Career Guide Tips

If you are like most unemployed Americans, you may soon reach the point in time when you’d be willing to accept just about any job just to see some income coming in. If you are unemployed and receiving no unemployment benefits, this is a wise idea. But what if you are receiving unemployment benefits? Should you take a low paying entry level job? Before making your decision, keep these points 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 considering an entry level job, the cost of childcare must be taken into consideration. Childcare costs vary greatly from state to state. The worst mistake you can make is end up working only to pay for childcare. So your entry level job translates into a weekly paycheck of $275. But wait! You have 3 kids and the cost of childcare is $200. That leaves you only $75 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 who are looking to make ends meet right now should focus on moving up the company ladder. For example, say you have experience as a retail store manager but you can find and are only offered assistant store manager positions. They pay is less and the title isn’t as high-up as official store manager, 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 are receiving unemployment benefits, you are still receiving a steady paycheck. Although that check is likely less than what you were pulling in at your last job, it is still money. You are in a unique position in that you can be using 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.

The same holds true for volunteering. 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