Do I settle or keep at it?
October 21, 2011 10:47 AM Subscribe
Please help me decide how to proceed with my life in this post college recession (1.5 years and no full-time job): Do I take this opportunity or continue looking for something more akin to whom I am? I am an ENFP personality and first person to go to college in my family.
Hello all! I am new to the AskMeFi community but I have been reading posts for a couple of months and your responses have done wonders for me. So first and foremost: Thank you for saving my long term relationship (8 years); you have helped me mature tremendously in that regard.
But anyway...pertaining to this topic: I am confused as hell with how to proceed with my life. An opportunity has been made available to me in the form of a job offer, for a type of job that I detest (Business to Business sales); however, it pays very well and it will allow me to save money since I have very low expenses (live at home). But I know that it will be difficult continuing to look for something else while working here because I believe I may have adult ADD and it's very difficult for me to spend my free time doing something mundane that I dislike (looking for jobs) when I know that in a couple of hours I'll have to go to sleep and go to the job I dislike...that depresses me.
Should I devote all my free time trying new things/job searching/learning about myself and not take this position? (I have some money saved up) or should I "try it out" and struggle to make time looking for another job? - this position may not even correlate to anything I wish to do in the future (maybe).
I have been job searching since September 2010 after finishing college in May 2010 with a Bachelor's in Business Management, but am unable to find any entry level positions other than crummy sales jobs that I've avoided.
My only work experience is as follows:
3 yrs Resident Assistant in college
1 Human Resources Internship while in college
--from Fall 2010 until the present (post college while job searching)
1 yr retails sales
1 Human Resources internship that I just completed
While this may seem very obvious to most people I just want to clarify that I do not have too much direct work experience or really know what I want to do with my life. I actually don't want to pursue HR yet it was all I could get at the times.
So here is me in a nutshell - I have an ENFP personality so I love working along with other people and making friends. I tremendously enjoy camaraderie, but I need my work to have a purpose as I want to devote my time for a cause that matters (I can care less about making company X money, any cog can do this). I am empathetic, compassionate and indignant. I become hyper-focused on my interests but struggle with activities when I lack interest. I enjoy dynamics and detest routine, I am intuitive and imaginative and become bored with spreadsheets, forms, and all the like. Finally, there's nothing I can't stand more than boredom, and I fear office jobs will all result in thus. I Boredom depresses me.
Am I being naive and should just take what I can get in this economy? Save up money so that I can finally get married?
I don't have an exact direction, but I would ideally like to work in the video game industry eventually (difficult to get into without programming/art skills) and maybe start my own studio, or perhaps work for a charity/non-profit. I am even considering a career in law enforcement through the NYPD.
My own parents have settled for less and aren't exactly miserable, but haven't progressed with their lives either in the last 2 decades, and it seems like such a pity to work to live or even settling for less.
Thank you all for taking a couple of moments to read my posting. I appreciate any feedback even if it's a hard slap in the face.
Hello all! I am new to the AskMeFi community but I have been reading posts for a couple of months and your responses have done wonders for me. So first and foremost: Thank you for saving my long term relationship (8 years); you have helped me mature tremendously in that regard.
But anyway...pertaining to this topic: I am confused as hell with how to proceed with my life. An opportunity has been made available to me in the form of a job offer, for a type of job that I detest (Business to Business sales); however, it pays very well and it will allow me to save money since I have very low expenses (live at home). But I know that it will be difficult continuing to look for something else while working here because I believe I may have adult ADD and it's very difficult for me to spend my free time doing something mundane that I dislike (looking for jobs) when I know that in a couple of hours I'll have to go to sleep and go to the job I dislike...that depresses me.
Should I devote all my free time trying new things/job searching/learning about myself and not take this position? (I have some money saved up) or should I "try it out" and struggle to make time looking for another job? - this position may not even correlate to anything I wish to do in the future (maybe).
I have been job searching since September 2010 after finishing college in May 2010 with a Bachelor's in Business Management, but am unable to find any entry level positions other than crummy sales jobs that I've avoided.
My only work experience is as follows:
3 yrs Resident Assistant in college
1 Human Resources Internship while in college
--from Fall 2010 until the present (post college while job searching)
1 yr retails sales
1 Human Resources internship that I just completed
While this may seem very obvious to most people I just want to clarify that I do not have too much direct work experience or really know what I want to do with my life. I actually don't want to pursue HR yet it was all I could get at the times.
