A little background: I recently lost my job of 2 years after my department was eliminated in a round of mass layoffs. Although I’m salty about having to find a new job and I miss my old role and coworkers, I did receive a decent severance package which has afforded me a little more freedom and flexibility during my job search.
Unlike most people these days, I actually was given about 2 months of lead time before being let go, so I had time to line something up. I was really excited about an opportunity to work alongside a friend in an industry that I’ve been wanting to get into, he recommended me to the business owner who seemed equally excited to bring me on so we set up an interview. First he was supposed to call me to confirm a time, but then went ghost for a few days, red flag #1. He finally got back to me and apologized for the delay; he’s a successful business owner with a lot on his plate, I get it, no worries.
The day comes for my interview, my friend had mentioned beforehand how the owner was a stickler for being on time, so I was there by 9:15 for my 9:30 interview. Owner isn’t in yet, have a seat and chill he should be here any minute I’m told. The guy finally shows up at about 10, red flag #2. The interview was really short but went well, guy complimented my punctuality and I was getting a “this job is in the bag” type of vibe. This was about 3 weeks before my final day at my last job.
Well, 3 weeks goes by and I hadn’t heard anything from the guy. I had called and left a VM, even followed up with my friend to see what was up but nothing….figured they decided to go in a different direction. Then I get a text from my buddy last Wednesday, turns out the owner really wants me on the team and I should call him ASAP! So I do, and get his voicemail (more red flags). The owner then calls me back on Thursday and wants to set up an interview for Friday morning, oh but wait he’s slammed and I should call him ON Friday morning to establish the time (another red flag). I’m annoyed by this point but still excited about the opportunity.
Friday morning I call/text several times and get no response. At this point I’m saying “fuck it” and have basically written it off. At around noon, I get a call from the assistant manager (not the owner) who I’ve never spoken with. They really want me on the team, he says, but I would have to start part time to see if it’s a fit first, this is my final red flag.
Inside I was fuming. I was overqualified for the position to begin with, and after like a month of dicking me around they want me to come on part time as a trial run? No fucking way. I have bills to pay and other job offers on top of that. I kept my cool and politely told the guy that just wasn’t going to work for me, but if anything changes I’d be in touch.
Sorry for the novel. Do you think I was wise to turn them down? I was really excited to work alongside friends in an industry that I’ve been wanting to break into, but the whole interview process just threw up too many red flags for me. I feel my time and talents were disrespected. What would you have done?