Today we have yet another great guest post from someone who knows the importance of being happy at work. Check out Debbie’s story where she details why she turned down her full time job offer and chose personal happiness instead. Enjoy!
Debbie Lawrence is a content editor who primarily writes for an online schooling blog. She obtained her bachelors degree in Sociology with a minor in Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara. You can contact her at dlawrence2[@]quinstreet.com with any suggestions, questions, or even comments regarding the pre-emptive search for mba programs in California. You can find her on Twitter here.
Why I Turned Down My First Full Time Job Offer
It doesn’t matter whether you have an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or even an online bachelor’s degree, when college ends, job-seeking starts.
As a recent graduate with a bachelor degree and a random collection of previous work experience to showcase, I was eager to start job-seeking. With a zealous notion of instantly finding my career, my ego was quickly shattered with the little responses and limited opportunities out there. Looking for a full-time job became a full-time job, and the process was discouraging to say the least.
After a daunting three weeks of interviews for one company in San Francisco, I finally got the call that I was chosen for the paid marketing internship. Overwhelmed with excitement and self-assurance, I rolled up my sleeves and mentally prepared for my first day. I was going to show the world what I had to offer.
After a week of arduous training, I finally started my individual project that would be used to evaluate my employee performance after the ninety-day trial period. I was rapidly excelling in my project and continually learning new things from other departments. It was exhilarating being surrounded by such experts in the field I wanted to pursue further in my career. I felt like I was on top of the world for the first month. However, time started slowing down and I realized I wasn’t socializing with the rest of my department like everyone else.
I began to dread the commute to work when I thought about what I was going to do for lunch. The modern set up of the building had ping pong tables and video game rooms for employees to enjoy. Yet, this wasn’t my thing at all. I never really found an employee to connect with on a personal level, and therefore never felt comfortable enough in my surroundings to want to demonstrate my abilities with the rest of the team. It became a mind game. I knew I was excelling in my own project, but I didn’t quite fit in with the culture of the company and the workplace. I couldn’t imagine myself here six months down the road happy, and knowing this was discouraging.
On the last day of my internship, they had surprised me with a cake and had offered me the full-time position. I was ecstatic! My hard work had paid off and my work team had finally acknowledged my professional development in the field. I had defeated the job search process and tedious work days of the internship. I was convinced that I was headed in the right direction of my career path. So, naturally, I accepted the offer and we celebrated throughout the rest of the day.
On my way home however, I began to imagine what my future was going to look like. I remembered how I once dreaded the lifestyle I foresaw and was no longer satisfied with my choice. I should have been happy and excited to tell my family and friends about the great news, but all I could think about were the dreadful lunches where I would sit alone, or intentionally forget a lunch so I could get out of the office and unwind.
I talked with my parents, family, and friends, and realized that accepting this job was not worth my happiness. Even though it was a great financial opportunity and future step in my career, I happily declined the offer later that evening and thanked the manager for all his help and interest in my work. He offered to write me a letter of recommendation – should I need it in the future for the next career opportunity and/or my application for graduate school – and we left on good terms for my departure.
Another daunting three months of job searching later, I was able to land another chance in a marketing firm. Closer to my house and with a company culture that I instantly connected with, I am currently in my dream job and loving every day that I come in to work. And lunches are the best part of my day.
It goes to show that every job opportunity you may have does not mean that it is your last. Yes, the pressing economy attempts to dictate otherwise, but as your parents have warned you many times before – to always love what you do as the money will follow – really takes precedence when you realize you’re going home unhappy every day.
You should always feel comfortable and satisfied in your job as it will enhance your motivation to perform and excel in your work. When taking your first job opportunity, always stay open and eager to learn new things. Even if it isn’t the greatest fit for you, maintaining strong professional networks with employees to use in your references for your next career venture is as important as obtaining the skill sets you will need for your next job opportunity.
And remember, that distinguishing your personal life from your professional life can get a bit tangled at times, so don’t be surprised if your unhappiness at work transfers to your attitude in your personal life. When you’re happy, the people around you are happy and only good things can progress from an inspiring environment.
