I know you think you want that job but you don’t.
You want to work, yes, but do you really want to work there? Let’s take a look at your situation.
- The hours are soul-crushing. Admit it, you don’t want to work that hard.
- You aren’t really committed to your career or the industry. You could shovel dog poop and be happier.
- The commute is further than you’d like. You could spend your paycheck on rent or gas. Pick one.
- The boss is a jerk. You know this. You saw the way he acted in the interview. You would have to put up with him every. single. freakin. day.
- No one seems happy. Maybe they aren’t. Maybe you should run.
- You don’t really like the brand/product/service. Why would you want to help that company make money?
- The office interior is ugly. They haven’t invested in new chairs since 1997. The cubicles are metal and beige. If they can’t upgrade the interior every century, what does this say about the company?
- The job title stinks. You’re not looking to be the next CEO, but you are looking to show career progression.
- The company website sucks and the social media policy is harsh. If your mom has a better IT infrastructure, keep looking.
- The pay isn’t worth it. When you calculate the benefit of earning a paycheck versus the time you’ll spend hating the job and looking for a new one, you might as well pass on the opportunity.
Go ahead. Keep looking.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you SO MUCH for this post. It’s basically a list of everything I’m trying to keep in mind during my job search, so I will be posting this above my desk immediately!
@Uhura Hang in there.
Feel good post of the day.
@bruno I gotta write for the ‘professional elitist’ every once in awhile.
This is all so true but SO damn hard to really put aside some times. Like, myself for example, I’m trying pretty hard to find a (awful) over night job just for the sake of collecting cash. I am broke and I know it’ll suck.. I’m not having much luck else where.. :/
@jason I believe in working. Earning money. This post isn’t for you — but when you are in a position and you can be choosy, be choosy.
Yes, thank you for this post! This is so timely it’s SCARY. Especially numbers 7, 8, and 9.
Yesterday, I had an interview with a company I was very excited about. That is, until I visited their office!
When I pulled up in the parking lot, the first thing I noticed was that the company name on the door of the office was peeling (it’s one of those stick on deals). They also had a sign on the front door that said “Please use other entrance.” I walked down to the next door and entered, a little unsure about whether it was the “right” entrance because it wasn’t marked. When I walked in, my heart sank. It was one huge, windowless cubicle farm with no receptionist in sight! I stood there for a few minutes before anyone even acknowledged me. I was led to a conference room, where I sat until about five minutes AFTER the interview was supposed to start. The hiring manager came in and said he had to finish up some things, so he’d be a few minutes. He disappeared and I sat there for fifteen minutes while I waited for the interview to begin. As I sat, I began mentally ticking off a “cons” list . . .
Once the interview began, things got better. I had a good rapport with the hiring manager, the job sounded interesting, and I liked the fact that the culture isn’t too corporate. However, my first impression of the office space really impacted how I feel about potentially working there.
Add to that the doubts I already had based on the crappy job title (it sounds entry-level) and an outdated website (looks like it was last updated in the ’90s). As for the employees, I’m not sure whether they like the company or not because I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to any of them.
I actually felt a little shallow about being concerned with the office space, so thank you for confirming that this is a valid concern. If I had known earlier about the office, I probably wouldn’t have invested my time. I need sunlight!
@DK I’m so glad you followed your instinct on this one. Hm. Sounds like you need to keep looking.
Great roundup! In college, I interviewed with a well-known financial services firm that inadvertently made me wonder if they’d fired an entire floor of people in their headquarters: http://karlsakas.com/interviewing-the-company-nonverbal-cues/
@karl Thanks!
#7 & #9 really depends up whether the organization is cheap or do they maximize their resources (e.g. financially responsible).
There are plenty of defunct companies that had lovely offices. Buying and maintaining interiors cost money. Question: If you worked for a small exciting company would you rather have (1) really nice furniture and office but have it fail after a couple years or (2) have older furniture in a so-so office but have it succeed.
There are plenty of companies that do not need a big exciting website. Websites are infrastructure. Infrastructure requires resources. Is upgrading the website the best use of resources?
@sales There are plenty of companies that do not need a big exciting website. Websites are infrastructure. Infrastructure requires resources. Is upgrading the website the best use of resources? Yes. Yes it is.
Thank you so much for this, Laurie! I should have followed my gut feeling with a lot of these in the past and even most recently. Office aesthetics can mean something different to everyone I suppose. For me, nasty old buildings with dreary and tattered beige and metal “furniture” with no windows (‘cept for the zombie-like “leaders” whose cube offices outline the perimeters of each floor) is simply depressing. I think it can and often time does have an impact on how people behave and interact or really don’t interact. And the white-noise pipped in at deafening levels. Another red flag for me.
