Ask the Career Consultant: Stay or Go

Dear Lisa:

I've been actively searching for a new admin position. Recently I got a part time job working at a major department store in their café just to make ends meet. I am so frustrated. This is not what I thought I would be doing at this point in my career. I wake up some mornings ready to quit the job and try harder to find a job in my field, but then I worry I won't find one before my savings run out. I don't want to panic, but I just don't feel like I am using my education, experience and skills and could use some help. What's the best course to take?

- Stay or Go

Dear Stay or Go:

I am sure you're not alone in your situation right now. We are facing an extremely stressful job market as we move into 2009. No one really knows what to expect. However, as an optimist, I try to see the glass half-full. With that said, it's important to do a reality check from time to time. Let's look at your situation from all angles.

First, it's okay to feel frustrated. Just don't allow your frustration to control your progress in continuing an assertive job search. I am going to assume you have your resume completed and you are actively pursuing all the resources you can to acquire job leads. Set realistic goals every week. Keep good records of who you contact and make sure to follow up. Don't get discouraged. You may also find it's a good time to take a break from your job search. Transition periods can be therapeutic. This might be an opportunity to stop and smell the roses. Your job at the department store café might be just what you need right now.

Have you seen the movie, "The Princess Bride"? I must admit, I've seen it so many times I can quote most of the dialogue! In the movie, Miracle Max gives Wesley a pill to bring him back from being "mostly dead." But, the side effect of the pill is that it makes Wesley weak and limp. Indigo and Fesik-the-Giant drag Wesley to the wall outside Prince Humperdink's castle. They plan to rescue Buttercup and rid the kingdom of Humperdink once and for all. As they are considering their options on top of the wall (which aren't many) weak Wesley uses what little strength he has to ask them, "What are our assets?" I think it's a good time for you to consider your assets.

Even when we find ourselves in less than ideal job situations, it's important to recognize our assets. In this case, you have several. Although not the admin job of your dreams, you do have a job that allows you to draw some income during your job search. That's an asset that shouldn't be taken for granted. Your skills, experience and education are a value to any position you have. In this case, your admin skills are certainly an asset. Use them to provide excellent customer service (it will result in more tips!) and be very aware of your customers. In a high end department store café, you may come in contact with people who may be valuable networking resources for you. That's an asset that could prove beneficial.

Another asset is your schedule. Assuming you are not working 8-5, this gives you the advantage of being available for interviews, walk-ins and internet research without the added stress of wondering how you are going to pay the internet provider bill! You may not be using your admin experience to the same degree you would in a busy, demanding corporate position, but that's a positive. You don't have to worry about deadlines, details and late night calls on your Blackberry right now! Your asset is time.

It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling we aren't contributing to society when we take a job that does not require advanced skills. I would caution you to stay away from getting lulled into that snare. One of the most valuable skills administrative professionals have is their professionalism and diplomacy and it should be demonstrated consistently and without conditions. Focus on doing the best you can at your current job at the café and you will stand out and be noticed. You never know what opportunities are around the corner. Relax and don't be so hard on yourself during this transition. Yes, it's a tough job market, but it's also a good time to throw yourself into your café job and enjoy it.

Stay positive. Stay focused. Like Wesley on the castle wall, consider your assets. If you do, you will be open to all your options and you won't be inclined to see your current situation as a step back in your career. It's a detour perhaps, but not a step back. Detours can sometimes take a little longer to get us to our destination, but we may experience some exciting adventures along the way.

Stay or go? You have the luxury right now of working during a difficult economic time. Stay for awhile and when it's the right time to go you will know it. Use your head and your heart. They are two of the greatest assets you have. Put them together and you are sure to succeed!

Lisa Olsen provides OfficeArrow members with down-to-earth career advice from her extensive experience as a Career Consultant. An author, trainer, speaker and consultant, Lisa's dedication to building relationship chemistry and helping people power up their potential has been the catalyst for her own success. Learn more about Lisa and her services, including keynote addresses, resume revision, and on-site professional development training here.