There are various reasons for being stuck in between jobs. Whether you left your position or you have been unfortunately laid off, a career transition can sometimes be confusing for anyone. Landing a job can be tough, all the more so when it comes to landing your dream job. It involves a lot of hard work and sacrifice, among other things.
While unemployment is gradually going away and more companies are bouncing back from a poor job market resulting from the recent Recession five or so years ago, there will still be job seekers who are competing in a pretty tight job market. Although it may sometimes be difficult to accept, there will be times you will have to take a bridge job (sometimes called a transitional or bridge job) in order to make ends meet while you are searching for that ideal or dream job.
It’s important for job applicants to make the most of every employment opportunity. Primarily, a transition job is there so you can pay the bills, but it can potentially be so much more! Here are a few tips and information for getting the most from your transitional work so you can be one step closer to your dream career.
Define What You Want and Need
A transition job can put things in perspective. You are able to know your basic budget in specific terms, and you will be able to narrow down the minimal amount of money that allows you to survive. Basically, this is getting to know a financial plan without indulging in unnecessary luxuries.
Broaden Your Skill Set
Whether you’re native to Fresno or you moved here only recently, you need to learn everything you can. Widen your skill set; look for ways to gain various types of experience, preferably the ones with transferable job skills. These will be useful in building your resume, thus making you more attractive to potential employers.
Network Whenever You Can
It’s important to make networking contacts. Even though the nature of your transition job is most likely temporary, you should still go ahead and introduce yourself. Let your presence be known to coworkers and managers, both inside your department and outside.
Explore Other Career Options
Although initially you may have accepted a job for transitional purposes only, why not explore? Rather than thinking of the job as a “necessary evil” you should try and see it as an opportunity for discovering new things. The key here is to keep an open mind! Why not speak to your manager about possible career paths in this industry you went in, considering your educational and work background. Who knows? You may actually find a way to get a job based on your current skill set within an entirely different industry! It may just kick start a new career you never even thought possible.
Show a Great Attitude
Even if a job is temporary, you don’t necessarily have to treat it that way. It’s still important to give your best effort every day that you come to work, regardless if you’re overqualified for it. You’ll never know what kind of opportunities will start knocking at your door, whether today or in the future, because of this job. When you do your best for an employer temporary or otherwise, hiring managers will take notice.
Other Pros & Cons
Clearly, transition jobs have their own good and bad effects. Bridge jobs are easy to find and usually easy to do. However, it may sometimes get boring especially if you’re used to more challenging jobs that give more. Always remember that transition jobs on the upside would eliminate your fear of not being able to pay rent or buy basic necessities like food.
Although it may be a big difference from a lifestyle you may have grown accustomed to, temporarily cutting back on unnecessary expenses (or even eliminating them altogether) does help. In addition, this viable short-term solution also gives you that much-needed break from a quick-paced competitive job – you’re able to take a step back and see things from a new perspective, possibly rediscovering passions forgotten along the way.
Are you looking for work? We can help you look for jobs and get hired. Whether it’s a temporary position or something more long-term, you can contact us to know more about local job opportunities in the Central Valley area.
Sources:
https://www.pridestaff.com/blog/making-most-transition-job#.Vzwc3vl9600