Career Guide Tips

If you are like most unemployed Americans, you may soon be desperate to get a job. If you are unemployed and if you get no unemployment benefits, it may seem like a must-do thing. But what if you do get unemployment benefits? Should you take a low paying, entry level job just to see some extra money? Before making your decision, keep these factors in mind.

Cost of Travel
Will gas prices ever go down and stay down? Week one, you are shocked at the high gas prices. Week two, you are shocked even more. In the past, it was common for job seekers to travel one hour each way to work for a well-paying and stable job. This practice is still performed today, but it is costly. It is recommended that job seeker accept entry level jobs that require minimal travel to and from work unless affordable public transportation is an option.

Cost of Childcare
If you are a parent who is might take an entry level job, the cost of childcare must be considered. Childcare and daycare costs vary greatly from state to state. A common mistake made by parents is working only to pay for childcare. So your entry level job earns you a weekly paycheck of $285. But wait! You have three kids and childcare costs $200. That leaves you only $85 each week. When you take into account travel time an expenses, you are basically paying just to have your children babysat while you work.

Ability to Move Up Company Ladder
Entry level jobs are commonly used to describe two types of jobs. First is a low-paying job. It is a well-known secret that entry level jobs pay less. Instead of marketing the job as a low-paying position, the company typically markets it as an entry level job. Second is a start job, where good performance enables you to move up the company ladder (either with a raise or promotion).

Job seekers looking to make ends meet right now should focus on raises and promotions. For instance, say you have experience as a retail store manager but assistant manager or team leader jobs are all that you can find now. They pay is less and the title isn’t as high-up, but is the company known for promoting from within? If so, a few months or a year on the job could have you moving up the company ladder to a non-entry level and higher paying position.

What Else Could You Do
If you do get unemployment benefits, you still get a steady paycheck. Although that check is less than what you were pulling in at your last job, it is still money. You are in a unique, but amazing position because you can use this time to further your skills, education, and training.

For example, say you are looking for office management jobs. While in the process of applying for jobs, why not take a few training courses at a community college or vocational training center. They are ideal to write on a job application and can help to accommodate for any work gaps.

Volunteering can accomplish the same results. Why not volunteer at the front desk of your local pet shelter answering phones? Volunteer experience is always ideal, but a must-have for any resume when that volunteer work gains you job experience.
By Adnan Masood