"Take the job + keep looking. In this market, you've got to look out for yourself." I received this note last week from an executive who has been job searching for almost a year. He is in the later stages of interviewing with a company that he likes for a job that would pay him less than half of what he previously made. If he is offered the job, he isn't sure if it's "ethical" to continue looking for new jobs and wanted to know my thoughts. I would not say this is an ethical question at this point. With this market being what it is, I would take the role if offered and continue looking for new roles without thinking twice about it. I see too many folks who are in an extended job search and we don't know where things will go. You are going to do the best that you can for the organization - that's a given - so I wouldn't worry about the rest. You're going to bring a ton of value to that role - more than you will be compensated for. Those of us who have been working for 25+ years remember a time when loyalty was a thing - I vividly remember my Director at Procter & Gamble proudly showing me what my retirement would look like when I received my offer as a 21-year-old engineer. Unfortunately, the days of corporate loyalty are gone for many companies, so we've got to adjust accordingly. A few years back, I probably would have given slightly different advice, but this market is just so challenging that I do think that you need to take a good opportunity with good people when it comes along and not feel bad about it. Have you ever found yourself in this situation? What would your advice be here? Is there ever a time that you wouldn't just take the role and keep looking? I'm genuinely curious if anyone still believes the old rules apply. ♻️ Repost if this resonates 🔔 Follow Colleen | 87K+ going ageless
There may be logistical difficulties in "looking for a job" while you are still employed. I mean how many "dental appointments" can one have?! I would say we should always no matter what think in terms of "career management" as opposed to job search. Have a resume dispatch ready, make sure your Linkedin profile is a recruiter magnet as opposed to a shiny biography filled with adjectives, check the relevant job boards, reach out to the influencers in your network at least quarterly with updates. Career management is a more productive way to view a career than "looking for a job" if circumstances allow.
This isn’t about ethics, it’s about survival in today’s market. Loyalty’s not dead, but it has to go both ways, Colleen. Taking a role and continuing your search is smart, not shady. You owe it to yourself to stay open until you're fully aligned.
Colleen I would recommend against this approach for senior people. For executive roles, the failure rate at the 18 month mark is roughly 50 percent according to multiple industry studies. Taking a role you already know is a poor fit just to “keep looking” puts you at serious risk of landing in a short assignment that damages your long-term employability. At this level, two or three short stints can close doors fast. I understand the pressure in this market, but for executives the downside is much bigger than the short-term relief of having a role. The better strategy is to stay focused on finding the right context, not the fastest escape.
Never stop looking unless you are good. It took 55 years and 29 relocations but I finally found what I hope is my forever home. I love the area, love the job, have a great relationship with my boss and other managers. Pay is more than I asked with great perks for my family, but I am an outlier at this point. I have been laid off too many times to be too comfortable, so I know how volatile the job scene can be. Right now it is an employers market so they are offering lower pay and getting dozens of qualified candidates. If you need to take one to keep the lights one, do so, but keep looking
I would look at it a bit differently than the person that brought the question. There are certainly times where we are overqualified. What else does the position offer? What can you bring to the company? Is that fulfilling? The money is important; however, you should not see your worth as a dollar sign. Will this bring you less stress? Do you need the position and it's a good fit for now? On the flip side, if the employer found another candidate, even after making an offer, could still change their mind. In a few months, they could reduce staff. IF, IF, IF... There are no guarantees in this life. Do what is right for you now and you will do what is right for you in 6 months, a year, etc.
In the last 6 months I've seen someone: Land a job and get laid off 4 weeks later Land a job and get put on a PIP 2 months later Land a job and have the position eliminated 3 months later This is a very unsteady job market, which is all the more reason to study up on the skill of job searching. Once you have it, it takes all this stress away.
“Ethical” just means doing what’s right for #1, Colleen—works both ways, my friend.
This is an interesting question, and it is why so many find it difficult to get an offer for a job where they are "overqualified." The hiring team is worried about the exact same thing---will you leave soon because the job does not align with what you really want?
I would take the job and keep looking but I would take a short break (as long as you need) from job hunting in the meantime. It is emotionally, as well as mentally exhausting.
My rather harsh outlook on this topic Colleen, loyalty is dead. It's a career trap. You stay in the role for all the wrong reasons so you miss out on great opportunities. That VC firm that just bought your company, they have a 3-5 yr timeline to exit the business. Think they are worried about you? I don't think so. It's not a matter of ethics, it's about what is right for you, your family and your career,.