Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall

When you are job searching, how often do these sentences enter your thoughts? “I refuse to take a low paying job.” “I have a college degree and will not work in a retail store” or “I’m not working at McDonald’s.” If these words sound familiar, you have too much pride and need to step down from your pedestal.

Pride – a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. – Dictionary.com

Pride can be beneficial when it builds up your confidence in your work. But not when you are in need of income and/or experience. If you feel too proud to try these job positions, take a lesson from this guy who’s trying work in 50 states with 50 different careers in 50 weeks.

I am not advocating taking a low wage job but rather taking the job that is currently available. You have to work smart, not hard. Sitting around and waiting for that perfect job is not effective. Find that job first and keep seeking while you have that job. Try submitting multiple resumes daily almost like spam described in step 5. If you go by this shotgun resume method, you will have the option to pick and choose the best wages and benefits these jobs offer. If you are in the situation where you recently graduated and your specific job market is very competitive, find a job that will build on your career. Retail is always good for any career because you can gain customer relations and sales experience.

Remember, be proud but don’t be arrogant. So get out there and work smart!