As an engineer, you have to be prepared to turn down some job offers, no matter how tempting they are. But how do you know if an offer isn’t worth it? Here are eight scenarios when it’s best to pass up an opportunity.
1. The salary is not good enough
This is one of the most obvious reasons: if you’re not getting paid enough to live on, you should look elsewhere. Of course, money shouldn’t be your only criterion when choosing a job, but you should still have some standards in this regard. If you’re going to accept a position with a questionable salary, it should have benefits that make up for the difference in pay.
2. The balance between work rhythm and life rhythm is too fragile
No one should devote their entire life to work. Some engineers do, but most people need to spend time with their family and friends, to have a little fun. For these people, taking on a job that’s too demanding is a very bad idea.
You should therefore pay attention to the working hours you are offered, and above all, don’t forget to take into account the time spent commuting. There’s no point in accepting a job with advantageous hours if the time saved is spent in traffic jams!
3. The employer has a bad reputation
If you agree to work for a disliked employer, not only do you risk disliking your job, but you also risk jeopardizing the rest of your career. Indeed, many companies will hesitate to hire you if one of the names on your resume has been dragged through the mud.
4. The workload is overwhelming
Work isn’t always fun, but don’t accept a job that will depress you. If you know you’re going to hate the job, don’t accept it. Also, remember that sometimes it’s not the work that will make you tick, but the atmosphere in which you work. Unpleasant jobs are fine in the short term, but you shouldn’t spend your life in that kind of position.
5. The employer has unrealistic demands
One of the most common causes of stress in an engineer’s daily life is the impossible workload your boss may impose on you. Challenges can be good experiences, but too much pressure can make you crack. So if you feel like your boss is about to ask too much of you, back away gently.
6. You don’t recognize yourself in the company culture
Remember, you don’t work alone. So you need to look at your colleagues and see if you can fit in. If you hate your colleagues and the office atmosphere, you’re bound to end up hating your job, so there’s no point in hanging on.
7. The boss is an idiot
Some people may seem like jerks, even if they are bright and determined individuals. However, most people who seem like jerks are jerks. If you feel like your boss is a jerk, just walk away.
8. You’re just not cut out for the job
Sometimes, all the stars align and you get a good job offer, but it turns out you’re simply not cut out for the job. In that case, you should turn it down, especially if safety is a major concern. If you’re clumsy, you probably shouldn’t accept a job at a nuclear power plant!
