Are you currently job searching? What areas are you willing or not willing to bend or break on when it comes to working for a company or organization? Let’s talk! 

Greetings beautiful people,

It is the second full week of  year and we may or may not be keeping up with our New Year’s Resolutions and goals. We may have been reflecting on the past years lessons learned and self reflecting on who we are and who we want to be. Many of us have hit that point where we are taking a stand for who we are, how we want to be treated and what we will or will not accept in life. However there are times in life when we bend or break because we need something in our lives, but how far will you go to get what you need?

Over the past few weeks I have been applying like crazy for jobs, applying for any and everything but I know me and know that some places I will thrive in and places that I would hate. I know that I will not thrive in a call center because I am too active and like to move when I want to move and not be restricted to a desk, computer and headset where every call is recorded and judged. That particular job will drive me insane.

When I think about companies and organizations, I have to connect well with the culture, mission, goals and the people. If a company wants to strip me of my identity, I will struggle to my core because a company that cares more about my appearance than my skills and abilities is not the company for me.

I was recently offered a job and was struggling from the point I was offered an interview to after the offer, but I am like I need a job. I need income and should I just take it until I find something better? I realized I did not want to waste my time or theirs and investing in a new employee only for me to quit relatively soon is, to me, not proper. So I declined it for many reasons.

My question to you is, “When seeking a job out of a need, will you bend or break on your morals, values, and character just to get a paycheck?”

I posted on my Facebook, “Would you want to work for a company that are extreme conservatives no visual tats, no facial piercings, hair follicle drug testings, no outside food and beverages and if so put it in an unlabeled package? Just want to know your deal breakers when it comes to working for a company.”

I got many responses, here are some of them:

Kimyoda, I worked for the Y for years I love that they hire a rainbow of people, and not just color wise. There were people from all walks of life working with me. I think having all those differences around me made me comfortable to be myself at work. If a company was so strict as to have a no labels rules that’s not somewhere I would work. I think non profits focus on the mission and not the dollar so much. Because the serve people the usually like to reflect the people they serve. we had some good times in that office The pranks were real

Elsa, No way would I want that! We are all unique beings and should be able to express who we are… I mean within reason I suppose but overall, I love diversity in people– everyone’s experiences are diff and can be very enriching to a work environment that appreciates that.

Giesel, As long as to rely on their paycheck, they make the rules. Bottom line.

Kathy, Do you miss Neighborhood Development Center yet? I can’t imagine working for a place as terrible as you described. Don’t do it. Stay true to your own unique self. Miss Ya Girlie!!! (My former boss)

Shakeeta, Hell no….credit checks and extensive regulations on personal appearances and non supporting of non traditional lifestyles are deal breakers.

Tamika, Most of those are common in Corporate America except unlabeled packaging of food. I would not work for a conservative company like that. I need some flexibility because in life sometimes things happen. I don’t won’t to feel stressed with fear of losing my job. As long as you conduct yourself in a professional manner and are a productive employee it shouldn’t matter. I think the more relaxed and comfortable you are the more happy you will be at work.

Terrick, Nope I wouldn’t even apply.. I refuse to work for a company that attempts to dictate what I can and cannot do outside of being there at my scheduled time lol.

Jeanette, If that’s the career you choose and this company has the position you want then hey that’s what you chose. Maybe an evaluation of what that person really wants in a career is needed. Being a single mom for a long time when I was younger I pretty much had no direction back then other than a good job benefits good pay. Now that I am older and actually know what I want that kind of place is too restrictive for my taste. It’s like joining the military and getting upset because you have very little freedom. It’s all about your personal needs and wants.

Wendy, Many young people don’t realize they are associating themselves with practices that correlate to”rough, rowdy even frightening” appearances to others since many of the things you list have always been outside of the mainstream.

Now, we have many that say no to a culture and organization such as the one described, and this is something to look into when job searching.

We can get technical between a job and career, but I am sure you know the difference. Ok, quickly, a job is something that gets you a paycheck and career is something you love to do and longterm which also, gives you a paycheck.

So would you be willing to bend or break for a JOB? What are the things that you are willing to bend or break so that you are able to earn a livable wage?

Not only are you selling yourself to the company, they have to sell it to you. Questions like, do you provide professional development to employees? If they do not, they may not be interested in investing in you for your professional future. Another question, what are some of the initiatives taking place to build employee moral? If they do nothing, they maybe more concerned with the dollar than your personal presence. So, think of questions to ask in the interviews. My favorite is, how long have you been working here and why do you come back every day? Be sure to watch their body language, pay attention to their excitement and how long it takes for them to answer.

When researching a company, make sure you check these things out and compare them to who you are and your personal needs:

1. Mission/Values/Goals– Do these say, I can embody this company and believe what they are doing so I can be an amazing employee? Are there areas where you could care less about it and may disregard it making you not the best employee?
2. Community Giving– Are they givers in their finances? Do they let their employees volunteer or do they provide volunteer opportunities?
3. Health– Do they promote healthy lifestyle? Is there a workout room? Standing or treadmill desks?
4. Company size– Do you thrive in a smaller or larger community? Do you think the larger they are the smaller you are or vice versa?
5. Employee comments– What are others saying about this company? Sites like GlassDoor, GreatPlacesToWork and Vault are filled with present and former employees reviews whether good or bad. Make sure to check them out.
6. Location– Is this place far, is it on the bus line, or are you going to need a car? What is around it, shopping, food, library etc things to do on your lunch break.
7. Hours– are you willing to work on a Sunday or on weekends or holidays? How important are the hours to you? Want to be on call?
8. Pay– Say this is an amazing job but offering 1/3 less than what you want or need, do you accept it? Is it about the money?

These are just some things to think about. As I reflect on these questions I would love to work in a professional environment in the city or even downtown somewhere. Maybe you love to commute out of the city. Whatever your interests are make sure you write them down. Write the negotiable’s and the non-negotiable’s.

Will you be willing to give up a dollar in pay to have a 5 minute commute, do you need childcare on-site, or do you need a diverse group of people to work with?

Choosing a job/career is a big thing that becomes a part of your lifestyle, and a lot of time is spent in this position so knowing that helps you figure out what you are willing and not willing to bend or break regarding your personal values and interests.

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on job searching as I go on this journey as well!

Know of someone needing some help in the job realm? Be sure to share with them.

Thanks for reading!
CicelyRenee

What are some of your job searching tips? What would be your non-negotiable’s? Be sure to comment below.