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I know there are many threads on City-Data that ask the question "Should I leave my new job for a better offer?" and in most cases the answer seems to be "YES, BUT... you will burn bridges". My question today is; is it wrong to take a job (not Mc Donalds, but an Engineering Job) to get by until the right job or offer comes along?
Here is my background info:
I just graduated college with an engineering degree. I've been applying for the past year. A year ago, I was having trouble finding a permeant job. But, I found an internship (6months long). At the time, a lot of companies were laying off. I thought I would gain some experience and "ride out the tide".
Durring that 6 months, I continued applying thinking that I would find something permeant. I've had a good amount of interviews and gotten a feel for "how much" I'm worth biased on my skill set, and what different positions pay. I've had a few offers, but turned them down because of one reason or another. I have turned the jobs down mainly because I was unable to fulfill an aspect of the job for example, one place wanted me to travel more than I am able, and another wanted me to move 2000+ miles for them to "try me out" with no benefits.
Here is my situation:
Obviously, I cannot afford to turn down jobs. My friend works at a company (~800miles away) that is hiring for a position I am qualified and willing to work, but her company underpays. Her initial offer was a discussing low ball ~65-70% of the offers I have seen. I wondering 2 things:
1.) is it wrong to take a low offer from her company to support myself, and look for a better paying job?
2.) should she refer me (her company has a referral bonus program)?
Side question:
3.) Is it wrong to take any job I don't want, and look for another job?
Be honest about your intentions. You may lose out, but it's better than making a company feel screwed over. Discuss your requirements with them, too. Don't quit without trying.
1. No, it's not wrong. People do this all the time.
2. Depends on how long you think you'll stay and how long it will likely take you to find a job. Under a year and she's risking her reputation.
3. No.
In this particular situation however, you should take into account the cost of living in the area, how much it will cost you to move and what your hours and work culture will be (because it affects your ability to job-search). The offer might be good for an area with a low COL, or it might be outrageously low.
I don't think so. Most people would not pass up a better opportunity if one came along. That might be in six months, might be a couple years. You have to take care of yourself.
In this particular situation however, you should take into account the cost of living in the area, how much it will cost you to move and what your hours and work culture will be (because it affects your ability to job-search). The offer might be good for an area with a low COL, or it might be outrageously low.
The company just likes to lowball, but it's in a HIGH COL area. The consolidation is I can move in with my friend, and I don't have much to move. What she tells me from her experience is that hours are long, vacation is barely existant, and she doesn't like the culture much. (She took the job quickly and then got to hear everyone else's offers . They are supposed to renegotiate her salary in a few months.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by strawberrykiki
I don't think so. Most people would not pass up a better opportunity if one came along. That might be in six months, might be a couple years. You have to take care of yourself.
I agree with you, strawberrykiki. The biggest reason I have been thinking about this is that I expect it will take roughly 6 months to find the job I want, with a reasonable offer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ragnarkar
If it's a bigger company, maybe you'll also have a shot at better paying and more suitable positions internally..
Unfortunately, it's a smaller company. But, I'm wondering if it's in bad taste to network with companies that my company has relationships with?
Nothing wrong with it. I would rather work at a lower paying job, than have no job at all. There is no commitment these days, either on the employee, or employer side. When an employer does not need your services any longer, they "lay you off" and don't feel guilty about it. Why should you?
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. They are supposed to renegotiate her salary in a few months.) 
