The stage was set when you graduated. The global pandemic served as the dreary backdrop, and student loans hung over the proceedings like a pall. At least your job hunt was a success! You applied to the relevant dream roles and received some job offers.
Except none of those offers live up to your expectations. Perhaps some aspects of the job are not part of ‘The Right Job’ you have for yourself in mind, such as a requirement to work on some weekends, or a smaller remuneration package.
However, you worry that you might not get another offer as good as the one(s) you’re considering passing up. Not to mention you’ll be throwing away time and energy you’ve invested in your long, and sometimes agonising, job hunt.
This brings us to the million-dollar question: do you take up the role you were offered, even though it is less-than-perfect for you? Or do you hold out for ‘The Right Job’?
While we don’t have the ultimate answer, we do have a list of factors you might want to consider, which might help you come to a decision.
Take: You’ll get the experience you need
There are times that you’ll get an offer for a job that’s close to what your dream job is, but it has a few aspects that don’t appeal to you. However, if it is a role that could get you the experience you need to work towards your dream job, it might be worth taking!
Wait: You have a solid plan leading to your dream job
If you’ve done up a comprehensive job search plan with a solid timeline, and found out that you have a very high chance of landing your dream job within the time given, consider doing so!
Keep in mind that there are many factors to this job search plan. First, you need to crunch the numbers and figure out a budget for yourself to see yourself through the duration of your job search. You’ll also need to find out what resources are available to you, such as job search portals, career advisory platforms (including WSG’s Career Matching Services and GradSingapore), or even industry magazines. You’ll also need to create a foolproof resume and cover letter as well.
Take: Finances are tight
As harsh as this truth is, financial needs sometimes force your hand and require you to take an offer you might not be too enthusiastic about. Even if you’re not too financially strapped and still have some wiggle room, taking a job can put you in a better financial position for when you start your job search again in the future.
Wait: You know what aspects of a job will make you miserable
If you’re going to turn down a job offer and continue waiting for ‘The Right Job’, it’s important that you have a very clear idea of why you’re rejecting those job offers and what kind of offer you are planning to accept. If you have no idea what you’re waiting for, you could end up waiting forever for that mysterious offer to come! Having a solid understanding of the must-haves in your dream job will be of great help in deciding this.
Read more: First Job Tips: 7 Things You Should Do for Career Success
Take: You don’t have a clear idea of what your dream job is
If you have only a vague idea of your dream job, consider being adventurous and trying out jobs that may not initially pass off as your dream job. Take up the offer that best suits your present likes and dislikes in a role. This will give you a sense of what your dream job is, and may even give you the time and experience needed to refine your career goals.
Wait: There’s no value in the job for you
Your job should always add value to you in a meaningful and purposeful way. If you feel that you can still build skills and experience by taking on this role, give it a try. But if you think that the job scope offers no meaning or purpose, and you cannot find any reason to take it on, it would be better to hold out and wait for the next offer.
This article is contributed by gradsingapore.
