Even though we live in an egalitarian society in the United States, people are still judged by their jobs and careers. Becoming unemployed is tough, and the troubles intensify without a financial safety net. For college-educated, white-collar professionals, economic uncertainty and corporate belt-tightening have made it increasingly more difficult to land another role, as hiring has slowed during the current white-collar “richcession.”
You may now have a dilemma. If you’ve been searching for weeks or months without any meaningful interviews and the holidays are right around the corner, it doesn’t look promising that you will procure an opportunity anytime soon. You must confront whether to wait until the new year commences, hoping that things will change, or interview for a frontline or blue-collar job.
It may be time to put your ego aside. Taking a temporary bridge job is not wrong or shameful, especially with the holiday season approaching. Macy’s, Target, Amazon, Walmart and other large retailers have announced lofty goals for their seasonal hiring. Additionally, UPS plans to bring aboard 100,000 seasonal workers.
Taking a bridge job, including positions at warehouses or driving for a rideshare service like Uber, can be a practical and responsible decision for anyone who has lost their job and needs to generate income. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, and it’s a common approach that many people take during periods of job loss or financial hardship.
What’s A Bridge Job?
A bridge job is considered a short-term transitional position between two stages of employment. These temporary gigs act as saving graces as you wait to jump back into your career, allowing you to receive a steady paycheck and health insurance. Bridge jobs are also seen as stepping stones for those looking to switch careers, re-enter the workforce or delay full retirement. They can be part-time, full-time, contract or freelance gigs, often offering more flexibility.
Why You Should Take A Short-Term Gig
If you are in between jobs and need to pay bills or support yourself or your family, taking a bridge job can help you make ends meet. They can help cover essential expenses, provide income while job searching and prevent financial stress. These gigs help fill gaps in your employment history and show potential employers that you are proactive, enthusiastic to work and have continued to hone your soft skills. Even in a different role, staying employed can help maintain a daily routine and provide a sense of purpose during a job transition.
Bridge jobs can provide unexpected opportunities, such as learning new skills, gaining experience in different industries or roles and making connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
Explaining Why You Want A Bridge Job
When interviewing for a bridge job, a prospective employer may be suspicious of why you are open to the position if you are overqualified. Don’t be ashamed of telling the interviewer the truth. Let them know you’ve been downsized and the job market in your sector is cooling. Due to the current circumstances, there is a need to bring in some money for the family to pay the bills and have enough funds for presents for the kids. Employers will understand.
Share why you are interested in this particular company and role. Don’t act like you are above doing the grunt work. In fact, let them know you’ll do whatever is asked of you to alleviate any bias they may have about you transitioning from a white-collar profession to a blue-collar role. Be humble, respectful and transparent about the hours and days you can work. Try to remain positive and view this as a change of pace from the corporate grind.