We will be working most of the time. In fact, that’s roughly 90000 hours or 30% of our lifetime. With that, we should try finding work that’s both meaningful and can provide our finances.
The good news is: if you look hard enough, there are a lot of great offers. But how do you know that it’s the one for you? We certainly don’t want to be exploited at work. So which do you accept?
Do you accept the first “good” job offer that comes your way? Not necessarily. Here are 6 reasons to turn down a “good” job offer.
The Commute
Not all jobs are near your place. Some might be in far-off cities where traffic may eat up your time, especially in the Philippines. Imagine, a normal day’s commute might range from 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours. And don’t get me started if it rains or a special event happens.
So ask yourself, how far and how long is the commute? Are you willing to travel that much for that “good offer?” If not, better think twice.
Safety
It’s a new world. Aside from physical injury, we are all in danger of COVID. Is your job offer worth enough to brave today’s health hazards?
What about relocating to a dangerous country? Or working near a past nuclear bombing site or an active volcano?!
Sometimes, your peace of mind comes first. And accepting a “good job offer” at an unsafe place might not be worth it.
Flexibility
Our life is more than just money. Sometimes, we need the flexibility to do the things we want. So ask yourself, how much flexibility does this job offer?
Is it location-independent? Do you have paid leaves? Are they strict in attendance? Do you have to work in an office?
If you want the flexibility to work from anywhere or to have a degree of control in your time, some “good offers” might not be the best for you.
Toxic Culture
People is another factor you should look into. Imagine working with people you don’t like for months. Even years! Yikes!
So how are the environment and the work culture? Are the people stiff and unfriendly? Is there high turnover?
Check the culture of the company. The “good offer” might come with a hefty price.
Is It Line with Your Career Path and Life Goals?
So flexibility is there. It’s quite safe. And the people are amazing. Should you push through?
Not yet.
Even if the offer is good, you should ask yourself, is this in line with your career path and life goals? Even if you get favorable pay in a graphic design stint, if you are building a copywriting career, it wouldn’t make sense.
If you don’t have a job yet, you can try. But if you have, letting go of your current one for this “good offer” needs deep thought.
Or maybe, you are offered a great career in Spain. But you want to be with your family here in the Philippines because that’s your core value. It’s another consideration.
So if it’s not gonna get you close to your career path or life goals, it might not be a good decision to accept it.
What Does Your Gut Say?
Even when everything is perfect, what does your gut tell you? Is there an uneasy feeling or sudden doubt if you will push through or not? For what it’s worth, you should follow your gut.
Your gut feel is not an imaginary 6th sense. It’s actually based on science. There’s this study that says your gut feel relates to information collected by your body unconsciously.
For example, you might not be aware of the faulty electric wiring or that fight going across the street.
But our body gathers information on the side, and your gut feel expresses an immediate danger based on that side observation. It’s a mechanism to protect you from harm.
So if you feel this before accepting a job, better follow your gut.
Conclusion
Finding the best job for you is not an easy task. You might try out multiple offers first before finding the perfect one for your goals and lifestyle. It’s a lifelong quest.
But we got you! If you’re looking for remote working opportunities, you can check this link for more information. You’ll never know; it might be that dream job you’re looking for. Cheers!
