Getting a band-aid/filler job

I think most people who start looking do so while continuing to work at the paper they've been working at.

Going elsewhere simply invites questions from perspective employers about how and why you are at said place.

 

If you want to go in a completely different direction from journalism, becoming a substitute teacher in a lot of states is relatively simple. In Rhode Island, all you need is a bachelor's degree and to fill out about a dozen forms proving you don't have a criminal record, have proper vaccinations, etc. It normally pays between $60 and $100 per day, depending on the district and what you're doing, and since it's in the morning you still have nights free for freelance reporting / writing.

 

You don't get benefits if you sub, sg.

ND, I wouldn't bail from your job unless you are 100 percent sure you are getting into something you want to do. Leaving for a new place of employment means you're lowest in seniority and possibly easiest to whack (especially at a union workplae) if the economy stays in the hopper.

 

I'm currently in one of those band-aid/filler jobs. It wasn't meant to last this long, but two promotions later and I'm still there. I'm a bit disgruntled tonight, but it's not a terrible job.

 

What industry? What's the job?

 

I'd advise you to take whatever you can get QUICKLY, while you look for a good/"real" job. It can take a surprising length of time to find that PR job for which you are seemingly overqualified, etc., in times like these.

And no one in the world will care or notice if you only worked at a retailer or whatever for a couple months between jobs. Any employer who would not hire you because you busted your ass at a retailer in between journalism/PR jobs is an irredeemable ass and will get what's coming to him or her soon enough. Or, you could just leave the interim job off your resume entirely, although I suppose some would say that's wrong as well.

 

Bartending.

Good money, chance to make some new friends socially.