Should You Take A Job You Don’t Like?
Most times on the way climbing up the success ladder, one has to make important decisions especially when they are career-related. One such decision is choosing to take a job you do not like or rejecting the offer. Before you make such a weighty decision, you need to take some points into consideration. Think of the pros and cons before coming to a conclusion. This article is here to help. We have outlined reasons why you should take that offer you do not really fancy, and also reasons why you should not.
When You Should Take a Job
Even when your heart does not readily accept a job offer, there are many reasons that can convince you to put your feelings aside, at least temporarily. Accepting a job that is not your passion or the six-figure you have dreamed about all your life could actually help you. How? See these reasons below.
- Experience: What kind of value would you be getting in terms of experience? If the skills and knowledge you will be gaining are wholesome and worth it, then you should think of taking the job. Apart from financial gains and other perks, a job that offers a learning opportunity is worth consideration. If the job is giving you the opportunity to see behind the scenes of the profession, the back end, and the processes of building a good career in that field, then there are good reasons for taking the job. Good skills and notable work experience always look good on a CV.
- Remuneration: Money should not be the sole reason to take up a job offer but when the financial gains and perks of a job cover the challenges you will face, then it sounds like a good deal. Truth be told, everyone needs money. If you need help with your finances, then it is wise to accept the offer rather than stay unemployed. To be realistic, bills need to be paid.
- Chance for Growth: You might not like a job because it is an entry-level position or a position you think is beneath you. However, there could be chances to move up and grow your career as time passes. If this is the case with your offer, then you might need to consider accepting it.
- Time Factor: If you have a lot of time on your hands probably because you just got out of school or are still job seeking, it is advisable to keep busy than remain unemployed. Trying to explain a long employment gap is much more complicated than remaining employed until something better comes up.
- Network: If the job provides an opportunity for you to meet top successful people in your career, it could pave a way for you to grow your personal brand. Making the right connections could get you good referrals in the future.
- Sole Offer: When the job is the only offer you have, you could decide to accept it instead of making up the unemployment statistic.
- Fear: If you are reluctant about accepting the offer because of the plain old fear of working in a totally new environment or facing the challenge of undertaking new responsibilities, then maybe you need a rethink. Try to find out if the challenges you are scared of can be tackled. If your fears are not legit, do not let them stop you from making the right decision.
When You Should Not Take a Job
Yes, there are reasons to persevere and accept a job that you do not like. But there are times to take a stand and say a firm no. They include:
- When the job experience will not look good on your CV or is inconsequential.
- When the challenges of the job are higher than your physical or mental health can bear.
- When the salary is lower than your expectations or when it is clearly an underpayment that does not pay the worth of your skills and certifications or cannot take care of your basic needs.
- When there are no perks to the job – vacation, bonuses, leaves, sick days, or maternity or paternity leave.
- When the roles and tasks required of you on the job show that you will be overworked.
- When there is no room for promotion, raise, or career growth.
- When your skills and certifications would not be valued on the job.
- When you are planning on staying on the job for a very short while. Having a reputation as a chronic job hopper does not look good on a CV.
- Other reasons include the means and time it takes to commute to your workplace, the probability of having a healthy work-life balance while on the job, work hours, relocation, values, or ethics.
Final Thoughts
Taking a job offer or rejecting it is one of the important decisions you have to make as you walk along your career path. It is a decision only you can make and it is an important one because it has the power to make or mar your career. Treat yourself like a brand and make decisions that are to your advantage but do not expect any job to be a hundred percent perfect. Think thoroughly and go through the reasons listed in this article before you come to a conclusion. You can also ask the advice of trusted family or friends who have been faced with a likely issue.
If you choose to accept the job, give it your all as if it is your childhood dream. Work diligently and use all resources available to gain skills and experience, network, and grow your career. Who knows, you might even grow to love the job. But if you do not, do not hesitate or feel guilty about leaving when a better opportunity comes up.
If you decide to reject the job offer, do not feel guilty about your decision. Do not feel pressured to take a job offer whose cons outweigh the pros. Learning to say no is also an important part of growth. Use the time you are out of a job to gain new skills, take online courses, review your CV and cover letter and apply for new jobs.
Whatever choice you make, we are rooting for you!