Take a Step Back to Leap Forward
I was a mid level manager at a tech start-up until the company folded earlier this year. Before that I worked as a Lead Programmer with a national software tech dev company.
Altogether I think it's safe to say that I’ve had some good career success and progression over the last 10 years until the company went out of business this year.
There's a overnight hotel security job opening that a friend of a friend manages and claims he willing to hire me if I want the job. The pay’s something like $14 buck an hour which is just a little over minimum wage which is way below what I’m used to earning but I’m okay with that for now.
My main concern is how a potential employer will react to a Hotel Security job on my resume if I’m unable to find another job for another 5 months or longer.
Am I overthinking this job offer or is a move like this going to make it impossible for me to land another management job?
Why not accept your friend's help and let he/she know that it will be temporary while you seek out other job opportunities? It's always better to have some stability in your life while you job hunt. Just set aside an hour when you arrive home from work and look for jobs each evening. Also my job experience is crazy ALL over the place. I cleaned houses a few summers, waitressed, taught elementary school, have done wedding photography, been a social media marketer and a lead customer support manager. A potential job has never been turned off by the fact that I had a variety of experiences. In fact they were intrigued! I think it makes you well rounded. Try asking the new security job if there is any tech advice they need or that you could help with so you can apply your skills to that position. You never know!! I wish you the best! Keep us posted : )
Why are you asking me?
Think of it this way. What looks worse: 5 months in a job that's a "step back" career-wise or 5 months of unemployment? I've been in this situation before, and honestly sometimes it felt to me like I was going to be stuck in a job I knew wasn't right for me forever, but if you can keep your job search rolling while working, that's a testament to your work ethic that you can use to be considered a better candidate. And if someone in an interview were to call out that this job seems like a step back, you can always point out that you weighed your options and decided that taking a lower paying job temporarily was a much better option than waiting around for the perfect job to land in your lap. Staying active, rather than treading water, is always a better option. Best of luck, Peter, with whatever you decide to do!
Yes friend