Your Evolving Job Requirements

By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

What You Want 

In a previous article, we discussed the value of knowing what you want, what you don’t want, and what would be okay. As your job search continues, you may adjust what you want as your job search progresses.

Main Factors To Consider

When you put together your target job, it is just that: your target. As you compare your target to the job market, you will need to revisit your job priorities. Know that one factor that may influence the type of job you take will be your time in the job market. 

Your Acceptable Job May Change Over Time

​Here is how your job wants and needs may change over time:

• In months 1-2 of your job search, you may be stringent about the characteristics of the job you will accept. You may be set on getting your dream title, at your dream salary, with your dream benefits, and working 100% remote.
  
  
• In months 3-4 of your job search, you may ease your requirements based on the responses you’ve been getting from employers. At that point, you may be open to a really good title, or even an okay title, okay benefits, and even an okay or acceptable salary. However, 100% remote may be non-negotiable for you.
  
  
• During months 4-6, when you know the end date for your unemployment payments is drawing near, you may stumble across a job with a more junior title but with a really good salary really good benefits that is hybrid with only occasional onsite work needed. This might be the right combination for you.
  
  
• After 6 months, you may be in a position where you need to start earning income since your unemployment payments are over. Now, you may be most concerned about a really good salary, be okay with no benefits (because maybe you’re on another household member’s plan), and take a 100% remote contract gig with a solid hourly wage. 

You Can Also Stay the Course

Conversely, you may be committed to find a job that very closely aligns with your target job. The good news is that you get to decide what role is right for you, and what will make you happy longer term. The bad news is that it may take you longer if you have very specific requirements and less flexibility. In this case, make sure that you think through options for interim income so you are able to support yourself as you find a role that meets your requirements. 

Learn More

• The Layoff Lady: Career Planning - Figuring Out What You Want To Be Next
• The Layoff Lady: Managing Your Money - Layoff Survival Budget Sources of Income​
• The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What? ​