MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Should Lofty hold out for his dream job?

hansop36

This is a really difficult one as my partner is actually in that position.

On the one hand, yes he should take the job even if just to pass the time and earn a bit of cash.

However, as my partner has found, having got his 2.1 hons in Law while working stacking shelves overnight to support himself, me and our daughter (along with my salary!) whilst doing it, It has got him nowhere closer to his dream job. He graduated 5 years ago now and has applied for so many different jobs at all ends of the scale that weve lost count! He has been offered 5 interviews in that time! Unfortunately we are finding that although we are a young couple in the enviable position of having no debt apart from our mortgage, working in a supermarket does not provide the kind of work or life experiences that employers are looking for and therefore our 'enviable' position has left us up s*** creek with nowhere to go Cos theres not much opportunity out there for someone whos only work experience is stacking shelves regardless of their qualifications!!

So on that note I would have to say dont waste your time, instead concentrate your efforts on finding a decent job!!

W_s_n

Yes he should take the job.

KimYeovil

Where is the moral dilemma?

jm2926

Take the job.

I had to work unsociable hours at minimum wage, jobs I hated for years, while studying via the OU and gradually getting into the correct sector and the right job. Now I'm a higher rate taxpayer, which I wouldn't be if I'd waited for the right job to land in my lap (and I'm not happy paying tax so someone who thinks they are owed a living can sit at home all day) . Any job can be used to demonstrate skills for the next one. Voluntary work is the key to gaining experience if you don't have any. The sh*t jobs were a driver for me to get a better one - and there's nothing better than true enthusiasm at interviews.

glitterjunkie

KatP wrote: »

As someone who has been in this position my advice would be to get a very junior position at a law firm. It will be a foot on the ladder and will make you some valuable contacts. You will gain some great experience and have the opportunity to impress senior lawyers with your work ethic and enthusiasm. At the firm where we work we have law graduates doing the filing, working on reception and working in secretarial roles, they apply for more senior positions when they come up and have a huge advantage over external candidates because they know the interviwer personally and have established a good record at the firm. They also require less training as they are familiar with the systems, the people and the values of the firm.

Thanks Kat, that's really helpful advice and great to hear from someone who has been there! I have thought of trying to get an office junior-type role at a law firm, it's a really good idea. I've sent a few speculative letters to the local firms, and am always checking in the local paper and Jobcentre website to see if anything's been advertised - but there's been nothing at all since I graduated. There's a big further-education college near me which does apprenticeships in business administration, and all the local law firms seem to recruit their secretaries and receptionists from there without advertising them. It's ridiculous really - I've spent 3 years working hard to get my degree, and I'd be so grateful to even make the flamin' cups of tea for a solicitors firm for the minimum wage, or do the filing or answer the phones - anything at all - but nobody seems to want me! (cue violins, lol). It's just getting that foot in the door isn't it. I will keep trying though - you've actually inspired me to send my next lot of speculative letters soon, I'll get them typed up tomorrow!

It is difficult and quite depressing, but I won't give up hope just yet!

janbanan

is it fair to expect taxpayers to pay for his living just because he think he's too good for the job?

some comments i've seen in this thread are insulting as some people have little choice but doing jobs like these.

wishface

Noone has insulted anyone; that's just a stance you've invented so you can take a position. Just like the assumption that lofty thinks he's better than anyone else. It's the insecurities of the masses in response, conditioned by the media, that seem to dictate policy, and i don't agree with that.
Everyone should have the right to a decent career if they must exist within this capitalist system of course (even though it doesn't work). I say bring in the citizens wage.

englishmac

We all have dreams. They are what makes the reality bearable. But it isn't fair on others to turn down a job if the alternative is claiming benefits. If Lofty can support himslef without benefits or has someone willing to support him with their own income, then he should take the job if he wants to. But he would be well advised to take the potential impact of unemployment on his future employment prospects into account.

On the difficulty of making yourself appeal to employers, there are many non-work ways to bulk out your CV if you use your initiative and demonstrate your skills. And while there is every good reason not to claim qualifications you haven't achieved, leaving a few off the application form can have a major effect on your chances of getting an interview and subsequently the job. It may seem unfair to the prospective employer but it is unfair of a potential employer to be prejudiced against a candidate because they are 'over'qualified. I have pitched applications according to the job I have applied for in the past and it worked every time. The acutal information included on the forms was true and supportable.

what

you know what?

I think that if Lofty doesnt need a job, if mummy and daddy are supporting him, or if he is holding out for a "dream job" or a job to meet his degree expectations, then for goodness sake dont take the job, leave it to someone who wants it, will work for it and who will appreciate it!

A_fiend_for_life

...and will maybe stick around a bit longer than Lofty.

It might depend on what degree he has whether he gets the job degree 'x' oh no they move on pretty quickly; degree 'y' ah your in good company...:eek: