Why You Need a Bridge Job

You may need a Bridge Job for a variety of reasons, and we’re going to dive into those, but let’s first get clear about what a Bridge Job is - and is NOT. 

A Bridge Job, like a bridge, takes you somewhere. A bridge is not the destination, unless you’re a tourist visiting a famous Bridge like the Golden Gate or Brooklyn Bridge (remember the days when we could be tourists? Sigh). A bridge is something you need right now to help get you where you want to go, but that you don’t stay on forever. It’s the same with a Bridge Job.

Bridge Job Versus Survival Job

I have a confession: I hate the term “Survival Job.” It sounds so dramatic. Like you’re lying in a gutter grasping for a crumb of bread, willing to take ANYTHING you can get. It’s hard to get excited about a survival job, because - let’s be honest - it sounds terrible!

 Maybe the position you’re applying for right now is not your dream job. And there's no shame in that!  We’ve all got to pay our rent and feed our families and cover our bills. But I want you to know that it’s ok to want to do more than just survive.

 I’ve seen people get stuck at a survival job and it breaks my heart. So the words here are important.

🟢  Bridge = I’m going somewhere. 

🛑  Survival = I just don’t want to die. 

That’s why I prefer the term “Bridge Job.”  See the difference?

Give up the “I’ll-do-anything-I-just-need-a-job” attitude of hunting for a Survival Job! Instead, try out the “I’ll-choose-something-good-for-me-even-if-it’s-not-forever” attitude of taking on a Bridge Job. 

Now, sometimes, what you think is a Survival Job, turns out to be a Bridge job. You can read about my Starbucks story (link) here where I share an example of just that. 

So Why Would You Need a Bridge Job?

Bridge Jobs are temporary in nature and they serve a purpose, but the motivation or need to move to a Bridge Job can vary from person to person, situation to situation. Some possible reasons for taking a temporary position could be:

  • To escape a toxic or draining job

  • A global pandemic happened and you were laid off

  • You need a break from job hunting for your “dream job” and just need an income NOW

  • You want to transition to being an entrepreneur full time

Whatever your reasons for needing (or choosing) a bridge job, there’s no shame in it. Bridge jobs can be an important part of building an intentional career, especially, when you consider what you’re transitioning toward. 

How Long Should You Stay at a Bridge Job?

The answer to the question is, it depends. How long you’re at a Bridge Job will vary - maybe it’s six months, maybe it’s 2 years! It will depend on what your needs are and what the job can give you. The important part is it’s moving you towards where you want to go - your Dream Job or even your new business. 

Let’s look at the example of transitioning to working in an entrepreneurial pursuit full-time. It’s not often you can immediately dive into an entrepreneurial endeavour right away. You have to build it up over time. A Bridge Job is a fantastic (and essential) piece of building your new intentional business.

If you need a real-life example, Michelle Ward of 90 Day Business Launch (affiliate link) shares what she did to get certified and launch her business while working 50 hours a week.

Michelle’s also got great suggestions on how to find a kick-ass bridge job. 


What to Look For in a Bridge Job

It’s important to question what you‘re looking for in a Bridge Job if you’re considering a temporary role. Even if it’s temporary, you need to know what a bridge job should give you. 

You need at least the following from a bridge job:

  • Decent money
    Even though it’s not a career, it should pay you enough. Don’t accept a salary that is too low just because this isn’t your career. If you’ve got some experience, skills, and education, you need to be paid a decent salary. Maybe it’s not a career salary, but you need enough. You get to decide what that number is for you. Remember: a bridge job actually takes you somewhere. 

  • Time and energy
    Make sure that a bridge job doesn’t steal all your time and zap all your energy. If this job is “just for now,” you’ll need the energy to take courses, network, or keep researching and interviewing for career positions, or building your side hustle. A bridge job keeps you on the path to the next thing, it’s not everything.

If a job doesn’t give you those two things, it’s a hamster-wheel job, not a bridge job. Running and running and not getting anywhere. Hamsters are cute and everything, but remember that a bridge job moves you forward. You might have your own requirements, and that’s fine. In fact, I encourage it!

Moving Forward with a Bridge Job (Virtual Class)

I hosted a free Bridge Jobs class in March of 2021. Too many people feel embarrassed about being in a Bridge Job and I want to normalize Bridge Jobs and shift your mindset about what bridge jobs can do for you. Too many people stay stuck in jobs they hate for fear of what other people will think.

Watch the replay and learn:

  • What is a bridge job?

  • Why would you choose a bridge job?

  • What to look for in a bridge job

  • How long I stayed in my bridge job(s) and why

I truly believe that a Bridge Job can be a part of creating an intentional career. It definitely was for me. Could it be for you too? Schedule a call to learn how I can help you create your intentional career.

Karen Styles