To Compromise or Not to Compromise in Choosing a Job? / Shuki Stauber
| how much can you compromise in choosing a job? should you make any significant compromises at all in a matter that has such a major impact on your quality of life? job candidates are liable to make compromises in response to compelling circumstances at a certain point in time, e.g. the jobseeker has beenlooking for work for a long time (because he was unwilling to compromise) and now what matters to him is not staying unemployed for long. |
| a mutual relationship of give and take forms the basis of the ties between every workplace and its employees. the employer expects every worker to apply his skills and abilities and to devote his time and energy to the job, and in exchange pledges to meet the worker’s needs. but this fundamental relationship can be very difficult to implement. |
the organization’s needs and expectations – and certainly the employees’ – are a complex weave, for people differ from one another and have varying needs. even the same worker’s needs may vary at different points in time. |
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even if the organization’s leaders have a genuine desire to meet their workers’ needs, in many cases the latter will not always receive their due. many employees make compromises in terms of their needs and expectations at their place of work. these compromises are made both when they take the job, knowing in advance many expectations will not be met, and when they decide to stay at a place where high expectations were met with disappointment.
the first section of this survey focuses on facing a dilemma: the awareness the place of work under consideration does not meet a substantial portion of the jobseeker’s expectations and a willingness to accept that only some expectations will be met, based on the realization the situation may improve or else the worker is destined to face ongoing frustration. |
to what extent can we compromise when choosing a job, and should any significant compromises be made in a matter of such importance that has a significant impact on our quality of life? |
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of course there is no singular answer to the question. the answer depends on a range of factors, including the job candidate’s personality, worldview, financial situation, social status, ambition to advance and develop, areas of interest and marital status. |
let’s summarize the main arguments for and against:
compromise is worthwhile because…
a. just being inside the job market is important. an employed job candidate is more readily hired than an unemployed candidate.
b. low expectations can turn around. sometimes a job that did not inspire high hopes proves to be a pleasant surprise. for example, perhaps we were hired for a job that was not particularly appealing but got promoted to a more varied and interesting post. perhaps the job’s physical surroundings were unimpressive, but the boss proved to be likable and the kind of person you could learn a lot from.
c. even an unexciting place of work can produce tempting offers. many company workers received an attractive job offer from a client they served faithfully.
d. acquiring experience is heavily weighted at many workplaces in the job market. often filling a job that is not very appealing at a highly reputable company can provide the “compromising” worker with extensive knowledge and experience that will help down the road.
just mentioning having worked at the organization gives you bonus points later. future employers will assume if they chose to hire you they must have done a thorough assessment and found you suitable.
e. compromise is not really compromise. you can leave the job at any time. and of course you can continue looking for another job while you’re employed.
an employed jobseeker does not feel the same as an unemployed jobseeker. the former has more confidence and potential employers view him as someone who has an alternative and will relate to him accordingly.
and why is compromise not worthwhile? because…
a. working at a frustrating job expends a lot of extra energy. the employee becomes frustrated and falls into despair; sometimes, because of his poor spirits, he stops looking for a better alternative, settles into a frustrating job and stays.
b. job hunting is a formidable task. working at another task takes away a considerable portion of one’s time and makes it hard to carry out the task properly.
the task is even harder if the jobseeker is employed at an unsuitable job, robbing him of the energy needed to conduct a proper job search.
and of course there are compelling factors, most of all how much the jobseeker needs work to make a living. the greater the financial pressure the more the arguments we presented above are dwarfed by the need to find a job and the greater his willingness to compromise.
another important element to take into account is the age of the person, which will also be used to infer how much experience he has in the job market. compromise is easier for a younger person and this compromise will be perceived with greater understanding by the people around him, including his employers, and will not undermine his career and the professional reputation he is starting to build. but when an older person is compelled to take a step back it often entails painful compromise and leaves a lasting scar. such an individual will be more hesitant to make a significant compromise in choosing a new job.
for the hebrew article 