So here is me in a nutshell - I have an ENFP personality so I love working along with other people and making friends. I tremendously enjoy camaraderie, but I need my work to have a purpose as I want to devote my time for a cause that matters (I can care less about making company X money, any cog can do this). I am empathetic, compassionate and indignant. I become hyper-focused on my interests but struggle with activities when I lack interest. I enjoy dynamics and detest routine, I am intuitive and imaginative and become bored with spreadsheets, forms, and all the like. Finally, there's nothing I can't stand more than boredom, and I fear office jobs will all result in thus. I Boredom depresses me.
Am I being naive and should just take what I can get in this economy? Save up money so that I can finally get married?
I don't have an exact direction, but I would ideally like to work in the video game industry eventually (difficult to get into without programming/art skills) and maybe start my own studio, or perhaps work for a charity/non-profit. I am even considering a career in law enforcement through the NYPD.
My own parents have settled for less and aren't exactly miserable, but haven't progressed with their lives either in the last 2 decades, and it seems like such a pity to work to live or even settling for less.
Thank you all for taking a couple of moments to read my posting. I appreciate any feedback even if it's a hard slap in the face.
Response by poster: no benefits. 35k base salary + commission
posted by Wazooga at 10:51 AM on October 21, 2011
posted by Wazooga at 10:51 AM on October 21, 2011
Given that you get a guaranteed base salary, I think you should take the job. You don't have a lot of work experience, and you won't get any without getting a job, so this is somewhere to start. You'll be able to feel it out; you might like it more than you think. And if not, you'll know what not to take in your next job.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:57 AM on October 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:57 AM on October 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
In your position, I would probably take the job. For the same reasons everyone else has mentioned so far: money is necessary, work experience of some kind is valuable. From my perspective it seems like it's *much* easier to get a job when you already have one (as this can create a more positive impression with hiring managers.)
If you're seriously concerned about ADHD, it's likely worth getting money together for a physician visit and probably counseling, testing, and the other hoops one needs to jump through to get diagnosed. Having had mental health issues myself, I've found that getting those treated properly has been the single most important thing I've done towards getting the kind of job (and life) that I like.
Best of luck figuring things out - and congratulations for having a job offer! Even for a job you're not too keen on, an offer is an accomplishment in and of itself, and bodes well for your future.
posted by brackish.line at 11:03 AM on October 21, 2011
If you're seriously concerned about ADHD, it's likely worth getting money together for a physician visit and probably counseling, testing, and the other hoops one needs to jump through to get diagnosed. Having had mental health issues myself, I've found that getting those treated properly has been the single most important thing I've done towards getting the kind of job (and life) that I like.
Best of luck figuring things out - and congratulations for having a job offer! Even for a job you're not too keen on, an offer is an accomplishment in and of itself, and bodes well for your future.
posted by brackish.line at 11:03 AM on October 21, 2011
The thing that people always remind me when I'm in a "should I take this job offer" state is that "there is no rule that says that you have to keep this job for the entire rest of your life." There is a certain wisdom to keeping a job "just to save up some money" for a while and then leave.
Also you will get workplace experience, and on-the-job experience in an actual company -- and who knows, maybe you'll end up making friends with someone in Human Resources, or the Desktop Publishing department or something, and over time you'll realize you want to try that new option which you hadn't considered before, and you'll find it's actually something you like, and....
Or you'll just quit in a year or so if you absolutely hate it.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:05 AM on October 21, 2011 [8 favorites]
Also you will get workplace experience, and on-the-job experience in an actual company -- and who knows, maybe you'll end up making friends with someone in Human Resources, or the Desktop Publishing department or something, and over time you'll realize you want to try that new option which you hadn't considered before, and you'll find it's actually something you like, and....
Or you'll just quit in a year or so if you absolutely hate it.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:05 AM on October 21, 2011 [8 favorites]
"I can care less about making company X money, any cog can do this"
If this is true, why haven't you been making any money for the last year and a half?
Take the job. Quit if you hate it. Continue to look for something else while you work there if you find it unrewarding. Sitting at home sobbing about your personality type is going to do you no good whatsoever.
I know this post is not sufficiently sensitive for AskMe, but seriously, grow up. Do something unenjoyable for a little bit because it makes your life better in the long run.
Hell, you might even enjoy it. Maybe you'll make friends with your co-workers and go out for beers after work and have a good time.
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 11:16 AM on October 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
If this is true, why haven't you been making any money for the last year and a half?
Take the job. Quit if you hate it. Continue to look for something else while you work there if you find it unrewarding. Sitting at home sobbing about your personality type is going to do you no good whatsoever.
I know this post is not sufficiently sensitive for AskMe, but seriously, grow up. Do something unenjoyable for a little bit because it makes your life better in the long run.
Hell, you might even enjoy it. Maybe you'll make friends with your co-workers and go out for beers after work and have a good time.
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 11:16 AM on October 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
I mostly agree with tylerkaraszewski above (seriously, grow up), but I also wanted to add that B2B sales is actually a pretty interesting field. I don't have the...ahem...interpersonal ability to do it myself, and I don't like the culture either, but generally B2B sales reps have pretty wide latitude to create deals that cater to the customer. You can get really creative designing a solution that makes your customers and your bosses happy.
Also, depending on what you're selling, and the organization you're selling to, that could actually make a much more concrete impact on the world than, say, being a cop. If you're selling life-saving medical devices to doctors - that sort of thing.
posted by downing street memo at 11:25 AM on October 21, 2011
Also, depending on what you're selling, and the organization you're selling to, that could actually make a much more concrete impact on the world than, say, being a cop. If you're selling life-saving medical devices to doctors - that sort of thing.
posted by downing street memo at 11:25 AM on October 21, 2011
You've been unemployed since leaving college, you have shit for work experience, you're living with your parents, and you are asking if you should take a job in this economy, when so few people who want jobs have access to them? Are you expected the magic Job Of Your Dreams to drop out of the sky and someone will give it to you despite your total lack of qualifications for the working world?
When did you start wanting to be an adult?
posted by Anonymous at 11:32 AM on October 21, 2011
When did you start wanting to be an adult?
posted by Anonymous at 11:32 AM on October 21, 2011
I don't have much in the way of career advice to offer you, but if you think you have adult ADHD, consider getting a diagnosis and if necessary, seeking treatment.
I know this suggestion gets thrown around a lot on AskMe, but seriously, getting treatment for ADHD can change everything.
If you don't think you can work full time while also spending your free time doing something boring, how do you think you're ever going to get other boring adult tasks like paying bills or filing your taxes done? Doing boring things you don't want to do in your precious free time is part of being an adult. Sad but true. Having ADHD makes those tasks harder, but it just means you need to learn ways to accomplish things that works for you, it's not an excuse.
I know this is coming off harsh, but aside from your desire career(s), I practically could have written your question a few years ago. Best of luck!
posted by inertia at 11:34 AM on October 21, 2011
I know this suggestion gets thrown around a lot on AskMe, but seriously, getting treatment for ADHD can change everything.
If you don't think you can work full time while also spending your free time doing something boring, how do you think you're ever going to get other boring adult tasks like paying bills or filing your taxes done? Doing boring things you don't want to do in your precious free time is part of being an adult. Sad but true. Having ADHD makes those tasks harder, but it just means you need to learn ways to accomplish things that works for you, it's not an excuse.
I know this is coming off harsh, but aside from your desire career(s), I practically could have written your question a few years ago. Best of luck!
posted by inertia at 11:34 AM on October 21, 2011
I think you should take the job. I stumbled into my career as the result of an internship, two of my brothers switched gears in their careers entirely (and almost accidentally) no more than a couple of years out of college, and my remaining siblings are temping because the economy sucks. Gaining experience is an invaluable part of your early 20s, and if you can do it while setting aside money, so much the better.
How do you know you'll hate the job? Have you done it before? If you haven't, give yourself an opportunity to find out whether it works for you or not. I've held down several jobs that I thought I would hate going in, and had jobs I thought I would love turn on me in unexpected ways, so unless the job is a horrible fit for your actual skill set (and what I'm seeing in your anticipated dislikes is an anticipated mis-fit with your personality, and unless you've done the job, you could be assessing that fit inaccurately), I think you should take it.
I appreciate the difficulty of mustering up the will to look for work when your existing job is getting you down, so here's what I'd suggest you do: don't stop looking for work. Take the job, but schedule 30 minutes a day, every day, looking for another one. That may not sound like a lot of time, but if you take 30 minutes to look for interesting postings one day, and 30 minutes on a cover letter the next day, you'll stay in the habit of job hunting without making a huge burden out of it.
And not to be harsh, but "I believe I may have adult ADD" is no kind of reason not to do this. If you really do believe this is a problem you're facing, use the money you'd be earning through your new job to get diagnosed (assuming that you can't do this through your parents' insurance) and get on medication and get help learning coping skills, or accept that pretty much nobody likes to do stuff that's boring but necessary, and that a routine is very often the only way to make sure it gets done.
posted by EvaDestruction at 11:37 AM on October 21, 2011
How do you know you'll hate the job? Have you done it before? If you haven't, give yourself an opportunity to find out whether it works for you or not. I've held down several jobs that I thought I would hate going in, and had jobs I thought I would love turn on me in unexpected ways, so unless the job is a horrible fit for your actual skill set (and what I'm seeing in your anticipated dislikes is an anticipated mis-fit with your personality, and unless you've done the job, you could be assessing that fit inaccurately), I think you should take it.
