Dear Camille,

I have that dilemna we all love to hate - I  have been through the whole interview process. I even nailed an offer and just negotiated better terms. What can I do to  make sure this is the RIGHT opportunity for me before I accept it?

Carlsbad Pro Sitting on the Fence

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sitting on the Fence,

WOW! Congratulations! Double Congratulations!! Not only did you land the offer, but you successfully negotiated.  First give yourself credit for that - it means you are doing lots of things right. 

 

It's pretty hard to answer your question with so little information.  Here's what I mean...If you are looking for a marketing management role and the offer is for an individual contributer role in a research department, there is not much in it for you.  But if you like the position and think it will take you closer toward your goals rather than head you in the opposite direction...that's a good sign.

 

Next, will you be doing things that you really like to do? Does the company culture seem to fit?  What about the boss?  Does the offer meet your personal values that come into play at work? (For example, if you  have kids and the job requires 100% travel - this will take away from family time - is it worth it?)

 

Also think about how much time you have to cultivate other offers.  There is something making you ask this question.  If it were a great fit, offered compensation in the range it should be, offered interesting challenges, it seems like you would jump on it. 

 

Consider the biggest obstacle holding you back in the corner of your mind -  and ask yourself whether accepting the position short-term makes sense.  Can you accept it and keep looking? Do you need to generate immediate income that this will help?  Can it be part of a portfolio of several positions/types of work? 

 

Overall, tune into your gut feeling...I wager you already know the answer!

Camille