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Worst reasons to take a job

If you are currently contemplating whether to accept a job offer, you might be motivated to do it for the wrong reasons. Ask youself whether one of the following motivations might appyl and reflect if it is the main reason to take the job.

Here are the five worst reasons to take a job:

The title "The 5 worst reasons to take a job" in front of a picture of a lake and jetty.

You are fascinated by a charismatic leader

It is easy to be captivated by a charismatic boss, CEO, or leader. Admittedly, charismatic people are very interesting, especially those with a passion.

But you must be aware that charisma is not an indicator of future success, e.g. for start-up founders. Unfortunately, charisma is not a gauge of a person’s integrity or of the company culture.

Charismatic leaders a neither good nor bad. The only danger is that he or she might charm you into a decision you would normally not make.

You feel flattered

If you have been applying for jobs for some time, it feels good if your skills and experiences are appreciated finally. Being complimented on your impressive resume sure feels great. Being told that you would be a great fit for the company lifts your spirits.

However, this good feeling won’t last long beyond the hiring process. So make sure this is not the only reason you take this job. While flattery is not always a red flag, look beyond it and decide on other crwhether or not to take the job.

You have a bad conscience

A bad conscience is without a doubt one of the worst reasons to take a job.

For some open positions, the selection and hiring process can be very time-consuming and elaborate. Big and costly assessment centers or multiple rounds of interviews are not uncommon.

Admittedly, it would have saved the company effort, if you had pulled out in the early stages of the selection process. Now you contemplate rejecting the offer in the end. But remember, it was the company, not you, who opted for such an extensive interview process. Additionally, they reserved the right not to pick you until the end, so you should have the same privilege.

If your mentor or professor if giving you a bad concience read this blog post.

You feel like you have to take the next logical step

This a very common misconception. If you take a job because it is the next logical step based on your former career, you can only loose. If you want to change paths, there is no better time than now. Don’t get any deeper into a field you don’t want to be.

If you do this, your seemingly next logical step is anything but logical.

Take the job to make your family happy

To make your family happy is not at the top of the list of the worst reasons to take a job. If you do this to see your family happy, I can fully understand.

Just be clear about your motivations of taking the job and balance your needs and wants against theirs. After all, your will have to work in this particular job and not your family members.