Don't Take Drug Test If You Know You'll Fail

A business owner recently vented his frustration to me around the number of job seekers who failed a work drug test at his company.

"As a fairly active employer when it comes to hiring, I need to share with you my recent frustration when it comes to new hires and drug testing. We have had a particularly bad run in the last quarter with over a dozen failed tests. With over half of the candidates being college grads, I was particularly surprised! It actually seems more like an IQ test, why take it if you are going to fail? People currently in a job hunt should really be more aware of how testing works, and be prepared to pass. It is both disappointing and expensive for us as employers."

Now, you might be thinking, "I bet this it was a bunch of punk kids," or "The job probably pays squat." Well, you are wrong. When I contacted him to get more details around the situation, here's what he told me:

In three months, he tested 39 prospective employees at $45/test. That's an estimated $7,000/year spent on drug testing.
Only 25% passed.
Their ages ranged between 21-52 years old.
The owner estimates the additional cost of the wasted time/expense went into interviewing these people prior to the test at $24,000+.

More importantly, these people missed out on jobs that paid between $50,000-$58,000/year!

Why You Shouldn't Take A Drug Test If You Know You'll Fail

Here's the takeaway for job seekers...

Many companies are using drug tests these days as a way to weed out employees. Be sure to find out before you apply if the company is going to ask you to take a drug test to avoid any embarrassment.

What should you do if you find out about the drug test after the interview?

If the company fails to mention the drug test until after your interview. Simply say you'd be happy to take the test and leave. Then, call them back and say that upon reflection, you've decided the job isn't for you. That way, you won't be embarrassed when you fail and you'll save the company the cost of giving you the test.

Using drugs is your choice—you just need to acknowledge choosing to do so comes with consequences in the form of limiting your job options. It's a small world. Failing a drug test isn't good for your career. So, be smart and move on if you know you can't pass one.

Navigating career struggles can be tricky. We understand the challenges you face in the job search, and it can be incredibly difficult to make the right career decisions. If you're feeling trapped or lost in your career right now, we're here for you. We'd love it if you joined our FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career satisfaction.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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Published March 31, 2022

4 Highest-Paying Careers As A Librarian

A career as a librarian has long been popular because of the job security and solid pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for librarians today is $60,820. But the top 10%, most of whom have master’s degrees in library science (or MLS), earn as much as $80,000.

How much you will eventually earn with your MLS depends a great deal on the type of library in which you are working. With a master’s degree, you should have the qualifications to handle many top jobs as a librarian.

In 2011, it was found that around 40% of librarians in the United States work in either elementary or secondary schools. Those librarians earned approximately $59,000 per year. Also, note that librarians who work at universities tend to earn a higher salary—around $65,000 per year. If you are fortunate enough to get a librarian job with the federal government, you can earn $80,000 per year.

Some of the highest-paying careers and titles in the field of librarianship include:

1. Federal Government Librarian

Old books in a library

Every government agency has its very own library, such as the Air Force Materiel Command, Library Of Congress, Health & Human Services, Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Archives. Most of the higher-paying federal librarian positions require an MLS to be considered. It is possible with enough experience and education to be paid more than $70,000 per year. These jobs are highly competitive, so the better your education and work-related experience—including volunteer library work—the better.

2. University Librarian

University librarian

Librarians who specialize in universities and colleges will usually be better paid than those who work in primary or secondary schools, with a median salary of around $62,000 per year. Colleges usually have endowments and have larger budgets than many school systems. Remember that these jobs are competitive, and many universities will expect you to have your MLS, and possibly another master’s degree or even Ph.D. in a related field.

3. Special Librarian

Woman talks to a librarian

Many medical schools, hospitals, corporations, and other entities have special libraries that need to be effectively sorted and managed. The median salary in the field is about $56,000 per year. Your chances of landing this type of librarian position increase if you have a strong academic background in the particular type of library you want to manage. If you are trying to obtain a librarian position in a legal library, it is very helpful to have legal experience and possibly an advanced degree in political science or public policy. If you are looking for a job in a medical library, a degree in the life sciences is beneficial.

4. Curator

Young librarian

A curator is responsible for important collections of artwork or historic artifacts. Most of these professionals work at zoos, museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, and historical sites. The median pay is approximately $49,000 per year, and most conservators need to have a master’s degree.

Keep in mind some other important details if you are looking for a good salary as a librarian:

Location, location, location – You should try to work in a part of the country with higher salaries and, as much as possible, a reasonable cost of living. Also, some parts of the country have colleges and school systems with more funds available than others.
Private vs. public – People who work at private universities are going to earn more than those who work at public ones.
Volunteer experience – Many of the best-paid librarians had a great deal of internship, work, and volunteer experience in libraries as they were earning their MLS.

Never underestimate how competitive the librarian job market is. Often, just an MLS is not enough to assure you will get the job. Get as much practical work experience in libraries as you can, to ensure your best chances for a choice librarian job.

If you’re struggling to find a career or job you’re passionate about, you’re not alone. The good news is, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.