Would this turn you off from potential job?

[spunkarella]

Please don't quote.

I have been on two interviews at a family-run business that manages several nursing homes. I think it would be better than my current job, and the people seem really nice, but I am nervous about trading the devil I know for the unknown.

My first issue is the lack of growth potential. I think I would advance as far as I possibly could within about 4-5 years. The current CFO seems very competent, but he is the owner's son and not likely to go anywhere. This would be ok, however, if not for the second issue.

The second issue is I'm not sure I would fit in with the office culture. I would work with a team of 4 other people, all women in their 40s-ish that have been there 10+ years. Also, I have picked up on lots of religious vibes (this is the Bible Belt). Potential coworker asked if I go to x church, mentioned y coworker being able to take off 10 days at the time for mission trips, and they sent me a personality test from Ministry Insights.

I am 25, liberal, pro choice, pro gay marriage, and non-religious. I can't make up my mind whether this is a legitimate concern about fit, or my own brand of snobbery rearing its ugly head. I know the church question should never have been asked during an interview, but I am willing to overlook this based on the context.

My primary complaints about my current job are travel (new job has zero), long hours (new job has very little overtime), and lack of fulfillment/meaning in what I do (much improved at potential job, but still not perfect).

PS if you answered my post the other day, I went with the same suit for the second interview. I felt fine/confident. Thanks for your advice.

[rubytue]

Personally, I couldn't do it. One of my reasons for leaving my last job was too much religion (and this was a fed govt job). Things like evangelical prayer before potluck lunches and an agency head who responded to complaints about bible verses in email signatures with "what are you going to do, take 'In God We Trust' off the dollar?"

That said, if you think you could tolerate it for a year or 2, just to regroup from too much travel and long hours, and if if would be a good resume line - then it might be an OK move. But if they are sending you personality tests from a ministry, then I would think its going to be very pervasive.

[spunkarella]

I really don't like my current job, but I don't want to jump ship into another job I won't like.

I should not have any more major travel until July. I really, really want to find something before then.

I have been looking since early October, when I started this job and realized the travel was far above and beyond what was discussed in the interview.

[steph96]

It depends on your comfort with the situation.

Some people always talk about their kids. Some people always talk about church related things. It might be the only thing they have going on in their life. Can you handle it if they are always talking about what happened at church and who is doing what for the church?

There's also different types of people like that. Some are pushy and judgemental. Others are cool about it and it doesn't suck to listen. I worked with a pastor's wife and she only talked about church, but I didn't find it offensive or annoying. I actually enjoyed her stories.

[spunkarella]

Steph, I wish I knew the answer to your question!

I am fine with talking about church all the time, especially if it is funny or interesting. I am afraid of being judged, or not feeling like I could express my own opinions about issues the same way they may express theirs. I don't know for sure this would be the case.

[shopgirl07]

This job is not a fit for you. Culture is SO important when it comes to loving or hating your job. You can find something else that suits you better. Don't ignore red flags!

[sporklemotion]

How important are workplace relationships to you? What kinds of hours would you work? How relevant (if at all) is the religion stuff to your day to day work-- is it at all integrated into the company or the work they do?

I've had jobs in the past where I didn't really mesh with my co-workers, though not as dramatically as you may find here. It was OK at my first job like this because I had roommates, friends, and an SO that I felt fulfilled with, so I could pretty much put my head down, do my job, and leave at the end of the day. I didn't have a ton of responsibility there, and I wasn't really emotionally invested or concerned about being "one of the gang." I got along fine with my co-workers, but never considered socializing with them outside of work.

In my second job like this, I worked longer hours and was single, and quite honestly, it was much harder to deal with because I felt pretty isolated at work, and I felt like I was working all of the time! I ended up leaving that job (for a variety of reasons, not just the co-worker thing), and I now work in a similar position but at a place where I am much more compatible with my co-workers.

So my advice would be to think about how central your work and career are to you right now (and how important you want them to be), and go from there. My gut says not to do it, because it doesn't sound like a great fit (especially given the lack of growth), but if you're really unhappy in your current job, it may be worth it.

[Deleted]

If you picked up on that vibe just based off of the interview process then imagine what it would be like actually working there. Only you know how comfortable you would be with this but I would guess that the job is not a good fit for you.

[LoveTrains]

It doesn't sound like a good fit at all based on what have you mentioned. Will there be another interview or time for more questions? I don't know if there are questions you can ask that will provide some more insight into this topic.

[limey]

It probably would turn me off.

Unless the offer was phenomenal, I'd keep looking.

[spunkarella]

Lovetrains, I am sure there will be time for more questions, but I am not sure what I could ask.

I think I will just have to do some more thinking.

I would prefer the religious but cooperative, kind environment to the competition and snarkiness at my current job. I wish I had a crystal ball to see if there is a job with a better fit just around the corner.

[sunny]

culture is pretty important and they are already making this a huge issue. what is the church like that they asked you about? I would keep looking. a personality test from ministry insights?