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I always wonder how much of these stories comes down to people not being willing to do jobs that are "beneath" them. Sure he applied to hundreds of jobs, but w

I always wonder how much of these stories comes down to people not being willing to do jobs that are "beneath" them. Sure he applied to hundreds of jobs, but what was the range of things he applied to? Not being able to find a job making / doing what you used to is far different from actually being unemployable.

not_real_acct 8y ago
It's a catch-22. Here's an example: Right now, my earning are in the top 5% of my specialization. Realistically, I'm probably overpaid by about 25%. I'm currently employed and I've gone on a bunch of interviews. I get hit with two things: 1) I haven't found a single employer who will even come close to what I currently make. I will take a pay cut of at least 10-15%, no matter where I go. 2) A lot of employers want me to take an even bigger hit. Which I'm OK with! But then they get suspicious, wondering "what if we hire him and he just leaves as soon as he finds someone that pays better?" I've actually considered lying about how much I make, but that seems a bit stupid. As I see it, they're getting me at a discount, as they see it, I'm a liability. It's a p.i.t.a.
- xirdstl 8y ago
  Can you give them a target salary instead of what you make now? Do they need to know what you make?
- woah 8y ago
  It’s illegal to ask about prior salary in California, and I would argue it’s a questionable tactic elsewhere.
ryandrake 8y ago
Not sure I understand what you are saying, but it sounds like you’re suggesting people should be open to taking on roles that they see as beneath them (roles that are more and more junior) as they age. This is the exact opposite of the expectation in most other professions, where as you gain experience, better and better more senior opportunities open up.
- war1025 8y ago
  I'm saying you should eat the humble pie and prioritize paying your bills if it comes to that. Obviously if you apply to 400+ jobs and don't get hired to any of them, your expectations are too high.

not_real_acct 8y ago

It's a catch-22. Here's an example: Right now, my earning are in the top 5% of my specialization. Realistically, I'm probably overpaid by about 25%. I'm currently employed and I've gone on a bunch of interviews. I get hit with two things: 1) I haven't found a single employer who will even come close to what I currently make. I will take a pay cut of at least 10-15%, no matter where I go. 2) A lot of employers want me to take an even bigger hit. Which I'm OK with! But then they get suspicious, wondering "what if we hire him and he just leaves as soon as he finds someone that pays better?" I've actually considered lying about how much I make, but that seems a bit stupid. As I see it, they're getting me at a discount, as they see it, I'm a liability. It's a p.i.t.a.

xirdstl 8y ago
Can you give them a target salary instead of what you make now? Do they need to know what you make?
woah 8y ago
It’s illegal to ask about prior salary in California, and I would argue it’s a questionable tactic elsewhere.

ryandrake 8y ago

Not sure I understand what you are saying, but it sounds like you’re suggesting people should be open to taking on roles that they see as beneath them (roles that are more and more junior) as they age. This is the exact opposite of the expectation in most other professions, where as you gain experience, better and better more senior opportunities open up.

war1025 8y ago
I'm saying you should eat the humble pie and prioritize paying your bills if it comes to that. Obviously if you apply to 400+ jobs and don't get hired to any of them, your expectations are too high.