Given the current state of the job market, would you take a job that only pays 30K? Mind you, you’ve been in the field for a while and have a lot of skills to bring to the table. You won’t need medical benefits since your significant other already has them. The job can’t pay you anymore. However, it’s very convenient to get to. And let’s say you have not had a full time job in a year but were collecting unemployment? Would you go that low in salary? This is a hypothetical question of course. 
Having said the above, would it be even worth working for 30K a year while singing a No Compete contract? I mean, I might as well try to start my own agency right? For the first time I am thinking about starting my own agency? Am I sabotaging myself or what? I guess I have some thinking to do.
my dear friend you should have your moral values, i personally feel that if i am expertise in my field i will never ever go from 59k to 30k.
Interesting point. I sure would love to hear other point of views. Anyone?
30k > unemployment benefits + extended gap in resume
There is much more to life than how much you get paid.
Can you lead a reasonably comfortable living on 30k? (ie you won’t starve and can pay your bills)
What are the alternatives?
Does this 30k job offer enhanced earnings etc in years to come?
Will you get satisfaction from doing the job, irrespective of what you earn?
Having any job is better than being unemployed, even if it’s flipping burgers. When times are hard in economic downturns you’re lucky be get offered any job, let alone one that matches your skills, plus you can always move on when times get better.
What about social morals? If you’ve been collecting unemployment for a year and turn down a job isn’t that just socially wrong? I tend to have a lack a respect for those who prefer to take from the system without giving back. Additionally, while this person may have skills worth more than 30k, the job may only require skills worth 30k.
Agreed
Starting your own agency (not freelancing) takes money. We’ve all heard that it takes money to make money. Most banks right now aren’t going to give 50k to a start-up to experiment with.
In my opinion, take the job and get back on your feet. You can continue your search but at least this will start paying your bills and begin to fill the gap in your resume.
Do what you love and don’t settle for less.
Additionally, while this person may have skills worth more than 30k, the job may only require skills worth 30k.
Glad I read that, thank you.
This Advertising CEO sees that I have many skills. So I will be using many of my skills there and then some. That’s fine. My ego needs something like that. Plus, I want to take on the mindset of a servant, you know, “I live to serve” type deal.
But would this little amount of money be worth signing a Non-Compete Agreement?
It depends, will you enjoy the job more than you currently do, does it have any inherent benefits you don’t want to turn down, can you live with the pay decrease, do you need the job badly, is there a chance for promotion or other opportunities, do you see anything better coming your way, what are your realistic options… There’s reasons why you might want to take the job, some why you wouldn’t, weigh up the pro’s and con’s and decide upon that what you would like to-do. 
As an ex-recruiter, I didn’t have an issue with someone who had taken a contractor position for much less than their market worth - especially during lulls in the market. Its also better to be working than not .
But, make sure you don’t over commit to time frames on a contract that is low paid as you will kick yourself if another job comes up the following month paying your market value.
If depends on your level of pride versus your need for bread. If you have to feed a family, then yes. If you still have your cable on and east fast-food, I would wait it out.
No way! Times are changing, stick it out.
I’d go with 30k, it’s better then unemployment I think. Just watch your spendatures, try to save your money more often.
Everyones making sacrifices nowadays, we all have to adapt. I know I made a big choice, so far reaping the benefits big time. Just thoroughly think your decision out before you make it.
Do moral values suggest being unemployed? If so, one must have very strange moral values…
Non compete clauses in employment contracts are usually only enforceable when they are reasonable, such as prohibiting you from working with a competitor, or taking your clients with you when you leave.
A clause that goes beyond what’s reasonable for your employer to expect may be unenforceable. This might include a clause that says that you can’t work in the graphic design industry at all for a certain period.
I am deliberately using wishy washy words like may be and might because IANAL, but that’s my understanding of it.
Thanks for the responses. I appreciate them.
I got an email today from the owner who wanted to hire me. He said the full time salary will not work for either one of us. He continued to add that if he hired me one a freelance basis it would bee too unstable; he really needs someone full time right now. He said he will keep me in mind for any future projects. :goof:
Oh well, it’s time to start my own company.
Oh well, it’s time to start my own company.
Yeah that is my goal for the year as well well to go freelance again. Have no interest in owning a company with employees… yuck 
Hello everyone,
Looks like this deal is not going down. After talking to the guy for at a second interview he said he really wanted me to work there. But we both agreed if I worked there for 33K it would only be a few months before I would find a new job for higher pay. That’s just a reality. He thought about hiring me part time or freelance. He said let’s think it over during the weekend.
I got an email from him. He said he really needs someone full time and the salary won’t work for either one of us. Therefore, he will not hire me on a freelance basis since it won’t be very stable.
He must be out of his mind to hire someone for $30k. Still, if you don’t have anything going on then I’d take it. Not for the salary but extending the experience. Plus, not being in the field for over a field is not look good as well. If this is the only lead you have, I would email him and try to work it out. Then again, he really thinks he could get someone for $30k so it maybe better to let this go. G’luck!