McJobs Are OK During Recessions

Re “For Some Grads, It’s Back to School or Get a McJob,” May 28: When I graduated college in 1991, with a BA in organizational psychology, I became a self-employed cleaning lady, seamstress and--the worst job of all--a TV/movie extra. These gigs, of course, were not my dream jobs, nor did they have anything to do with my field of study.

But they did offer three very important services: flexible hours, allowing me to look for a real job and volunteer at organizations where I could use my education; something to put on my resume, both the jobs and the volunteer work; and income. I did this for about two years, until the last recession lifted and I was able to find work in my field. I have been employed in the social service field ever since, including three years in management positions.

So all you new grads, this recession, as do all recessions, shall pass. But when it does, prospective employers will want to know what you did during the downturn. A McJob is a job, and it shows you are productive. And employers like employees who are productive.

Dorit Dowler-Guerrero

Silver Lake