Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but let’s face it—finding a job in a new place can be tough. Many new migrants find themselves taking on “survival jobs” just to make ends meet while they adjust to their new life. These jobs are usually low-paying, temporary, and outside of a person’s chosen career path. But while survival jobs can be necessary, they can also impact your confidence and long-term career progress.
The good news? You don’t have to stay in a survival job forever. Let’s explore what survival jobs are, how they can affect you, and most importantly, how to transition out of them and get back on track with your career goals.
What Are Survival Jobs?
Survival jobs are positions that new migrants take on to cover basic living expenses, like rent, food, and transportation, while they get settled. These jobs are often entry-level, require minimal qualifications, and don’t align with the person’s long-term career plans.
Some common examples of survival jobs include:
- Retail positions (cashiers, stock clerks)
- Food service roles (servers, kitchen staff, baristas)
- Cleaning or housekeeping jobs
- Delivery drivers or warehouse workers
- Taxi or rideshare drivers
While these jobs may not be ideal, they’re a practical way for new migrants to earn money quickly and maintain financial stability in a new environment.
How Survival Jobs Impact Confidence and Career Progress
Taking on a survival job can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides financial security, but on the other, it can have a few negative effects, especially when it comes to your confidence and career advancement.
- A Hit to Self-Esteem
Many migrants arrive in a new country with impressive skills, education, and experience, only to find themselves in jobs they’re overqualified for. This can lead to feelings of frustration and a loss of confidence, as you may start to question your own value and abilities. - Stalling Career Progress
The longer you stay in a survival job, the harder it can be to transition back to your professional field. Employers might see a gap in your industry-specific experience or wonder why you haven’t been working in your chosen field. Meanwhile, you might feel like your skills are getting rusty or irrelevant. - Burnout and Fatigue
Survival jobs often come with long hours, physical labor, or irregular shifts. This can leave you too tired or stressed to focus on job hunting or upgrading your skills, which only prolongs your time in a survival job. - Feeling “Stuck”
One of the toughest parts of taking a survival job is the feeling of being trapped. You might need the money and stability, but at the same time, you know it’s not where you want to be. This cycle can create a mental block that makes it difficult to see a way out.
How to Transition Out of Survival Jobs and Into Your Chosen Career
While survival jobs can feel like a necessary step for many new migrants, they don’t have to define your career path. Here are some strategies to help you transition out of a survival job and back on track with your professional goals:
- Keep Your Long-Term Goals in Focus
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of a survival job, but try to keep your long-term career goals in mind. Set aside time each week to job hunt, network, or work on your resume. Even if it’s just an hour or two, consistent effort adds up. - Upgrade Your Skills
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to getting out of a survival job is not having the right qualifications for your target industry. Look into courses, certifications, or workshops that can help bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. There are often low-cost or even free resources for migrants, especially online. - Network with Intent
Networking can be the key to unlocking new opportunities. Start by building connections with people in your desired industry through LinkedIn, local events, or professional associations. You never know—one conversation could lead to a referral or job opening that isn’t publicly advertised. - Volunteer or Freelance in Your Field
If you’re struggling to find full-time work in your field, consider volunteering or freelancing to build up relevant experience. This keeps your skills sharp and shows potential employers that you’re still active in the industry. Plus, it can expand your network and lead to paid opportunities. - Take Advantage of Settlement Services
Many countries offer free or low-cost services to help new migrants with job placement, resume building, and career counseling. Take advantage of these resources—they can offer valuable guidance on how to break into your field in a new country. - Set Small, Achievable Goals
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re in a survival job and trying to figure out your next move. Instead of focusing on the end goal of landing your dream job, break the process into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s reaching out to five people on LinkedIn or updating your resume, small wins can keep you motivated and moving forward.
Final Thoughts: Survival Jobs Are Temporary—Your Career Is Not
Taking on a survival job as a new migrant is sometimes a necessary part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to define your career. While it’s completely understandable to feel discouraged or stuck at times, remember that this is a temporary situation. By staying focused, networking, upgrading your skills, and setting achievable goals, you can transition out of survival mode and into the career you’ve been working towards.
Survival jobs help you stay afloat, but with patience, persistence, and strategy, you’ll find your way back on the path to success!