Should I get a job while waiting?

[WishfulThinker]

I just finished my applications this week and I've got nothing to do but to wait, so getting a job in the meantime sounds like a good idea. If I get a job and get accepted to any of the universities that I applied to, I'd be able to work 6 months at most.

The thing is that I don't know if I should mention this to my possible employers in the interview process (which might destroy my possibilities of being hired) or just not mention it and if I get the job quit after 6 months in the case that I get accepted to grad school (which might make me look like a fool)

So, should I try getting a job?

Edited December 15, 2012 by WishfulThinker

[dendy]

It also depends on what kind of job you're trying to get. Retail or fast food? You don't owe them anything--definitely don't tell them but there's such a high turnover it's not a big deal anyway.

An actual job that utilizes your degree (if you can even find one in this time frame--good jobs take a loooong time to find)? It depends on your field and where you're working but you should try not to burn any bridges.

[blakeblake]

Definitely get the job. It will help you take your mind off the acceptance/rejection merry-go-round and let you earn some cash before starting school. Also, remember that even very qualified candidates don't always get into a school during their first round of applications. Getting a job will give you something to do for the next 1.5 years in case that happens to you and you need to reapply.

It may be inconvenient to your boss if you have to quit the job after a few months to go to grad school, but any rational boss should understand why you would do it, and remember: if you get into grad school, you won't need this hypothetical boss' recommendation, so don't worry too much. Of course, you should still be nice. If you have to quit in a few months, give a month or month-and-a-half's notice, offer to help search for and train your replacement if applicable, and be an all-around good guy/gal.

[ridofme]

Definitely look for a job, but I would just add that you most likely should not mention that you are hoping to go to grad school in the fall, if you are applying for any kind of permanent position. It will sink your interview. In fact, perhaps it would be better to apply for jobs that are meant to be short-term, like tutoring or some kind of assistant work (not sure of your field). As fendy said, you don't want to burn any bridges.

[iloveyourneighborhood]

I'm working at Starbucks while I wait for grad school decisions. It was easy to get a job there, and it's a decent job (even though you secretly know that you are over-qualified). They don't expect people to stay especially for minimum-wage jobs, so as long as if you give your 2 weeks' notice, you're fine.