Knowing when to go for your “dream job” vs. “for now” job
Close your eyes and imagine your dream job.
It’s likely a mix of different factors like a high salary, great benefits, an amazing team, flexible time off, and some other variables that are uniquely you.
Now open your eyes to the state of the current job market – a landscape colored by mass layoffs, reorgs, and persistent hiring freezes continuing since 2022.
If you’re in a position to make a career move or have just been impacted by a layoff, settling for a “for now” job might be your next right step, even if it’s not exactly what you had in mind.
Reframing the “ideal job”
Whenever I work with clients who are kicking off their job search, I recommend they make a list of requirements for their next opportunity. It typically will include things like:
salary
benefits
career advancement
industry
company size
flexibility
team culture
Once they have everything on paper, I ask them to rate each on a scale of 1-5 for how important each is for their next role.
The must-haves (rated 5) are the non-negotiables, while the nice-to-haves (2-3) add an extra bit of delight. For example, a must-have for a working parent might be flexible working hours so they can shift their day when the inevitable sick day pops up. While a nice to have might be having the ability to attend a company offsite.
Given the current state of the job market, you’re gonna need to prepare yourself for an extended search to land your ideal role. Perhaps you may even adjust expectations for what’s necessary to secure your next opportunity.
Digging into your unique situation
Everyone’s situation is unique. Some folks have months of runway to search for their ideal job, while others need to land something immediately to meet basic needs. If you’re struggling with the decision of whether to hold out for the dream role or accept a “for now” job, reflecting on the following questions may guide your path:
Do you need a job to provide for your fundamental needs like food or shelter?
Have you been searching for a few months to a year?
Are you in danger of running out of runway?
Are you in progress with any roles that line up with your ideal?
The questions should provide some clarity on whether to wait for the dream role or proceed with a “for now” role.
Reframing “for now”
“For now” jobs ” can often bring a sense of settling. But it can be reframed as a negotiation with yourself. A conscious decision to accept the present while holding space for the future.
Regardless of the choice, it can still be a valuable learning experience that allows you to uncover insights into your preferences, introduces you to new connections, and provides some breathing room while you search for what’s next.