I appreciate the difficulty of mustering up the will to look for work when your existing job is getting you down, so here's what I'd suggest you do: don't stop looking for work. Take the job, but schedule 30 minutes a day, every day, looking for another one. That may not sound like a lot of time, but if you take 30 minutes to look for interesting postings one day, and 30 minutes on a cover letter the next day, you'll stay in the habit of job hunting without making a huge burden out of it.
And not to be harsh, but "I believe I may have adult ADD" is no kind of reason not to do this. If you really do believe this is a problem you're facing, use the money you'd be earning through your new job to get diagnosed (assuming that you can't do this through your parents' insurance) and get on medication and get help learning coping skills, or accept that pretty much nobody likes to do stuff that's boring but necessary, and that a routine is very often the only way to make sure it gets done.
posted by EvaDestruction at 11:37 AM on October 21, 2011
This isn't "settling." If anything is for sure in this day and age, it is that things are going to change so much, so fast, that it is pretty much an absolute certainty that in a few years, you will be in a different place, with different skills, in a different career landscape, and you will absolutely try out a couple of different paths in your VERY LONG WORKING LIFE - oh my god you have so long to work - that the notion of "settling" in your first job is preposterous.
Maybe, once you are saddled with a ginormous mortgage or private school tuition for your future spawn or are saving up for whatever your heart desires at that point, you will "settle" for not terrible but definitely not awesome work instead of taking a big risk.
But this - taking an actual first employment opportunity and getting actual work experience among real people in real situations that you can leverage into newer, better, awesome experiences - is hardly "settling." By hyperfocusing on this word, you've defeated yourself before you even begin. You have to start somewhere.
No one wants to be a "cog," but frankly as a fresh grad, that's all you're equipped to be - for now. Get in there and learn how the bigger scope of the machinery works - and then build your own.
posted by sestaaak at 11:47 AM on October 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Maybe, once you are saddled with a ginormous mortgage or private school tuition for your future spawn or are saving up for whatever your heart desires at that point, you will "settle" for not terrible but definitely not awesome work instead of taking a big risk.
But this - taking an actual first employment opportunity and getting actual work experience among real people in real situations that you can leverage into newer, better, awesome experiences - is hardly "settling." By hyperfocusing on this word, you've defeated yourself before you even begin. You have to start somewhere.
No one wants to be a "cog," but frankly as a fresh grad, that's all you're equipped to be - for now. Get in there and learn how the bigger scope of the machinery works - and then build your own.
posted by sestaaak at 11:47 AM on October 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Wow, did I pass out this afternoon, go back in time and write a post on metafilter?
I am an ENFP with a BSBA in Business Management and my first job out of college was in B2B Marketing / Sales. I grudgingly took the job, as I wanted to start or work for a non-profit or start my own company, but it ended up being a tremendous experience. Not only were the people great, but I learned a lot about myself because I was forced to meet with and learn about so many companies I would have had no idea existed. Plus, the B2B community is pretty insulated from the fadish-ness of the B2C world, so you end up meeting a lot of very honest, realistic and good people as a result (YMMV).
From there, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA to be with my girlfriend, who is now my wife. I took a job a month after moving here in non-profit, and hated it. Partially it was the culture, but a big reason included the fact that non-profits in a recession are very, very tough places to work, generally. Slim resources are even slimmer, and if a fundraising program doesn't go well, they get more concerned about their overhead in employing you than developing you. I say this after having success there as a fundraiser and still feeling like my job was in jeopardy.
Feel free to MeMail me with more specific questions, but I would guess that you can derive two benefits here: 1. You may find a career you really like, either this position or through the many people you'll meet in the position or 2. You'll know with certainty that you do not like this type of job - the benefit being that you have real experience on your resume, and the ability to do B2B sales will be seen as a positive thing for you in future interviews.
Good luck - again, feel free to MeMail me.
posted by glaucon at 11:49 AM on October 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am an ENFP with a BSBA in Business Management and my first job out of college was in B2B Marketing / Sales. I grudgingly took the job, as I wanted to start or work for a non-profit or start my own company, but it ended up being a tremendous experience. Not only were the people great, but I learned a lot about myself because I was forced to meet with and learn about so many companies I would have had no idea existed. Plus, the B2B community is pretty insulated from the fadish-ness of the B2C world, so you end up meeting a lot of very honest, realistic and good people as a result (YMMV).
