“From Prime Minister To Senator”: Would You Take A Job That Is Below Your Level?

By Jane Okoth,

Local media have been reporting about the possibility of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga vying for a senatorial position in Homabay County.

Relating that information to the corporate world, would you take a job offer that does not meet your standards or one which is below your level?

Kennedy Munyendo, a Client Service Officer at Corporate Staffing Services advises against the idea saying that it portrays one as an indecisive individual.

“For starters you will have a hard time fitting into your new position. For instance the individual may be used to being given managerial roles but find himself in a position where he is reduced to a junior staff,” he says.

‘Secondly, you will not be comfortable. This is because you are used to managerial positions and switch off to a junior one which responsible for killing your motivation at works,” he opines.

“In this era of unemployment, I would take the job offer as long as I am getting paid and remaining relevant to my career,” says Peter Mbatha, an IT Supervisor at a telecommunications firm.

“I strongly advise against the idea because it will be suicidal on ones career. How can you move from a well ranking position to a very low one?” says Antony Kimania, a Sales Manager at a logistics firm.

“That is the same as regressing in your career and not only will you fall short of your expectations, but of the small pay that you will receive in the job,” he advises.

Peter adds that “my decision will depend on the company that is willing to give me the so called low rank position.’

‘There are some instances where the title does not matter and what you have to put into consideration is the pay,” he argues.

‘If I work as a manager in a medium sized company then offered a junior position in an international company where the pay triples, why would I not take the offer?” he asks.

Also Mr Munyendo warns against the idea that is more likely to change people views and perspectives of you in a negative manner.

It will raise a lot of questions and many would be interested to know why you are not able to handle managerial positions.

”This decision may make your new boss or the recruiter have a lot of questions regarding you.

He also opines that the move has a negative effect on your career as it is likely to affect your growth.

Sarah Auma, a teacher at a local primary school in Nairobi says that some people may find that the responsibilities do not match your current package.

“What is the point of being a supervisor if you are given the same pay as other junior staff yet I have overwhelming responsibilities?” she asks.

She adds that “I would rather handle a position that I am able to fully undertake without straining myself.’

On his parting shot, Kennedy Munyendo says “unless it is the last resort and you don’t have a job at the moment, then you can consider the offer.

What’s your take on this?

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