Its OK if You Consider Your Job Temporary - The Muse

Its OK if You Consider Your Job Temporary - The MuseIts OK if You Consider Your Job Temporary I have a friend whos been job searching for the past year and a half. Passively job searching, that is.See, she doesnt love herbei current role. But, as shes told me multiple times, there are benefits to sticking around. She has health insurance, she likes her co-workers, and it looks good on her resume to have a few years at a good company.Now, I work in the career space, so I spend most of my days telling people that they should love the work they do. And I truly believe this- after all, we spend so much time at work that we deserve to enjoy and feel fulfilled by it (at least most of the time). Plus, as writer beschleuniger Boogaard wisely points out, while its OK to like your job because it pays well, lifes way too short to put up with misery for the sake of piles of cash.But theres a whole range of experiences between a nightmare job and your ultimate gig. Im also aware of the value our jobs can and should realistically provide us- and that those values change over time, in different roles.So heres the truth Every job you have doesnt have to be your dream job. It can, simply put, just be a temporary stepping stone to greater things.Take my friend as an example. While Im tempted to shake her and say, Why keep doing this to yourself when you could be so much happier elsewhere? I also think she makes a good point. Shes still figuring out what she wants in her career, and for now, her job provides her with everything she needs to do just that- financial security, opportunities to grow and meet new people, and experience at a successful company.Heres another example Maybe you know exactly what your dream job is, but in order to get to it you have to put in your time in another not-so-dream role. Or, perhaps you cant afford to pursue it just yet for financial or personal reasons, so youve landed something that- for the time being- allows you flexibility and a stable inco me.My point isnt just that sometimes its OK to settle for a role when its beneficial for you, but also that these jobs are just as important as those dream-worthy ones youll have down the road. These stepping stone roles will be the ones that shape who you are and who youll become. Theyre the jobs that will give you the confidence and skills you need to ultimately have a successful career.So, Ill leave you with this one tip If your current job is your stepping stone, make the most of it while you can. That may mean using your robust company network to build long-lasting connections, or attending trainings or conferences your company provides, or taking on challenging projects to build skills in other areas. Remember, the goal is that you wont be doing what youre doing forever- so make decisions now that you know will have a positive impact later on.Because, like my friend, you might one day stop passively job searching and actually take a step toward your next move. Future you will be grateful you didnt waste any of the opportunities you were given.