to not want to work in a supermarket ..

[Lola528]

Yes, it is very snobby of me I know, and especially right now it’s a “needs must” situation when so
many are being made redundant and don’t have much choice. The only jobs where I am right now seem to be in a supermarket or cleaning houses or offices (I’m a rubbish cleaner).

It may be petty, but I don’t want it on my CV amongst the other jobs I’ve had (aviation/travel working with major players of the industry) to then have “Asda” or equivalent as my most recent job. I just feel I have so much more to offer but nobody in my industry of choice is hiring right now (understandably).

AIBU to think this will go against me for future job opportunities? Or will future potential employees understand this is a blip of “COVID times” and not see it as a negative? Am I just being stupid?

Just take the job , pay the bills and worry about the CV later down the line when you sector normalises

As PP said we all know many a skilled person who has had to shift

I’d respect you , as I respect them

I don't think Iamthewombat is a smart arse or any other name. I've appreciated her posts on this very much, and I doubt I'm the only one. She is sympathetic to the OP and those in similar positions, but she's also informed, realistic and dispassionate about the situation and how best to deal with it. No abuse, self-righteousness, name calling or any of the other stuff that so many others have been flinging around.

She's also made me laugh, more than once.

@Thisisworsethananticpated

Just take the job , pay the bills and worry about the CV later down the line when you sector normalises

As PP said we all know many a skilled person who has had to shift

I’d respect you , as I respect them

Amen

I completely agree with wombat's posts. She isn't 'snobby' at all, and hasn't said anything negative about supermarket work.

She's realistic. Any job outside a person's usual experience won't necessarily enhance their CV for roles in their chosen industry.

Agencies and recruiters decide upon the best person for their vacancy based on relevant experience and qualifications.

They rarely have the time to call people to discuss why they changed role, or spend large amounts of time deciding who is the hardest worker, is a 'grafter', or needs the job most.

The OP has been subject to a lot of crap on here that she doesn't deserve. There's nothing wrong with feeling sad about her former career and wondering if/how her new role will impact on her future prospects in this field.

OP, I wish you well

But if you can't get a job in your usual sector or a related one, it should not been seen as a weakness in your next job application that you took a job in a shop or a factory. And in fact it might give you transferable skills that you didn't have before.

I agree.

To those who say leave the supermarket jobs off a CV what do you suggest an applicant should put on their CV to explain the gap in their careers, apart from learning new skills online?

@Iamthewombat

Here’s another corker from dear old Ginfordinner’s post.

In many parts of the UK the lack of jobs is serious

Translation: you spoilt cow in your ivory tower!

and I would imagine most employers worth working for would view candidates who show initiative in getting a job – any job, more favourably than those who don’t.

Translation: Yeah, thinking you’re better than me! I’ll put you in your place. You should take ANY job or nobody will ever employ you again.

Also, there are probably some skills that can’t be kept up to date just by reading about it than actually doing the job – airline pilot for example.

Translation: Yeah, and I’ll stick the knife into pilots as well! Overpaid bitches. Once you’ve left the flight deck there’s nothing down for you and you’ll forget how to fly so you might as well work in Aldi forever. Serves you right.

There is no need to be quite so sarcastic or nasty.

Congrats on your new job!
Use the time to make new contacts and keep up old ones too.
The Aviation Industry will be back!

@Ginfordinner

But if you can't get a job in your usual sector or a related one, it should not been seen as a weakness in your next job application that you took a job in a shop or a factory. And in fact it might give you transferable skills that you didn't have before.

I agree.

To those who say leave the supermarket jobs off a CV what do you suggest an applicant should put on their CV to explain the gap in their careers, apart from learning new skills online?

I used the freelance work in my industry that I did at the same time.

I mean.... you could still work there but do a course at the same time in whatever field you're interested in? Would show that you make money but are still learning skills? Which could enable u to get better work?

I don't get why future "employees " not employers would give a shit tbh.
I think you have too much importance to yourself.
We're all off to clean or supermarket jobs, some probably more experienced and qualified than yourself.
What makes you think you'll pass an interview anyway.
My dil works at Asda and did the online questionnaire interview and failed. The questions are easy the answers not so.
She wouldn't have got the job she has now

What makes you think you'll pass an interview anyway.

