How young job seekers can use their workplace advantage for more

Penelope Trunk argues that In today’s workplace, young job seekers hold the advantage. I wonder if this even matters when work no longer holds much meaning to Gen X and Gen Y. Having an advantage in a game that doesn’t challenge is useless.

Since the advantage is ours, however, let’s use it, and to negotiate more than extra vacation time:

1. Create a 3-position work week. Many of us complain that we aren’t challenged or don’t have enough to do during our 40 hours. Why work a full-time job in only one position? We already engage in extra-curricular jobs (blogging, bartending, volunteering, etc.) outside of normal work hours, but let’s take the idea further.

After you start a new job, monitor how much time it realistically takes you to complete your tasks. Then propose to your employer that they pay you a prorated version of your salary for those 20 hours, for example, that it takes you to do that job. Then go out and get another job. Repeat. This saves the company money and allows you to work two or three part-time jobs in order to showcase multiple skills and pursue numerous passions. For example, you could be an accountant for 15 hours, a personal trainer for 15 hours, and a graphic designer for 10 hours. And still have time for other extra-curricular jobs.

2. Request a trial period. For the company. Perhaps you have two job offers and aren’t sure which to choose. Or maybe you want to apply to several companies, but want a test-run first. The culture of one could be just what you’re looking for, but you won’t know until you actually work there. Why not request a trial period of a week or two to try out both jobs and see which you like better? If you request this pre-interview or job offer, this also provides an opportunity to show them what you’re made of, giving you additional negotiating power. It’s a hands-on experience interview.

3. Develop a partnership-job between companies. Let’s say you have two great skills: you are a stellar marketing guru and your research capability in biotechnology is cutting edge. The biotech company you work for hires out their marketing needs in lieu of staffing in-house. Why not work for both the marketing firm and the biotech company? At the biotech company, you are a top researcher. At the marketing firm, your major client would be the biotech company, who you would obviously have an intimate knowledge of.

Or maybe, you are a development officer at the nonprofit of which the bank you work at is a major donor. Or maybe, as the curator of an art gallery, you choose to use the firm where you work as an accountant. Discovering and using connections between separate fields will bring more meaning to your job experience and efficiencies to the companies you work for.

These are just some ideas to start us thinking bigger. Since we have the advantage, it’s up to us to make the next move and determine the pace, and outcome, of the game.

What are your thoughts? If you could have anything…

Checkmate your company.