The right job, or the job for right now?

I really can't blame you if you have. After all, as has been noted here and elsewhere, so much of our self-worth is tied up with the work we do, and even though deep down inside, we know that we are more than our work, not having any blows a hole in our mental portrait of ourselves. That our situation is due in large part to factors beyond our control does not prevent us from doubting ourselves.

It is at those times when we are most tempted to apply for jobs that are likely to be poor fits for us - positions in the general vicinity of our skill set, but with different requirements and qualifications, or even positions that diverge wildly from our career paths.

In general, doing this is a bad idea, for it will only set us up for more frustration down the road.

Before I explain why, let me note that there are indeed times when you may have to apply for a job ill suited to your current or future career. For instance, let's say that you have been diligently applying for jobs in management, but have had no success in landing one yet. Meanwhile, your 401(k) has dwindled into insignificance, your unemployment benefits have run out, and your savings are dangerously low. In such cases, you may need to "get fries with that" simply to make sure you can pay your bills.

Of course, I hope you have not reached that point yet in your job search, and if you are nearing it, I would encourage you to hold out for the work you want as long as you can, for while taking such a job may ease the strain on your finances, it will only add to it in just about every other aspect of your life. A number of studies in the news recently have shown that workers who take jobs for which they are not well suited become psychologically worse off than if they had remained unemployed.

But there is another reason to stick to looking for the job that suits you if at all possible. That reason has to do with what happens should you get that off-center job.

Chances are high that if you accept a job that is not really in your field, you will continue to keep your eyes open for one that is after you are hired - and if you find one and are offered it, you will take it. Even though it is true that in the current job environment, employees owe less to their employers than they did in the past, they do at least owe them an honest commitment to the jobs they agree to perform for a while (a year should just about do it). Employers do invest significant time and money in training even already skilled employees in the ways of their companies and the requirements of their specific positions, and if a new employee ditches his or her job for one more to their liking after only a few months, the employer will have wasted all that time and effort - even if the position is within the same company.

Especially if the position is within the same company. Unless you have managed to obtain a commitment or an understanding from your employer that the job you are accepting is a stepping stone to something more appropriate within the company, an employer is not likely to look kindly on you changing horses in midstream too soon.

So while the urge to settle for a job right now instead of the right job for now may be great, if you can do so, lie down until it passes. You will feel better for doing so, and your career will be in better shape too.

By Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is a veteran freelance writer, editor and public relations professional who lives in Philadelphia. Besides blogging for BusinessWorkForce.com, he has written for numerous publications and websites, would be happy to do your resume, and is himself actively seeking career opportunities on Nexxt. Check out his LinkedIn profile and read his other posts on BusinessWorkForceBlog.com.