Settling for a Job

Interestingly “settling for a job” is often a question of timing. My clients early in a job search fear settling too soon – taking the first thing that comes along vs the best thing. My clients several months and over a year in a job search wonder when is it time to settle – to take anything that will pay the bills. And my working clients wonder how long they should stay in or settle for a job they hate going to everyday. Let’s define “settling” as a job less than ideal, optimal or desired. I tell clients to assess and identify the trade offs and long term repercussions of settling on both a personal and professional level. Rarely are the trade offs worth it. But for the few that have to settle, look at it as a short term solution necessary to meet an immediate need, then be sure to create and implelment a career plan to get you back on course for the long run.