of experiences, and I have 5, so I'm not sure if I would be challenged even 6 months in. But I'm also worried about how long it will take to get that right fit. Worst comes to absolute worst, if I really can't find a job in people operations / program management, then I was thinking of pivoting completely by going through a coding bootcamp and pursuing a career in software development.

4. AnonymousApril 20,2022 at 8:49PM UTC

   Based off of what you have said, my decision would be based on how much room for growth there is at the company with the initial offer.

   Is there a chance after training you, you would be able to work on higher level projects with others in the organization to gain new skills? Go to professional development to grow your network and skills? You don't have to answer these just things I would personally be thinking about.

   I completely understand the concern that if you do turn down the initial job it could take time to find another and financially that can be difficult depending on how long it takes. It's never fun to have to worry about money.

5. Lucille MorganApril 20,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

   Do not stay where you are unappreciated. Your well being is important. You deserve better. Raise your self esteem.

6. Anne MatsushitaApril 21,2022 at 12:12AM UTC

   I'm a Career Coach and many of my clients take a job and keep looking on the side, so you're not alone!

   When I worked in HR, it was a bummer when a new hire resigned soon after starting, but it's not the end of the world. At that point, you'd probably still be in training, so it's not like you're leaving with tons of historical knowledge. Also, the company may be able to go back to their 2nd choice candidate and offer them your job, so they'll be fine.

   The fact that you're concerned about the impression leaving would make, tells me you wouldn't burn any bridges! Just keep it professional when you leave. Likely, they want someone who's going to be 100% excited and engaged in the role and if that's not you, that's okay!

7. DaUkly RicanApril 21,2022 at 11:30AM UTC

   Its hard these days because even if hired there is no real "Job Security " unless you are part of a union. Choose what works best for you. Don't worry about how it may inconvenience them because not only are there 50 other applicants ready to fill your position, but they're consideration toward you if you are let go is nonexistent.

8. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 11:36AM UTC

   The first 3 months are probationary so it is your right to terminate the employment. You do not have to show loyalty in just three months (not even after 3 years!). I would focus on the work culture of an organisation - is it supportive/energetic? You do not have to stay anywhere where you are unhappy. Make sure the organisations fits you. Raise your self esteem and you will surprise yourself.

9. Erin Thomas, Career + Leadership CoachApril 22,2022 at 6:02PM UTC

   This is a dilemma, for sure, and it's hard to answer without knowing more about your situation. General guidance: It's not horrible to leave a job after 3 months but it's not wonderful, either. I would say if you have strong hesitations about the role I wouldn't accept the offer and I would wait until the offer comes through I'm most excited about. Remember, you've proven you can get a job, so that's not the issue. It sounds like the issue is getting the "right" job. (Right job = aligned with your desires, needs, motivations, strengths, values) I'd encourage you to be honest with yourself and be patient (if possible) until the right job comes through. Because it will if you keep working at it.

10. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:21PM UTC

    Why borrow trouble? Just keep up with the job applications and don't worry about the what-ifs.