From there, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA to be with my girlfriend, who is now my wife. I took a job a month after moving here in non-profit, and hated it. Partially it was the culture, but a big reason included the fact that non-profits in a recession are very, very tough places to work, generally. Slim resources are even slimmer, and if a fundraising program doesn't go well, they get more concerned about their overhead in employing you than developing you. I say this after having success there as a fundraiser and still feeling like my job was in jeopardy.
Feel free to MeMail me with more specific questions, but I would guess that you can derive two benefits here: 1. You may find a career you really like, either this position or through the many people you'll meet in the position or 2. You'll know with certainty that you do not like this type of job - the benefit being that you have real experience on your resume, and the ability to do B2B sales will be seen as a positive thing for you in future interviews.
Good luck - again, feel free to MeMail me.
posted by glaucon at 11:49 AM on October 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I would also like to say that working for a non-profit is no guarantee of meaningful work. I've worked in non-profits most of my working life, and they can be incredibly frustrating places, and they can take serious wrong turns, and I have frequently been in disagreement with the goals of the organizations I work for (on macro and micro levels).
Take the job! If the job is bad, quit.
posted by mskyle at 11:55 AM on October 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Take the job! If the job is bad, quit.
posted by mskyle at 11:55 AM on October 21, 2011 [2 favorites]
Have you paid any attention to on going reports that it is much, much harder to land a job if you are currently unemployed? Take it, if only so you don't make the immediate first cull when applying to your dream jobs.
posted by availablelight at 11:55 AM on October 21, 2011
posted by availablelight at 11:55 AM on October 21, 2011
I did b2b marketing in college and it was actually hella fun. You would not believe the random shit people do at their jobs. One guy talked to me for an hour about the requirements he had for netbooks for census takers. Another person told me about a Rube Goldberg-esque filing system they had that actually rotated manila file folders in and out of their ceiling on a big barrel.
I got paid a base wage which really, really takes the pressure off. Amazingly. Astoundingly. You can work with people and chat with them without worrying about whether you'll make rent.
...Oh my lord, base salary of THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS? Plus incentives? Listen to me. Listen to me, okay? THAT IS AMAZING. TAKE THIS JOB.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 12:00 PM on October 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
I got paid a base wage which really, really takes the pressure off. Amazingly. Astoundingly. You can work with people and chat with them without worrying about whether you'll make rent.
...Oh my lord, base salary of THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS? Plus incentives? Listen to me. Listen to me, okay? THAT IS AMAZING. TAKE THIS JOB.
posted by Snarl Furillo at 12:00 PM on October 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
Save up money so that I can finally get married?
Um. If you don't know what you want to do with your life, don't blow your money on a wedding.
It sucks that we live in a system that works this way, but having money pretty much means having freedom, choices, and power. Money is what makes it possible for you to take risks and do things you find fulfilling. Having money means that you can take classes to broaden your horizons. Having money means that if you wake up one day and realize that your passion is writing reviews for a video game magazine, you can just quit and get started on that. Having money means that you can move out and define your own space. Having money means being able to take care of your loved ones if they're in dire financial straits. Having money means being able to support the causes you care about. Money means that you can pick up and move to another country if you think you'll enjoy living there better.
Money is a means to an end. When you don't know what that end is, stocking up on money means that you'll be better prepared when you figure out what you want to do. If you decide you want to become, say, a community organizer, you'll probably be happy you spent the last two years building up a safety net and working on your ability to sell people on your arguments. Don't dismiss the job you were offered because it is unglamorous; anything you do repeatedly is practice and an opportunity to learn a new skill. You may find it a valuable one in the future.
Don't expect your job to define the person you are or to fulfill you, especially if it's a job in a small business or corporation. You need to come up with that answer for yourself. Your job is defined by forces completely beyond your control, such as the market for your services and the competence and desires of the people who were hired to run it. It usually takes years in an organization for you to have enough control over your job to avoid boredom and work that is frustrating.
I am empathetic, compassionate and indignant. I become hyper-focused on my interests but struggle with activities when I lack interest. I enjoy dynamics and detest routine, I am intuitive and imaginative and become bored with spreadsheets, forms, and all the like.
I can't really think of many people who wouldn't describe themselves this way. Wanting and liking certain things doesn't make you special. It's the ability to actually get things done that makes you unique and desirable. Come up with specific things you actually like to do and can do. Get better at doing those things. Get involved in the communities that do those things; they are where the market is. Start selling your skills or finding positions where you can do those things all the time.
posted by millions of peaches at 12:34 PM on October 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
Um. If you don't know what you want to do with your life, don't blow your money on a wedding.
