[LisaOlsen]

The OfficeArrow Career Consultant tackles the biggest question of all - if you're in a position that doesn't fully utilize your skills, experience and education, when is it time to let it go? It's a tough call, but as you might have guessed, Lisa has some helpful advice.

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[Ms. Bridgette Jones]

I comepletely feel for the person who is in this predicament. All I can say to you is STAY STRONG. Do not let this temporary job define who you are or let it affect your self-esteem. Lisa is completely correct when she states that in this difficult time at least you have some income coming in. Also, it's better than having a big gap in your resume. Even if you don't list it on your resume at least you can say I did this job temporarily during this time period. Everyone knows how hard the job market is right now and how bad economics are. I had to work at a major department store as a sales person on comission and I HATED it.... I have a double major and a minor from a major University so trust me, it hurt my ego and it's hard sometimes when people treat you like you are less of a person because you are providing them with that type of service. Just try to smile, keep remembering this is not a job for life and be grateful that you have skills, education and a background that will help you find something else. I know women who I met at the dept. store who did that type of sales job for years and years and who had planned on moving on, or people who for one reason or another did not feel they could do anything else. That I think is sad and depressing. Like Lisa said, just stay positive, think positive, and you will attract positivity. I did get a few business cards here or there when I worked the temp job at the mall and so people do recognize when you are a hard worker and great at any job your perform. Good luck with your job search!! Lisa is right also in saying that you need to keep organized, use your available time to job search, fix your resume, walk in to places you would like to work for, set up interviews etc. If you don't do the leg work, no one else is going to do it for you. Also, don't feel bad if you don't get responses or if you don't land things right away. The amount of resumes being circulated right now is insane and so it's going to possibly take you a little longer but just hold out and make sure you take something that will make you happy and if necessary pay the bills until you can find something else to move up into. Good luck!

[MaryposaB]

I've been in the job market for almost 40 years now, and much of that time my husband was military, meaning we had to move about every three years, and I had to start over in my career. There are two things that I've found to work for me. One, when we could afford it, was to do volunteer work in an area where I could use my administrative skills. Often, this can lead to getting a permanent position from the contacts made there. The other was to go to a temp agency and take any administrative work I could find - that also has led to much better, higher paying jobs due to the contacts made. The fact that you are willing to do whatever it takes, including doing volunteer work, makes a good impression on hiring managers. So hang in there, and as Lisa said, keep a positive outlook.