In this workshop, you will examine your feelings about money issues, job satisfaction, and the importance of future opportunities. As with the previous workshops, label each of the "you" statements below with one of the letters A through D.
[A] I would love it;
[B] It would be comfortable;
[C] It would be uncomfortable, but I'd accept it;
[D] I would hate it, and would not accept it.
- You are educationally qualified to apply for a job in an agency that you would love to work for. However, you lack the practical experience they prefer. Instead, they offer you an entry level, low paying, trainee position for a specified period of time.
- The job market is tight, and you are unable to locate an available position in any of the many agencies you have applied to. You can switch to another professional field or you can offer your services to the agency of your choice for no pay until a paying position is available. You then give the agency a time limit of up to three to six months (whichever you can afford) to bring you on in a salaried position or you will leave.
- You found a terrific position with an agency that is perfect for you in every way. There is only one problem; they want to bring you on as a self-employed freelancer. In this case, you will have to pay your own taxes, health insurance, and there will be no paid holidays.
- You have been offered a position with the agency you were hoping to go with. Unfortunately, they can only afford to bring you in as a part-time employee until business picks up. They have offered benefits, but cannot guarantee when you will come on board full-time.
- An agency has offered you a full-time position at a competitive salary and benefits. However, several aspects of your job responsibilities fall into the "unwilling to compromise" category.
- You have an opportunity to come into one of the best agencies in your area at a salary level that is far below standard. But there is a tremendous potential to learn things you could never pick up at any other agency.
- You have been offered a position at a reputable agency for a substantial salary and benefits package. The one drawback is that although you are qualified, the job is not in your area of interest There may be an opportunity to move into another position if one becomes available. But there are no guarantees.
- You have landed a position at a small agency that will provide you with the opportunity to do just the kind of work you love. However, the job pays less than you wanted. You can survive on that salary, but it will mean making some severe cutbacks for a while.
- A new but very interesting agency has offered you an opportunity to get in on the ground floor. You will be given a position with a tide and responsibilities that are more than you ever hoped for-but at a minimal salary. If the agency grows, you will be made a full partner. The agency owners are willing to put that in writing.
- An agency is in desperate need of a certain kind of quality work that you in particular have to offer. The agency principals are hoping that your contribution can save the future survival of this agency. In return for your services they are willing to pay you a very high salary and all the benefits you care to negotiate. But if the agency fails in spite of your best efforts, you will be out of a job.
If money is not the final deciding factor but it is important, then you need to look closely at your personal finances and decide exactly how much you can afford to cut back. Not only in terms of dollars, but also in what you can comfortably give up in your lifestyle. Then whatever you are willing to sacrifice has to be weighed carefully against the opportunity you think can be gained.
The other important thing to look at is whether the opportunity you see is real or has it been fabricated by the agency to lure you into accepting less money. Think about these questions before you jump on the opportunity bandwagon:
- Is this agency really top-notch, and is it worth taking less on the financial end for the experience of working with them?
- Have you talked to other people at this agency to see if what is offered prior to accepting a position is what is truly expected once you are hired?