It sucks that we live in a system that works this way, but having money pretty much means having freedom, choices, and power. Money is what makes it possible for you to take risks and do things you find fulfilling. Having money means that you can take classes to broaden your horizons. Having money means that if you wake up one day and realize that your passion is writing reviews for a video game magazine, you can just quit and get started on that. Having money means that you can move out and define your own space. Having money means being able to take care of your loved ones if they're in dire financial straits. Having money means being able to support the causes you care about. Money means that you can pick up and move to another country if you think you'll enjoy living there better.
Money is a means to an end. When you don't know what that end is, stocking up on money means that you'll be better prepared when you figure out what you want to do. If you decide you want to become, say, a community organizer, you'll probably be happy you spent the last two years building up a safety net and working on your ability to sell people on your arguments. Don't dismiss the job you were offered because it is unglamorous; anything you do repeatedly is practice and an opportunity to learn a new skill. You may find it a valuable one in the future.
Don't expect your job to define the person you are or to fulfill you, especially if it's a job in a small business or corporation. You need to come up with that answer for yourself. Your job is defined by forces completely beyond your control, such as the market for your services and the competence and desires of the people who were hired to run it. It usually takes years in an organization for you to have enough control over your job to avoid boredom and work that is frustrating.
I am empathetic, compassionate and indignant. I become hyper-focused on my interests but struggle with activities when I lack interest. I enjoy dynamics and detest routine, I am intuitive and imaginative and become bored with spreadsheets, forms, and all the like.
I can't really think of many people who wouldn't describe themselves this way. Wanting and liking certain things doesn't make you special. It's the ability to actually get things done that makes you unique and desirable. Come up with specific things you actually like to do and can do. Get better at doing those things. Get involved in the communities that do those things; they are where the market is. Start selling your skills or finding positions where you can do those things all the time.
posted by millions of peaches at 12:34 PM on October 21, 2011 [3 favorites]
We are all cogs.
Go forth and get the experience you need so you can move on to the experiences you want.
And for the love of all things that really matter: never bring up your Myers-Briggs type to anyone again. That will get you nowhere fast.
posted by eggman at 12:35 PM on October 21, 2011
Go forth and get the experience you need so you can move on to the experiences you want.
And for the love of all things that really matter: never bring up your Myers-Briggs type to anyone again. That will get you nowhere fast.
posted by eggman at 12:35 PM on October 21, 2011
Honey, take the job. You have no other opportunities, and no real actual work experience with which to gain them. You will meet tons of people in B2B sales since, you know, that's your job, and one of these new people in your new network may one day give you the very job you desire. Additionally, for jobs you may actually want to do for a career, employed candidates are always more attractive.
The only downside is that you may hate this job. Well, that's as it may be but there are a lot of advantages in taking it that you don't currently have any other way of gaining.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:56 PM on October 21, 2011
The only downside is that you may hate this job. Well, that's as it may be but there are a lot of advantages in taking it that you don't currently have any other way of gaining.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:56 PM on October 21, 2011
Take the job. You need job experience to get another job in this economy.
Does the 20 years your parents "haven't progressed" happen to mostly coincide with raising you? Kids change everything --they dictate where you live (decent schools? Near family?), what kind of job you take and try to keep (health benefits? Flexibility to leave during the day to pick up sick kid? Enough pay? Time with family?).
Its not going to get any easier to establish a work history or discover a career direction than it is right now. You're not going to discover your heart's desire by not being out in the work world.
posted by vitabellosi at 1:01 PM on October 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Does the 20 years your parents "haven't progressed" happen to mostly coincide with raising you? Kids change everything --they dictate where you live (decent schools? Near family?), what kind of job you take and try to keep (health benefits? Flexibility to leave during the day to pick up sick kid? Enough pay? Time with family?).
Its not going to get any easier to establish a work history or discover a career direction than it is right now. You're not going to discover your heart's desire by not being out in the work world.
posted by vitabellosi at 1:01 PM on October 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I graduated in the UK in 1997 amid a booming economy, and few of my friends went straight into a job they really wanted. We all spent about two years doing jobs that made us think "Why on earth did I even do my degree if this is the job I've got?", but we had bills to pay. During those two years, we also did things that would help us get the jobs we wanted to do more - evening classes, volunteering, research, getting used to the workplace, growing up.
For the three of us that spring to mind first, we've gone from being a PA, a temp and an admin assistant during our first couple of years to now being a journalist, doctor, and senior management consultant respectively.
