What is a Survival Job to You?

Jane found herself out of work and decided she would like to return to school for a Business Management Degree program. But alas! Bad credit was stopping her from getting a Student Loan or qualifying for government funding. Her hearts desire was to manage a small business. She felt her best qualities were assertiveness, organizational and an ability to delegate.

As a child it was hounded into Jane she would never make anything of herself if she did not get a degree. She became disheartened and her employment target became a ‘Survival Job’ in retail, to save money for schooling.

Jane was a large lady who took pride in the clothes she wore and one day discovered the store she buys her clothes in was looking for a sales assistant. Instantly, she thought this is the job for her!

Many of the Sales Associates knew Jane because she was a customer and this helped her secure the position. Jane loved it, before she used to snub retail as a low end second rate job, now she realized what fun it is trying on all the new styles and able to wear outfits to show them off to potential customers.

Jane became very good at her job knew what the customer wanted; she also knew how they wanted to be treated. That year she was the top sales person, and was promoted to Assistant Manager.

The story does not end there; Thanks to being able to get 50% off all clothes Jane was able to buy outfits she normally could not afford. He professional presentation made it possible for her to be sent away for managerial training.

Five years later Jane accepted a management position with another high-end company as Regional Manager.

Jane is not managing the small business she dreamed of, instead she is responsible for many small businesses and is making $55,000 per year to start. In the end, she never needed to take out that loan or go to college. She simply worked and trained her way into the position.

Through the confidence that Jane gained while working in the store and attending all the free training, Jane was able to work off excess pounds, looks and feels great!

Sometimes we may get our pot of gold from the rainbow we have yet to discover!!!!
Keep an open mind when looking for survival jobs, they may turn out to be much more than you first thought.

Lesley Anderson
CES - Job Coach / Skills 101 Facilitator