The fact they've offered her the job was probably what gave it away.

And she's taking it, and putting it on her CV.

This is like Groundhog Day.

My first job after completing a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in a STEM subject was working in a coffee shop, my second job was working in a supermarket.

Keep fighting the good fight, PrincessNutNut!

(I have enjoyed reading your posts, and other posters’ views).

My first job after completing a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in a STEM subject was working in a coffee shop, my second job was working in a supermarket.

But this is not the OP’s first job, nor her second job. She is a senior professional with 20 years’ experience in her chosen field. Your situations are not comparable. She is allowed to be disappointed at having to temporarily leave her career to do something else.

It's pretty snobby. I was in finance, now looking for anything within easy reach. I would take supermarket work if I could get child care! Needs must in this life blip. Nothing to be ashamed and future employers will be glad to see that you had enough grit to take what was on offer during tough times than sit on your laurels waiting for something you fancy to come along.

I admire your patience, PrincessNutNut

Thank you, Iamthewombat and PerpendicularVincent. Maybe we should get the Red Arrows to write "SHE GOT OFFERED THE JOB, SHE'S TAKING IT AND SHE'S PUTTING IT ON HER CV" in the sky...

The “But I shouldn’t be here!” prison comment made me laugh. Not in itself, but because the nastier (and most ridiculous) comments in the earlier mauling the OP got put me in mind of the classic scene in every Banged Up Abroad-type documentary dramatic reconstruction where our protagonist has just entered Karachi Central Prison after being found at the airport with packets of heroin duct taped to their person. Used to a soft life, they realise things have taken a very bad turn indeed when on the walk of shame to their new lodgings their fellow inmates start jeering and menacing them from behind the bars.

So you think you’re above us, do you? Well, we’ll show you. The HARD WAY.

Some posters have the same mentality!

I meant it in the way that many prisoners protest their innocence and say they don't belong there rather than in the context of bringing people back down to earth or kicking them when they are down. Although I wouldn't recommend supermarket work on the whole, it's not that bad. I should know as I have done a 15 year stretch.

The point is rather that supermarket workers are a very mixed bunch and most come from very varied backgrounds. Most of us are overqualified and have a decent level of intelligence and education, too, as it's chosen as either a lifestyle or stopgap job. The majority of people are part time and, if they're full time, they tend to move on unless they are more senior.

There is a lot of negative stereotyping around supermarket workers and the job itself. Yes, it's mundane but so is office admin which isn't half as frowned open.

I was training one frustrated graduate who actually said that the job was a bit beneath him - as if it were OK for the rest of us plebs , without knowing anything about our backgrounds, qualifications, reasons for taking the job.

Sadly, I do agree with those saying leave it off the CV

Now that I have stopped laughing at the Banged Up Abroad comparison, I can write: yes, EXACTLY THAT.

@Iamthewombat

Not to belittle supermarket staff, but if I were hiring a senior member of my finance team I’d find a stint working for Asda less appealing than someone who had up to date skills. So I’d still advise leaving it out. The ‘evidence you are a grafter’ thing is OK for graduates, but is less meaningful for senior professionals.

You ARE belittling them and are a bloody snob. This is an I presented situation and I am nearly 100% sure you are wrong.

Keep the bile flowing! At least the OP isn’t getting it in the neck, for a change.

Excellent idea, Princess

I await the next post from someone telling the OP that she won't get the job....

I’ve been reading all the comments, but refrained from adding my own further thoughts as I feel I’ve covered everything, apart from one thing that hasn’t registered with many:

I GOT THE JOB
I TOOK IT
I START SOON!

There are many who have seen, read and understood my thoughts and feelings, but I’d particularly like to thank @Iamthewombat @PrincessNutNut @Byllis for continually defending me in my absence.

I do not look down on anyone, far from it, but it isn’t wrong for me to be sad about the losses my chosen industry has faced in these COVID times, and to dislike the forced changes in my working life. Nonetheless I am trying to embrace them - best foot forward!

Cheers to you all!

Lola528 - best of luck to you, you sound like a very nice person