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Should I take a boring job?

5 replies

ToWhomItMayEtc · 19/09/2023 17:48

I've been self employed for 10 years and really want a change (I'm 38).
I've been applying for jobs I actually have the skills for but I'm beginning to get the sense that despite all my experience employers are baulking at me not having been employed. Because I'm trying to break into an industry connected to my self employed work, I'm looking at entry level jobs and still not getting any bites. It's actually quite depressing as I feel like to survive a decade on your own you inevitably have to be a self starter and a good all rounder, but it's like my profile doesn't tick the HR boxes. The biggest area I'm lacking experience in is the ubiquitous "working in a team/leading a team" thing.

I've just been offered a job that honestly seems fairly dull, a lot of admin, but it's in a sector that seems pretty nice and chilled. I can't decide whether I should continue trying to get my foot in the door at places I really want to be, or whether I should take this boring job.
Advantage of boring job: it's a 5 minute walk away, it's in a nice industry that could be quite interesting to build a career in, the team seem really nice, I would get teamwork and office experience, there's good scope for growing
Disadvantage of boring job: I've only been looking for a month, is it too early to "give up" on the industry i really wanted to move into? I'm also worried that while it would add experience, it would also dilute my CV (it's got nothing to do with what I've been doing as a freelancer)

OP posts:
witmum · 19/09/2023 17:56

Take the job. Once you have a job it will be easier to get another one.

Get the experience of ten work and after 6 months shift to the industry you want xx

WeeOrcadian · 19/09/2023 18:37

"it's easier to get a job, when you already have a job"

Listen. If it pays the bills - do it. You're not beholden to them. Take it and keep looking.

Maggiemaggieooo · 22/09/2023 03:18

Take the job I'm going back to work after a 10 yearbreak 😬

WandaWonder · 22/09/2023 03:52

I have been doing this for years I love it as I arrive and leave at exact times noovertime or having to take work home and it means I can mentally switch off, I have no desire for a work 18 hour days because 'I love my job' career

Scorcher79 · 22/09/2023 16:03

Hi OP,

I can relate to many aspects of your post. While not self-employed myself, I've worked as a primary school teacher for over 14 years. Due to an unstimulating and toxic work environment, I decided to leave my last job and moved to a new role which I'm finding is fairly mundane and routine (admin role in a university). I'm hoping I can use it to add to my general experience and as a launch pad for a more interesting role but I guess only time will tell....

I feel for you though... it's hard to start at the bottom again and I was worried I would be pigeonholed and employers would think I didn't have any other skills other than teaching...hence the pivot....

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