It seems simple enough. You enter college, choose a major, and then work in your chosen field when you graduate. But these days it’s not so straightforward. For one, the recession of the last several years has taken a serious toll on the professional lives of young college graduates.
According to a 2012 report by the Pew Research Center, a majority of the people surveyed (82%) believes that today’s young adults have it much harder than their parents. The same report showed that half of all 18- to 34-year-olds (49%) have taken a job they didn’t want just to pay the bills, with 24% saying they have taken an unpaid job to gain work experience. In addition, only 30% of all 18- to 34-year-olds consider their current job a career.
With this in mind, it’s not only possible but also likely that you’ll have to settle for a “survival” job (or jobs) at some point in your career. But having a solid plan can prevent you from becoming derailed for too long or even permanently. Here are some tips on making the best of plan B.
Give Yourself a Deadline
Many recent college graduates have a limit to how long their finances will last before they truly need to stop being picky and find something fast. When you’re still in college, with many months to go before graduation, you have the luxury of taking your time. This is really when you should be stepping up your game and trying to land something before graduation. After that, competition becomes fierce and the clock is ticking. Know how long your finances will hold until you need to start exploring other fields.
Improve Your Skills
Perhaps you can’t find a job that specifically targets your knowledge, but working in an alternative position can sometimes be an advantage if it offers skills that improve your marketability. For instance, an aspiring project manager working in a clerical position or in a big box store can gain valuable skills in computer programs, customer service and even management.
Pursue Your Interests
Consider looking for “survival” jobs that relate to your own personal interests. For instance, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you might be happier working at REI than at Target. Or get creative and look for work where you can put your interests to work, such as a camp counselor or an outdoor guide.
Target Desirable Companies
If you were turned down for a job at a great company, perhaps there are other, more attainable opportunities that will enable you to at least get your foot in the door. Similarly, keep an open mind when it comes to good positions at lesser known companies.
Make Time for Job Searching
If you’re truly serious about finding a job in your chosen field, don’t get so caught up in your “transitional” job that you don’t have time to look. Fortunately, many retail jobs offer enough flexibility where you have some days off to go on interviews. Even if you’re working in a nine-to-five position, make sure it’s not so exhausting that you don’t have any energy left for job search-related activities.
Stay Positive
It’s important to have a positive attitude both at work and about the future. Don’t sabotage your chances of getting a good referral by management and colleagues by being arrogant or apathetic. Take pride in what you do, whether it’s a temporary job or your dream job.