So - first up, you're not alone, this is extremely common. Second, it's not just the product of a depressed economy, it's a product of being just out of college and having no work experience that makes you interesting to employers recruiting for more challenging jobs. Lastly, what you do out of college has no bearing on what you'll be doing in a decade, or even in five years' time. (Unless what you do out of college is just sit around waiting for the perfect job to appear, even though you don't know what it is, in which case you'll probably be still sitting there in a decade, waiting for enlightenment.)
Good luck, hope it works out!
posted by penguin pie at 1:07 PM on October 21, 2011
For the three of us that spring to mind first, we've gone from being a PA, a temp and an admin assistant during our first couple of years to now being a journalist, doctor, and senior management consultant respectively.
So - first up, you're not alone, this is extremely common. Second, it's not just the product of a depressed economy, it's a product of being just out of college and having no work experience that makes you interesting to employers recruiting for more challenging jobs. Lastly, what you do out of college has no bearing on what you'll be doing in a decade, or even in five years' time. (Unless what you do out of college is just sit around waiting for the perfect job to appear, even though you don't know what it is, in which case you'll probably be still sitting there in a decade, waiting for enlightenment.)
Good luck, hope it works out!
posted by penguin pie at 1:07 PM on October 21, 2011
I'll also say that I am now in staffing, and what vitabellosi said is true: This job will not only be a way for you to find what you want, but it's a gateway to the next job without a doubt. There are more and more applicants with 1, 2 and 3 year gaps on their resumes. And these are experience, high-end people.
Take the job. Take some stability - you'll be able to think better about what's next.
posted by glaucon at 1:26 PM on October 21, 2011
Take the job. Take some stability - you'll be able to think better about what's next.
posted by glaucon at 1:26 PM on October 21, 2011
Response by poster: thank you for the responses thus far, lords and ladies.
posted by Wazooga at 1:27 PM on October 21, 2011
posted by Wazooga at 1:27 PM on October 21, 2011
I believe I may have adult ADD and it's very difficult for me to spend my free time doing something mundane that I dislike (looking for jobs)
Not to be too harsh, but welcome to the real world. We all have to do things that we don't really like, are not 100% committed to, are not passionate about, etc. Even the most acclaimed artists do shit work in order to get to the cool creative parts.
You have very little work experience, so I think you should leap on this opportunity and commit to it with a whole heart and experience that aspect. Really go for it. See what it's like to knock yourself out in pursuit of a goal. If you're a natural cheerleader--cheer yourself on. Don't let yourself be bored. Don't let yourself focus on the spreadsheets, and all that stuff--it's part of the big picture which is learning how to motivate yourself. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might. Commit to yourself.
posted by Ideefixe at 1:57 PM on October 21, 2011
Not to be too harsh, but welcome to the real world. We all have to do things that we don't really like, are not 100% committed to, are not passionate about, etc. Even the most acclaimed artists do shit work in order to get to the cool creative parts.
You have very little work experience, so I think you should leap on this opportunity and commit to it with a whole heart and experience that aspect. Really go for it. See what it's like to knock yourself out in pursuit of a goal. If you're a natural cheerleader--cheer yourself on. Don't let yourself be bored. Don't let yourself focus on the spreadsheets, and all that stuff--it's part of the big picture which is learning how to motivate yourself. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might. Commit to yourself.
posted by Ideefixe at 1:57 PM on October 21, 2011
I took a sales-related job for a year shortly out of college and I hated it, and now I work in a completely different field. And I have actual, diagnosed, adult ADD - though it hadn't been diagnosed at the time I had that shitty job. Even though I hated the work, I'm glad I had it and I think you should take this job as well.
Some things that could happen if you take this job:
1- You could be surprised to discover that you like it and wind up with a life-long happy career.
2- You could save a bunch of money and then quit after a year and take a backpacking trip across Europe, or hike the Appalachian Trail, or drive across the U.S. over a period of months, or have some other adventure that you couldn't afford if you just spent the month unemployed.
3- You could find some ways to explore your own interests within the job, and along the way define the next step in your career. A friend of mine originally worked in a call center, and volunteered to be on the data-crunching committee; that led to experience with programming lite, which led to training, which eventually led to a career as a computer programmer. I took over the regional sales newsletter in my crummy sales-related job, and used that to help me transition into my career in journalist. Who knows what opportunities you'll discover if you bring an open mind to work.
4- You could ride out the unemployment crisis, quit when things get better, and then worry about finding your next job.
5- You could move out of your parents' place and start building a new life that revolves around the parts of your day that aren't spent at work.
6- You could like your co-workers even though you hate your work, and make a new best friend or fall in love.
7- You could learn about different industries through the prospective clients that you pitch, and be drawn to a new field, thus launching your career.
