Walls turned sideways are Bridges
Let’s face it: when you’re in the throes of long-term unemployment, frustration can start to feel like your middle name.
"I’m capable, willing, and my bills definitely aren’t paying themselves!" you think. But when paid work is nowhere to be found, the struggle isn't just about missing that pay check—it’s also about the hit to your social life, mental health, and, let’s be honest, your sanity. I vented about this a few years ago here.
But don’t throw in the towel just yet—this is where a bridge job can swoop in and save the day!
Think of a bridge job as your temporary superhero, one that pays the bills, keeps the benefits coming (hello, healthcare!), and makes sure you’re still out there doing something productive.
Of course, you’ll want to be smart about which bridge job you choose. No one’s saying you have to be a mime in Times Square unless, of course, that’s your thing. Aim for a role that has some alignment with your career goals. You know, something that lets you flex a bit of your expertise and keeps your skills sharp for that next big step. (Check out LinkedIn News Editor Andrew Seaman's article for some great examples—he’s always got some career wisdom to share.)
Personally, I've had my fair share of bridge jobs. Back in my South America days, I worked as an English language instructor in Uruguay and Chile at places like Lloyds Bank TSB and UPS. It wasn’t just a paycheck; it was a crash course in patience and empathy—seriously, English is a tough language for beginners! Plus, I met amazing people, grew my network in places where I didn’t know a soul, and even financed some Spanish courses along the way. Total win.
And that’s the beauty of bridge jobs—the future is wide open. What starts as a short-term gig might just turn into a job you love (or at least tolerate with a smile). A fascinating BBC article shares the story of pilots from Thomas Cook and Emirates Airlines who were laid off at the start of the pandemic. One pilot landed a job at a COVID-19 testing site and found that his best buddies—transferable skills—saved the day. His attention to detail, ability to manage big-picture situations, and knack for following strict rules all transferred seamlessly to the new role. Who knew that keeping an airplane in the sky had so much in common with swabbing noses?
And speaking of swabs and lemons, remember the old saying: "It’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain (while making lemonade)." That’s exactly what bridge jobs offer—a chance to keep moving forward while things are a bit cloudy.
And that wall you keep hitting: turn it sideways, and voila, it's a bridge!
Superchargingly yours
Sonal
*PS: If you're deep in long term unemployement (over a year or longer, maybe?), it might be time to enlist professional help. Book a no strings attached gameplan call here.
Sonal Bahl
Career Strategist, former HR Director
Read here how I got 5 offers in a recession
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