I'm so nervous! - updated

[phunluvin82]

Sorry if this comes off as a bragplaint...I really am super nervous about this, IDK why.

I have a phone call in an hour and I think I'm going to get a job offer. I was turned on to this opportunity and recommended for the job by someone already in the program...got one of 3 interviews and I'm pretty sure I'm going to get an offer.

Problem is, I don't think I would like the job. After a lengthy interview where they described the job in much more detail, I would go so far as to say I might be really unhappy in this job.

My H suggested I just throw out a high salary # and then think about it some more...or use it as leverage w/ my current job. This all makes me want to hurl with anxiety. I'm also worried about the possibility of throwing a high number, getting it, and then still saying no thanks. Just seems like maybe a shitty thing to do.

I know it's not the worst problem to have, but IDK why this is making me so nervous...please tell me it's NBD.

[Deleted]

Do you know anyone else in a similar job? Did they do a bad job of describing it?
Good luck!

[phunluvin82]

I don't think they did a bad job describing it...I think they were just brutally honest about what the job entails...a lot of running around on different campuses, not really having an office or home base, being very flexible, have your issued Blackberry on you at all times and be willing to answer calls/emails when not on the clock, and a general willingness to roll with the punches in a pilot program where they are admittedly "building the plane while we fly it."

Could definitely be an exciting and challenging opportunity for the right person...I just really don't think I'm that right person. It's also going back to a field that I used to work in, but got out of and am not thrilled to go back into. For this reason, I had reservations about the job from the beginning, but thought I might as well find out more before I shut down an opportunity. Well, the more I found out, the more I didn't really want the job unfortunately. I want to be happy in my work, but it would also be hard to turn down more money, so I'm kind of anxious about the whole decision in general.

[alare]

You could tell them that after the detailed description you don't think the job is the right fit.

Or use it as leverage as long as you know the current employer won't wish you luck and usher you out the door.

[mollz007]

Sept 18, 2012 13:57:34 GMT -5 alare said:

You could tell them that after the detailed description you don't think the job is the right fit.

Or use it as leverage as long as you know the current employer won't wish you luck and usher you out the door.

I agree with this. I've been in similar situations before where I have been offered a job that I didn't want. I dont think that you have an obligation to take the job until you sign on the dotted line.

Good luck!

[phunluvin82]

So I had the phone call, and was totally psyching myself up to be a hardass negotiator and I get, "The salary is fixed and completely non-negotiable at (~$5k more than my current salary)."

At the interview, I was told that the salary had some 'wiggle room' but now the offer is apparently 'non-negotiable' so that is annoying, and they'd like my answer by tomorrow if possible.

So, it actually makes the decision easier for me because I don't think it's enough money to leave a job I really like for a job that I suspect I wouldn't like much.

Now though, I'm getting emails from the person who turned me on to the job, and that I would be working closely with...and I feel 90% sure that he wants to convince me to take it. I feel really bad b/c I really like and would not mind working with this person...and in a weird way it feels ungrateful of me to apply on his encouragement and with him as a reference and then not take it. I hate that I'm like this, I'm always so worried about disappointing people, especially people who have helped me career-wise in the past.

[hannamaren]

I am sure the person will understand. Nobody wants to work with someone who is unhappy or feels unqualified.
Fwiw, I would run screaming from that job too.

My friend emailed me last week to tell me about an opening at her work. I know I would hate the job. I would be terrified all day long and I think it would be boring. She kept trying to convince me. It is okay. We are not all the same.

[Deleted]

Turn down the job and don't feel bad about it. Your friend has nothing to do with it - as long as you are polite in turning down the job, you won't make him look bad and you don't owe him spending 40+ hours a week in a job you don't like.

[phunluvin82]

Thanks everyone for reassuring me. I'm going to pass on the job and try not to feel bad about it, lol. I'm going to just say that I'm happy where I am right now and don't think it's the right fit.

I can always count on MM to help me be more rational about stuff!