Is There A Job You Won't Take?

This is a touchy subject that can have so many variables and layers and couldn’t possibly be summed up easily. The response to this question will and should vary depending on each individual’s situation. The main factor that can come into play for me was how long I had been unemployed. During different points in my unemployment I thought to myself, “Ok, at what point do I start applying for jobs that I would normally not consider?” Is there a time frame? Do I wait until my unemployment compensation runs out?

Regardless of my education and experience, in my mind, some money is better than no money. So, if the unemployment benefits had run out, I would have probably accepted any legal job that was offered to me. I have to provide shelter, food and clothing for my child and if that means working at McDonald’s until I can find something else, so be it. I am not of the opinion that any job is beneath me. Does it mean I would be content? No. But I would gladly cook some fries or clean toilets if it meant I could keep a roof over our heads and food in our mouths.

My current job is not exactly where I want to be, but it is a foot in the door at a large financial institution. After a bad experience in banking during college, I said I’d never go back to banking. The phrase, “never say never” couldn’t ring any more true. I’m currently in customer service in a call center. Not where I saw myself after completing my MBA a few years back, but this is where I ended up, and I am thankful for it. I’ve had better jobs and I’ve had worse jobs. I am very thankful that I am now gainfully employed and don’t hate what I do. I have the opportunity to meet new people each day, which could lead to my next role.

I am also thankful that this opportunity presented itself pretty late in my road down unemployment. Had I been only six months in, I might have tried to pass on this. This job has taught me a lot about myself. It led to clarity on my purpose and keeps me striving towards bringing that to fruition. So, if you are at a place where you need to work, but the ideal opportunity has not presented itself, consider doing something you wouldn’t normally do. You never know where it might take you.

I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes; it helps to remind me that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

“Sooner or later, something seems to call us onto a particular path- this is what I must do, this is who I am.” ~ James Hillman