Would you turn down a job you knew you wouldn't like?

WWYD?

My best friend is VERY recently unemployed. An offer from a new company is going to be made, however, she has uncovered that the job is just not what she though it would be and she's fairly certain she'd be pretty miserable....would you take it to have something while looking for something else or not take it and continue to look?

My advice to her was to pass on it, in toda'y environment I think it's too hard to look while in a new role, trying to prove yourself, not having the ability to take time off for interviews, etc.. My DH thinks I'm wrong to have told her that and he thinks having something to pay the bills is better than nothing...she has some savings so has some cushion but not too much...Just curious what others think.

Message edited 5/22/2012 11:27:17 PM.

Re: Would you turn down a job you knew you wouldn't like?

There are a few factors that go into this.

First, can she afford not to work? To be without health insurance?

I also don't want to hit a nerve w/ anyone, but sometimes employers see a gap in a resume as a negative, so w/ that in mind, it can be good to be employed.

Lastly, it would depend on the source and how I got the info about the job.

There's a lot of things that $uck about my job, sure, and some people I work with have contributed it to the employer, however, an honest assessment is that the majority of crappy parts of my work have absolutely nothing to do with my employer, but every bit with the field I chose, KWIM ;).

Many negatives are going to exist no matter where I choose to work.

Lastly, I do think it's easier to find a job IMO if you are working. Right there alone is a source of networking contacts. At least in my field.......I am constantly meeting people from other agencies and institutions.

Re: Would you turn down a job you knew you wouldn't like?

P.S. I also have had employers offer to interview me before or after work because they "get" that you can't let a current employer on that you are looking or often just take away from your regular schedule and duties to interview. Many people out there are flexible and understanding with this kind of thing. GL to your friend!

Re: Would you turn down a job you knew you wouldn't like?

It really depends on her situation. Its rough out there in all fields nowadays, so I would probably advise her to take the job and continue to look while shes working.

Re: Would you turn down a job you knew you wouldn't like?

Depends how in demand her job is.

Re: Would you turn down a job you knew you wouldn't like?

If someone's unemployed and looking to get back into the workforce, I would advise them to take any job they can get rather than have a lengthy gap on their resume.

I am sure that, while it may not be a good fit for her long-term, your friend can develop new skills or hone her existing ones, and tackle some new challenges at this new job. And that can only enhance her resume and boost her interview confidence when she continues her job search. This is especially true if it's a position within her desired field, but even if it's not, I think it would still be a good move to take it. I mean, for someone who really wants to be employed, even working at a fast food restaurant could present opportunities for professional growth.

Plus, she may like the job more than she thinks she will once she starts. I always think it's hard to get a true sense of whether you will like a job until you work at it for a couple of months. People can usually adapt more than they think. And if she is employed again, she will have more and better opportunities to network, which can ultimately lead to her dream position.

Message edited 5/23/2012 1:40:26 PM.