Do I accept a lesser salary to just get a job?
I was unexpectedly laid off in December from a $100k job, and though I am now getting calls and invitations to interview, the potential target salaries during initial conversations are ranging $20k - $50k below what I was making for a similar position (I was there 5.5 years and have 20+ years experience).
Do I suck it up and take one of these lesser paying jobs and keep looking or do I turn them down and keep looking? Financially, I have liquid resources to sustain me for a year or more if I live very frugally, but I hate not working and bringing in money! I am a team of one. Appreciate any thoughts.
Dustspot
Organizational Dev. and Talent Mgt. consultant.
95
03/12/20 at 6:19AM UTC
I know what you mean. I was laid off in the jobs are crappy pay. And I can't even seem to get them! I feel age discrimination is that play. I'm seriously thinking on being an entrepreneur and becoming a wellness/nutrition coach for individuals and corporations. I would have to get extra training, but I want to know if I can really do this. I've been looking for a job for 2 years and I've had no luck. I've had great interviews, but there's hundreds of applicants for the same position. I'm starting to lose steam. Formally I was in learning and development, and I really want to be in talent management and organizational development. Contract work sucks. I'm a single mom. I've got three years left of child support and I figure that will help me get my business launched. If I'm going to do it I better do it now. Maybe that's where we need to focus? Any ideas?
Anonymous
03/04/20 at 10:06PM UTC
I totally agree with Wendy Rolon. Consider taking a good position that is -$20K so you're back in the workforce sooner. But continue to network and job search while working. This will be hard to do because you'll have less time and less energy, but you must stay committed to get yourself back to where you think you should be in your career. Good luck!
Wendy RolonMarketing Business strategist - Business Mentor
42
03/03/20 at 2:36AM UTC
How disappointing! So sorry to hear that! It truly is a personal decision but I can see why you want to get back in the saddle and keep earning sooner than later. For women of our "seasoning" :), it is easy to let insecurity creep up on us and cause us to doubt our value in the current workforce. If it were me and I could afford to support myself financially for a year without working, I may say yes to a -$20k opportunity but definitely no to a $-50k less opportunity. $50k would be a big gap to recoup where -$20k may be much more feasible. I would also suspect that the professional levels of the roles are different at -$20k and -$50k so you should think of where the next step takes you after this first step, not just this first step. Wishing you the best of luck on your new venture - wherever it may lead!
DustspotOrganizational Dev. and Talent Mgt. consultant.
95
02/25/20 at 1:13AM UTC
I had the exact experience. Now it's been almost 2 years. I'm ready to accept anything. I'm SOOOO frustrated.
AnnMarie RugallaPassionate about Philanthropy & Operations
79
02/21/20 at 8:28PM UTC
Thought you might like this article that landed in my inbox this week: https://chasingourfinancialfreedom.com/what-are-your-salary-expectations/ This woman's website has helped me tremendously after needing to dust-off my "lost" interview skills.
AnnMarie RugallaPassionate about Philanthropy & Operations
79
02/21/20 at 8:20PM UTC
I can 100% relate to you, your situation, and your drive. I was the "head of household" making $100K+ until I was let go in 2018 after being with my company for about 18 years. I started working part-time at my daughter's school 1/2019 to evaluate what I wanted my next career adventure to be, but during that time I dabbled in some interviews. Most roles didn't come close to my previous salary and I did not accept the role(s). Now, I am really missing the 9 to 5/corporate atmosphere and feel desperate to just accept anything. I agree with Anne above, "you hate not working." Take a little time off to enjoy life though before going back! Good luck and keep us posted!
Anne KnoxCMP
322
02/21/20 at 2:02AM UTC
It is a personal decision, but I would take the job. You hate not working, you will have money coming in, and nothing prevents you from looking.there are 20 states that bar employers from asking your pay history so you might not even have to address the lower pay in future interviews