Company intranet sites that are so outdated and look like something that your 7 year old nephew created 15 years ago- should simply be disabled. Don’t insult your employees- especially at a technology company! That’s just rude and lazy. Company intranet sites are intended to be a resource of links and information for employees. If the crap that’s out there isn’t current and the links generate 404 errors, that says a lot- about how the company communicates and the culture or lack there of. And of course I have recent experience with all of this tragic crap. The company has been bought so many times that you couldn’t keep track. The company is succeeding alright- at the executive levels with the perks and negotiations at their level. That happens.
But the BIGGEST red flag was when I walked into the reception area which can often times be deceiving- especially when that space is glammed up and the rest of the place is stuck in the 1970s. Anyway- the Hr Generalist walks into the receptionist area, dressed in a tattered, stretched out, pilled and faded sweater set, old man pants (seriously) and barely dragged a comb through her hair, holding a giant Hulk size slupry cup and straw, takes a big ‘ol loud slurp and gulp, and says, “You Bev?” THAT should have been my que to say no, and turn around and walk out. That is the person the company chose to be their face to welcome people on their first day. That is the person the company chose to deliver an outdated binder with outdated information to new employees, and hand them a shopping bag with a pen, pencil and post-it notes. Even the sad little “memo” from the president about his “vision” was outdated. I was there a for what was the longest month of my life, so far. And I wouldn’t wish that time there or any other place like it on anyone. Ever. Ever. Ever. Live and learn.
@Iknow Wow, that is the saddest story. I was once that HR Generalist, too. Very sad. I know that straw.
Before I rant, read this article that seems to “indicate” that people are quitting their jobs because they are more confident that the economy is improving.
I think many are just throwing up their hands and giving it the good old WTF and hoping for the best. Thoughts?
There’s something missing from this list…the actual work.
I believe if you’re solving problems or are involved in business situations that require significant use of your brain, then other negative factors tend to shrink in importance. During the interview, insist on discussing the real problems that you will face and more specifically, what your role will be. Of course many jobs will be purely or mostly transactional and there won’t be problems to solve but ask if employees can participate on improvement teams.
Other thoughts:
1. Soul-crushing hrs. Are you getting paid for all the hrs? If so,what’s the alternative? Sitting at home checking your FB page and NOT getting paid?
2. You aren’t really committed to your career or the industry. Jeez, spend a little time on introspection rather than bad-mouthing your worthless boss and stultifying commute.
3. The commute is further than you’d like. So where are the job opps around the corner from where you live? Oh sorry…there aren’t any.
4. The [potential] boss is a jerk. Nothing wrong with asking this person if this is how they act during work because if it is you have no interest in working for a self-absorbed idiot. Seriously – try this once and you’ll be surprised how the person reacts.
5. No one seems happy. Happiness isn’t a major factor in determining productivity. Look – your mom and dad have been married for 40+ years and they’re miserable…but they’re still together.
6. You don’t really like the brand/product/service. Someone does – ask a customer why they like it and keep your ears open.
7. The office interior is ugly. Hey, look at your wardrobe…
8. The job title stinks. Fine – call yourself the Chief Galactic Commander of of the Universe that is Overseen by the Head of Marketing. Feel better?
9. The company website sucks and the social media policy is harsh. Shoot – conduct a Google search on this phrase: “is a world class employer” (with quotes) and see how many glitzy sites there are for companies who are under SEC investigation. As far as the SM policy, get over it and stop whining about “But my company won’t let me use Facebook!!!”
10. The pay isn’t worth it. Do you have a budget in mind when you job hunt? You should know these things so you can assess an offer relative to your needs.
Look, when I look or think about my gf I get all goose bumpy; I’m not saying that you should feel something “like” this during an interview but if you feel nothing but loathing then your know what you have to do. Still remember the job title of a book written by the late Erma Bombeck:
“The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank”
Just because it looks like a Utopia doesn’t mean you’ll be fed figs and grapes all day long…It goes both ways.
@Steve Your comments? These are all blog posts. Thanks for giving me the SEO and content. I’ll take it.
I gotta agree with AlternativeRockHR. I know too many people who don’t seem to be able to keep a job. They quit because of some of the issues listed above.
Who feeds their family? Me and my fellow tax payers, that’s who. Get a job!
Laurie…. I have THIS job. I wish I could get out of it. 2,3,4,5,6,7, and 10 all apply to my current position. Been here 2 years and I am actively looking for antoher job obviously.
Any advise you can give me when the interviewer asks me “Now, why are you looking to leave your current job?
