When To Take That Not-So-Perfect Job

Sometimes underemployment is the only kind of work you can find, meaning work that doesn't use your full skill set or a job in your field that is only part-time or short-term.

Jan Leahy of the Career Resource Center offers these tips for deciding whether to take a job that's not really what you're looking for:

Related: Underemployed Under the Radar on the North Shore

Job seekers first must make a realistic assessment of their finances: How many weeks or months can you go without bringing in any new income? If you can afford to make a work search your full-time job, do that; if you needed a job yesterday, here are some things to consider when choosing what to take.

1. Your first choice should be short-term or part-time work directly in your field. Sometimes this can lead to long-term or permanent positions with these same companies. It also keeps your experience current.

2. Next, consider related professional positions that will expand your skill set or offer training that could be valuable in your desired field or help facilitate a career shift.

3. In taking a completely unrelated job – retail sales for example – take a job selling something you have a real passion for: a Bass Pro Shop or a jewelry store. That way it will be more fun and interesting.

4. In seeking out an unrelated job or volunteer opportunity, try to work hours that will not hinder your "real" job search – weekends and evenings will still leave the 9-5 work week to pound the pavement.