Poll: Take Mediocre Job or Accept Unemployment? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm at a boutique litigation firm on one of the coasts. My hours have been low for the last 6 months and I am probably going to be laid off soon because the situation is not improving. My firm is a regional leader in a niche practice area, and the pay is market for a 3rd year associate.

I've been invited to interview at a large (but often derided) firm where I would take a significant pay cut and work on far more routine cases. Is it better to accept this mediocre job than to risk having an unemployment gap on my resume?

[ballouttacontrol]

way too many variables man..... do you think you'll land something good in unemployment e.g. are you a highly desirable candidate in your practice area?

[railyard]

Look for another job other than that one? You're making it seem like there are only two options here (unless there is)

[Anonymous User]

My practice area is so niche that it's hard to lateral to another firm due to conflicts. I've already conflicted out of a number of firms that would've hired me based on fit and experience.

I haven't yet interviewed at the "mediocre" firm, so this all may be moot if they don't offer me a position. But I'm looking at about a 20k paycut if I end up going there.

[Anonymous User]

I'm not sure that the other position you are referring to qualifies as "mediocre", but according to a WSJ article, whether you should take the job may depend on whether you're male or female:

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2016/05/ ... -time-job/