6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Accepting a Job

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Seriously, in today's workplace situation, are you really going to take a step back and evaluate whether or not to accept the one job offer you received when you've been out of work for three months and have no savings left? If you have a job offer, you are a lucky #$%^$%! Take the damn job, and if it isnt right, look for something else, but have a source of income in the mean time. Don't be stupid and shoot yourself in the foot over "I have to work overtime!?!?!" Believe me, you will be a lot more miserable when facing foreclosure on your house than you will be dealing with an @$$#0!& coworker.

Jeff of TX 10:35PM May 11, 2011

These are the same questions I like to bring up at job interviews. For me, the interview goes both ways; I'm checking out the employer as well. At a minimum, they have to at least tell me the salary and who my supervisor will be.

Jed Fisher of OK 8:42AM May 11, 2011

In my 35+ years working in a number of different careers, two hi-tech companies I worked for were fantastic employers that cared about my work life, as well as my personal life. Yes, I worked my b--- off, but the benefits more than made up for it.
You're probably asking, "Why did you leave?" Well, the simple answer is "I was an idiot and thought salary & status" was more important. In hindsight, I would be better off today if I had stayed with either of those two companies.

Baldlars of WA 11:20AM April 07, 2011

I think some people have painted the employment situation out there with some pretty broad brush strokes - not all not for profits are run by quarrelsome boards. Some companies do honestly want employees to have worklife balance - and much OT is caused by not planning the day to get the job done...NOW it is also true that people are doing more than they used to - but take back ownership of your job - your time and your personal life. No one is going to be responsible for you and your happiness but you.
If you are unhappy do something about it. Turn the balckberry off.
So long as you blame someone or something else you remain a victim powerless. People - there are sometimes you can not avoid extra hours but by and large - it really is your choice - and your responsibility.

Paula Lopez of FL 10:27AM April 07, 2011

Avoid totally, not for profits or purported not for profits. They are almost invariably controlled by quarrelsome board members each wanting their own way and having their own "favorite". Give them a chance and you are out the door.

Jacki of MI 11:04PM April 05, 2011

..with her reference to the 24/7 mindset of 21st century employers.
While many companies give fantastic lip service to the idea or work/life balance, NONE of them actually practice it.
I should know, I've worked for enough of them. With the advent of the cell phone, pager, laptop computer and so forth, there is now no longer a method for unplugging yourself from your work...and the employers are taking full advantage of this.

The Lone Gunman of TX 5:31PM April 05, 2011

... that Ms. Jacobs does not herself work in a typical 21st century American corporation. "If your job is going to require long hours, work during holidays, and no flexibility, think twice about accepting it. Instead, find something that will allow you to live life without always being weighed down by work responsibilities." Oh, really?
Companies have discovered the miracle of unpaid overtime and they're not going to give it up any time soon. Many organizations want to be pretty much up and running 24 x 7 and they achieve it by chaining their exempt employees with pagers and Blackberries. You belong to your employer and all of your time is theirs unless otherwise specified.
An activity that allows you to live life without always being weighed down by responsibilities is what is technically known as a "hobby."

Mandy Cat of AZ 3:01PM April 05, 2011