Good Fast or Cheap, Pick Two

Good, fast, or cheap-pick two… this was a rule of thumb my father always taught me. As I have grown up, I have realized how very true it is. For example, have you ever wanted something shipped to you overnight without being broken? That service would be both fast and good, but certainly not cheap. Maybe recently you have been in a drive through at Taco Bell, now this is both fast and cheap, but not the finest Mexican you could buy. Or maybe ordered something from a website nice and cheap but it has taken a month to get to you. Good and cheap, but not so fast. Get it?

Being a recent grad and looking for that first job you will find yourself with a similar dilemma. You want that ideal job, right? What makes an “ideal job”? Most people will tell you- the commute, the salary, and obviously the job itself. Just as you can only “pick two” with good, fast, or cheap, when you are a recent grad, it is wise of you to only pick one. Don’t worry though; you will get to the point where you can pick two, and eventually all three!

Some folks graduate and expect that they will land the $50K job, working for a fortune 500, and only have a half hour commute-which could be possible, but highly unlikely. If you approach your search in this manner you will end up spinning your wheels and eventually just getting frustrated and disheartened with your search. However, if you approach your search with one of those aspects in mind you will land a position that you are both happy with and proud of.

If your ultimate goal is to work in Human Resources, don’t give up on that. It is a very reachable goal, however, you may only make $27K and have to commute over an hour. Don’t laugh; I did it just 4 years ago! Once you land that dream position, you get one to three years experience in that role, then your next move you can expect two of the aspects to come your way. This time you want to stay in HR but want a much closer commute. Again, very doable, but this time you may still be making less than that goal salary you have for yourself. Once you establish yourself in that geographical area with about five years of Human Resources experience, then when you make a move, it would be realistic to make the money you want, in the role you have always dreamed of, and maybe live so close you can go home for lunch!

Your goals are obtainable, there are jobs to be had, just remember to keep it realistic. When you are going to retire at 65 and start working at 23, it is a marathon not a sprint. Just remember-pick two, good, fast, or cheap.


Barbara Tumelty, Senior Recruiter
btumelty@thedubingroup.com