Take the job.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 10:28 PM on October 21, 2011
Some things that could happen if you take this job:
1- You could be surprised to discover that you like it and wind up with a life-long happy career.
2- You could save a bunch of money and then quit after a year and take a backpacking trip across Europe, or hike the Appalachian Trail, or drive across the U.S. over a period of months, or have some other adventure that you couldn't afford if you just spent the month unemployed.
3- You could find some ways to explore your own interests within the job, and along the way define the next step in your career. A friend of mine originally worked in a call center, and volunteered to be on the data-crunching committee; that led to experience with programming lite, which led to training, which eventually led to a career as a computer programmer. I took over the regional sales newsletter in my crummy sales-related job, and used that to help me transition into my career in journalist. Who knows what opportunities you'll discover if you bring an open mind to work.
4- You could ride out the unemployment crisis, quit when things get better, and then worry about finding your next job.
5- You could move out of your parents' place and start building a new life that revolves around the parts of your day that aren't spent at work.
6- You could like your co-workers even though you hate your work, and make a new best friend or fall in love.
7- You could learn about different industries through the prospective clients that you pitch, and be drawn to a new field, thus launching your career.
Take the job.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 10:28 PM on October 21, 2011
If it were commission-only, there would be something to be said for waiting and using your time to apply elsewhere. Commission-only is a drag at any career level.
BUT base plus commission is a whole different story. Take it and don't even hesitate a second.
Here's a way to reframe it that may be helpful. (No disrespect meant to those people who cannot work FT for whatever reason, but) Working a FT job (or PT that covers all expenses) is THE adult activity. It is the core experience that aligns you with the billions of other autonomous rational agents in the world. Love and work, right? It sounds like you may be lucky and have love taken care of. But even if you didn't: love is largely out of your control. Work is largely in your control (though not always--just ask yours truly). Feeling annoyed at your job is a key element of this essential life experience. This is fantastic news.
What's more: I know what you mean by settle, but even in a boom economy (I graduated in 1999), taking a non-optimal job out of college is not settling but rather the indicated and proper next step. You are doing it right.
Congratulations!
posted by skbw at 2:38 PM on October 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
BUT base plus commission is a whole different story. Take it and don't even hesitate a second.
Here's a way to reframe it that may be helpful. (No disrespect meant to those people who cannot work FT for whatever reason, but) Working a FT job (or PT that covers all expenses) is THE adult activity. It is the core experience that aligns you with the billions of other autonomous rational agents in the world. Love and work, right? It sounds like you may be lucky and have love taken care of. But even if you didn't: love is largely out of your control. Work is largely in your control (though not always--just ask yours truly). Feeling annoyed at your job is a key element of this essential life experience. This is fantastic news.
What's more: I know what you mean by settle, but even in a boom economy (I graduated in 1999), taking a non-optimal job out of college is not settling but rather the indicated and proper next step. You are doing it right.
Congratulations!
posted by skbw at 2:38 PM on October 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
And here's a schnadenfreude-y but valid bonus perspective. You know your friends who can genuinely afford to sit around home or take internships until they find something, a year from now, that really is supercool, a job you wish you had? It's painful to watch them have this awesome job when you're just happy to be working.
But here's the payoff. I would know. I was working an AmeriCorps job in New York in 2001-2002, after the WTC, and now I am tutoring online, in times that are much worse even than those distant bad times. These friends with the fancy jobs? If you take working, at anything, seriously, working for its own sake, and always have a job NO MATTER WHAT, you will have AMPLE opportunity to see them come to you when their awesome position comes to an end and say, "hey, Wazooga, you know a lot of people..." Not that you wish ill on any friend. But remember this future scenario when you get down on yourself and think, "gee, why can't I take an unpaid game design internship?"
Derail forgivable in hard times: anyone interested in online science tutoring can see my post over in jobs.
posted by skbw at 2:49 PM on October 22, 2011
But here's the payoff. I would know. I was working an AmeriCorps job in New York in 2001-2002, after the WTC, and now I am tutoring online, in times that are much worse even than those distant bad times. These friends with the fancy jobs? If you take working, at anything, seriously, working for its own sake, and always have a job NO MATTER WHAT, you will have AMPLE opportunity to see them come to you when their awesome position comes to an end and say, "hey, Wazooga, you know a lot of people..." Not that you wish ill on any friend. But remember this future scenario when you get down on yourself and think, "gee, why can't I take an unpaid game design internship?"
Derail forgivable in hard times: anyone interested in online science tutoring can see my post over in jobs.
posted by skbw at 2:49 PM on October 22, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:48 AM on October 21, 2011