@Canuck You are looking to leave your job for lots of reasons: you want a different industry, a different career path, you’re looking to lead, grow, improve your skills, contribute in a new way, or work for a company that closely aligns w your values. Tons of options — all true.
Working freelance positions years ago, I’d go on alot of interviews. I remember one where about every aforementioned red flag went up– (you forgot “Everyone in the office seems like an arrogant pinhead.”) I go into the office for the interview, sit down in front of the hiring manager who has a “I have control over your presence and future, peon” attitude— and just when he starts his questioning, I interrupt him and say ” I don’t want to work here.”
The look on his face was priceless.
@mattymat I wish more people would take that approach. Could save people lots of time & hassle.
Among other things I do #9 (the website). I have really expanded the site, grown hits, grown revenue, etc. I have even been rewarded for my efforts. So, if you can change something, do it. Whining is not an effective long-term retention strategy.
@HHSpouse I dunno. Sometimes whining is okay. Just not when I’m around.
@Steve aka (AlternativeHRGuy) regarding the article: Might even be more like: WTH? My personal finances have hit rock bottom. I am not protecting anything by keeping a hated job. A risky career move is not so risky anymore.
@SalesComp that too… lol
@HR_Canuck If someone asked me, “Have you ever been so unhappy at work that even after months of doing everything you could to turn around the situation, all you saw was despair on the horizon?” I’d know exactly what they meant and would follow up with, “Yes I do; so describe for me – in detail – the environment and job that would remove your despair.”
I wish more recruiters and hiring managers understood that being miserable isn’t part of a job description…
Hate to say it but I relate to this post somewhat. Great people but the other is a bit hairy.
@Drew Thanks.
@MattyMat: you must promise the universe to video such glory the next it happens!
@AlternativeHR: Now I’m dying for an opportunity to try out your #4 suggestion.
@Laurie:
#3 & #6 tend to jump out at me alot.
#2: May not be committed to X industry/career path, but I’m kinda committed to a healthy paycheck.
@Geekette I’m committed to a paycheck, too. Healthy is a relative word, though.
@Laurie: In defense of picking up dog poop, which I do every day because I have a dog: even though it’s a crappy job, it’s a lot easier to deal with than crazy people, be they coworkers, bosses, clients, customers, or whatever.
Actually, I’d probably be okay working outside in the summer picking up dog crap–for the right price
The pile of crap I have to deal with in my job is soul crushing. Fortunately, I have an understanding boss and coworkers, so I’m hesitant to leave for *any* opportunity because the next job may end up sucking more and without the support from above.
I know a lot of people who are living 5, 6 and 7 right now (including me).
I think most people are willing to suck it up in the short term to deal with these issues. But if the projected long term plan looks like more of the same, then it’s time to change the channel.
I wanted to add another bullet to that list, especially if you’re working with a temp agency/contract agency:
Be aware of “phantom positions”. Last month, I interviewed for two separate companies for positions that either did not exist, or the hiring manager simply said “we think you’d be better for this position…” at the actual interview. Both positions were horrible, with low pay and high stress – and they would not interview me for the position I actually applied for.
On another note, I completely understand the need to have any job right now, but it’s also a dangerous practice. You run the risk of having too many short term positions on your resume. Unfortunately I did that in the past, and now I suspect that it’s damaging my resume. I wish we were able to be honest with companies, and say “hey, I have bills to pay…”, but that’s not the case.
@Luciana Thank you.
This is great! It is also very, very true. I understand people want & need a job, but trust to be in a job/position and you know there is no room for advancement, and what you already know is way past what the company has not arrived at is no fun:(
Trust, been there done that… One feels stuck, unmotivated and basically just hoooooooooooo hummmmmmm it’s a bad mix, what will happen your brain will become dead no stimulation…..
If at all possible know exactly what you want, and what one can work w/ other than that you will be miserable….believe it or not: It’s not always about the $$$$. Just my thougths.
How true!! I took a job Jan. 2009 that had most of the warning signs. After a month in the position the rest of the warning signs appeared. I took it until May 2010 when my hair started falling out and I was taking a sleeping pill every night so I could get any sleep at all. The hair falling out led to a quarter sized bald spot on top of my head; I’m a woman so I panicked and got the hell out of that place!
I’ve been looking and interviewing since then and I take all of the above points into consideration. One thing all job seekers should understand is that in addition to being interviewed, you are interviewing the company as well. Before you accept the position, if you don’t feel comfortable, ask to have another interview. Ask to speak to you peers. Ask to speak to anyone who interviewed you if you have further questions or need clarification.
BTW, I LOVE the “I don’t want to work here” example!