The Hidden Trap of Survival Jobs
For many migrants and international students in Australia, survival jobs are a necessary first step. Whether it’s working in hospitality, retail, warehouses, or cleaning, these jobs help pay the bills and offer financial security.
But here’s the problem—getting too comfortable in short-term survival jobs can trap you in a cycle that limits your career growth. What starts as a temporary fix can turn into years of being stuck in low-paying, unfulfilling roles, delaying your progress in your actual profession.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
✔️ Why survival jobs are helpful (but dangerous long-term)
✔️ How they can damage your career growth
✔️ Strategies to transition into professional jobs faster
If you’re feeling stuck in a survival job, don’t worry! This guide will help you find the right balance between earning now and building a successful career for the future.
1. What Are Survival Jobs, and Why Do People Take Them?
Survival jobs are temporary, low-skill jobs that provide quick income but aren’t related to your long-term career goals.
Examples of Survival Jobs in Australia:
✔️ Hospitality (waitressing, barista, fast food)
✔️ Retail (supermarkets, clothing stores)
✔️ Warehouses & Logistics (packing, delivery driving)
✔️ Cleaning & Housekeeping
✔️ Uber, food delivery, or gig work
For new migrants and students, these jobs offer quick income, flexible hours, and no industry experience requirements. That’s why so many people rely on them.
💡 The problem? Many migrants plan to work these jobs temporarily, but years later, they’re still stuck—missing out on career advancement.
2. The Hidden Risks of Staying in Survival Jobs for Too Long
A. You Delay Gaining Relevant Work Experience
Every year spent in a survival job is a year NOT spent gaining industry experience in your actual field. Employers look for recent, relevant experience—so if you wait too long, your skills become outdated.
💡 Solution: Start looking for entry-level jobs, internships, or even volunteering in your industry while doing your survival job part-time.
B. Your Resume Can Get Weaker Over Time
If your resume only shows hospitality, retail, or gig work, employers in your profession might overlook you. A long gap without industry experience makes it harder to explain why you haven’t worked in your field.
💡 Solution: Add side projects, freelance work, or industry-related training to your resume to stay competitive.
C. It’s Harder to Break the Cycle the Longer You Stay
Many migrants become comfortable with the stability of survival jobs and delay pursuing their dream careers. The longer you stay in a low-skill job, the harder it becomes to leave.
💡 Solution: Set a clear exit plan—decide how long you will stay and what steps you need to transition into your profession.
D. You May Be Earning More Now, But Losing More in the Long Run
It’s tempting to keep earning quick money through survival jobs. But in 5–10 years, a professional career will always offer higher earning potential than casual, low-skill jobs.
Example:
👨🍳 Barista earns $25/hour → $50,000/year
👨💼 Entry-level accountant earns $60,000–$70,000/year → Grows to $100,000+ in a few years
💡 Solution: Short-term sacrifices (such as taking an internship or entry-level role) can lead to long-term career success.
E. You Risk Career Dissatisfaction & Burnout
Many migrants stay in survival jobs out of fear or comfort, but later regret not chasing their dreams earlier. The longer you delay your career, the more frustrated and unhappy you may become.
💡 Solution: Set career goals, network with professionals, and start applying for jobs in your field—even if you feel uncertain.
3. How to Escape the Survival Job Cycle & Start Your Dream Career
If you’re currently stuck in a survival job, you CAN transition into your profession. Here’s how:
Step 1: Create a Career Roadmap
✔️ Identify where you want to be in 1–3 years
✔️ Research the qualifications and skills needed for your dream job
✔️ Set specific goals (e.g., apply for 10 industry jobs per month)
Step 2: Gain Local Experience (Even Without a Job Offer)
If employers want Australian experience, create your own opportunities:
✔️ Volunteer in your industry (e.g., accounting, IT, healthcare)
✔️ Intern or do work placements through TAFE or universities
✔️ Freelance or start personal projects to showcase your skills
Step 3: Upskill & Get Recognized in Your Industry
✔️ Take free or affordable courses (TAFE, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning)
✔️ Get certifications relevant to your profession (e.g., CPA for accounting, AWS for IT)
✔️ Join professional organizations (e.g., Engineers Australia, Australian Computer Society)
Step 4: Network & Apply for Industry Jobs
✔️ Attend networking events and connect with industry professionals
✔️ Use LinkedIn to engage with recruiters and hiring managers
✔️ Apply strategically—even if you don’t meet 100% of the job criteria, apply anyway!
Step 5: Reduce Dependence on Survival Jobs Gradually
✔️ Start by working part-time in survival jobs and part-time in industry-related roles
✔️ Build an emergency fund so you can take risks (like unpaid internships or lower-paid entry-level roles)
✔️ Once you secure a full-time career job, transition completely out of survival work
4. When Is It Okay to Take a Survival Job?
Survival jobs aren’t bad—they provide financial stability. But they should be a stepping stone, not a permanent plan.
✅ Good reasons to take a survival job:
✔️ To cover living expenses while job-hunting in your field
✔️ To support further education or training
✔️ As a short-term solution while transitioning to your career
🚨 Warning signs you’re stuck in a survival job cycle:
❌ You’ve stopped applying for jobs in your field
❌ You tell yourself, “I’ll start looking next year,” but never do
❌ You feel like you’re wasting your potential
💡 If this sounds like you, it’s time to take action!
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Long-Term Career Over Short-Term Comfort
Survival jobs are helpful, but they should NOT become permanent. If you’re a migrant with career goals, don’t let temporary work hold you back.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Use survival jobs as a stepping stone—not a long-term plan
✔️ Gain relevant experience through volunteering, freelancing, and internships
✔️ Keep applying for jobs in your field, even if it takes time
✔️ Set clear goals and create a plan to transition out of survival work
🎯 Your dream career is possible—you just have to take the right steps.
Over to You!
Are you stuck in a survival job? What’s your biggest challenge in transitioning to your professional career? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😊
