Should you take a survival job?

I came across a recent article on whether or not to take a 'survival job' during the pandemic. I would reference it here but it was an ad for one program or another. I thought I'd give you my take on the concept.

Many folks have been out of work a while now (some nearly a year) because this pandemic. For some, benefits might be running out or have run out or you might not have qualified in the first place (or live in a country less generous than Canada). You might be dipping into your RRSP or your savings or borrowing to keep yourself afloat. Desperate times call for desperate measures and, even if you are not desperate, being at home (we are in lockdown here in Ontario) in the winter with no job can be frustrating and worse for many of us.

In a 'normal' world, I coach people -- primarily in the financial services space -- and urge them to hang tight and hold out for the role they want. The role that will further their career. Oftentimes when you step away from your path, it is impossible to get back on that road. But this is not a 'normal' world and these are not 'normal' times.

As a career coach (and a successful recruiter!) I believe that you can explain away a detour in your career because of this pandemic. You need a job. You need money. You need to keep busy. The market is tight. If you are fortunate enough to find a job and it keeps your head afloat and helps to keep your sanity, take it. There are many ways to spin your 'pandemic job' when this is over. Think about new skills you may have learned. Think about the new experience you had. How often will you have a chance to take a job that you would not normally take. You could add to your skill set in ways you never imagined.

The article talks about taking a job in a home improvement store (not sure why they chose that as it might be a chosen career for many) but, anyway, if that's the case, think about what that job afforded you. Customer service skills for one. Relationship building skills for another. Endurance (on your feet 8-10 hours a day!). A way to flex your knowledge of home improvement. Maybe you detoured off a banking job you had when you were downsized because of the pandemic and took something entirely different. That's OK. It shows hiring managers and recruiters that you did not sit idly -- even if you could -- but took a job to continue to earn a wage, to interact with people, to enhance your skills and experience and to keep your sanity.

And, if you are in the position where you are out of work but don't need to work or can afford to wait, kudos to you. How about looking at volunteering opportunities? Boards perhaps. Taking care of pets at the local shelter? Driving people to doctors' appointments? Shopping for seniors in your neighbourhood. Delivering Meals on wheels? There are lots you can do and 'survival' jobs and volunteering opportunities are just two ways to do it.