Anonymous posted: I have been job hunting for two years now without any positive results. My last salary was KSh 80,000. I have been offered a job in a start-up paying KSh 20,000. Kindly advise if I should consider taking the position. A serious young black businesswoman standing with arms crossed in a modern office space, pondering (Picture for illustration). Nancy Jepleting is a communication and event manager in the recruitment, training, and HR industry with over two years of working experience.TUKO.co.ke sought Jepleting’s expertise to support individuals with extensive employment gaps in successfully transitioning to new employment, particularly when there is a significant disparity in salary. Jepleting recommended that the anonymous person carefully evaluate their circumstances, career goals, financial needs, and personal preferences before deciding on the offer. How will low-job offer affect employee? According to the expert, accepting a job offer of KSh 20,000 per month instead of KSh 80,000 per month would necessitate the woman to readjust her lifestyle and reduce many expenses. Moreover, her career advancement might be affected. She noted that such offers, if not in line with the employee’s skills, interests, or values, can result in reduced job satisfaction and overall happiness. “Taking a significant pay cut can have a substantial impact on your finances. It may require adjustments to your lifestyle and budgeting to make ends meet. Secondly, accepting a lower-paying job could potentially slow down your career progression. If you were previously earning KSh 80,000, the lower salary might not align with your long-term career goals or financial aspirations. If the new job doesn’t align with your skills, interests, or values, it can lead to decreased job satisfaction and overall happiness. This can impact your motivation and well-being in the long run,” said Jepleting. Moreover, some employers may view a significant salary drop as a red flag. While this perception may vary from industry to industry, it’s worth considering how it could affect your employability in the future. When to accept the job offer Jepleting observed that the new salary is quite low considering the declining economy. She suggested that if the woman truly needed an income to manage her expenses, she should not be selective but accept the opportunity. Furthermore, she recommended that the woman should inquire about potential commission benefits that could increase her earnings. “If you desperately need income, then I would say don’t be picky, that is if you do not know where you’ll get your next meal. Also, find out if there are benefits such as commissions or pensions,” she advised. Nevertheless, she also advised that if the individual is capable of covering her expenses, she should decline the offer and persist in her job search for a more suitable opportunity aligned with her expertise. “But if you can afford to keep looking and paying bills, just job hunt for a better job that matches your experience,” she went on. How employment gap affect job-hunters Jepleting explained that rapid technological advancements and industry trends can pose challenges for individuals who have been out of employment for a while. This is often due to a decline in knowledge and skills. “If the aspect of employment gap has been an issue when job hunting. Depending on the length of the employment gap, individuals may experience a decline in their skills and knowledge. Rapid technological advancements and industry trends can make it challenging for individuals to catch up and remain competitive when they re-enter the job market,” said the expert. As she stated, employers usually prioritize consistent work experience. “When recruiters or hiring managers review CVs, they often look for consistent work experience. Employment gaps can raise concerns about an individual’s commitment, reliability, and ability to stay engaged in the workforce,” said Jepleting. Disclaimer: Advice given in this article is general and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about solving their employment challenges. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making a decision on a job offer. Do you have a story to tell? Want an expert’s advice? Please email us at askanexpert@tuko.co.ke with ‘Ask an expert’ in the subject line. Man with KSh 130k savings stranded In another story, a 26-year-old Kenyan Form Four leaver revealed he had saved KSh 130,000 from hustling and was in a dilemma on whether to start a business or proceed to college. The young man noted he intended to pursue a diploma in building technology, but he could not afford to pay KSh 67,000 in school fees per year, considering other expenses. Personal finance expert Eric Muchoki listed several business options he could start while also noting he could save the money in a Money Market Fund (MMF) to increase his returns.
by Nancy Odindo
