Should I trust my gut?

Anonymous

September 30,2021 at 11:20AM UTC

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Should I trust my gut?

I just had my second interview with a company and I am pretty sure they are going to make me an offer. The people seem nice and it's a remote job, which I find very appealing.

However, I have this gut feeling that something may be off. First of all, their company basically sells a service that I didn't even know was possible (trying to be vague without making this hard to understand). Basically, they sell a service for businesses that I thought wasn't possible based on consumer protection standards.

Second of all, they're a startup. That can be really great a lot of the time! But when I asked how much employees are expected to work, I got answers that were all over the place. Nearly everyone I interviewed with said they work Saturdays and 50/60 hours per week. Now, call me crazy, but I'm not so enthused about working a salaried position where I never have a Saturday to myself or any free time. They tried to reassure me that I would have normal hours (35/40 a week), but each person that I spoke to gave such a different answer that I'm not buying it. They also made a joke about the CEO wanting people to work every minute of everyday.

All of their glassdoor reviews are 5/5 with no complaints. I think that's odd. You would expect that for any organization they would have at least a few bad reviews out of 50. I did see one negative review on there that said the reviews are fake, which isn't great.

The CEO also kept promising to be on the interview calls and never showed up, so I know nothing about him.

Lastly, everyone I've spoken to with 1 exception has been there for less than 18 months. I find that to be a bit interesting.

I'm very conflicted. On one hand, I really don't like my job and would love to leave. On the other, I don't want to get myself stuck in a job that I despise. Everyone was really friendly and nice, and they seem to really like me, but I can't get over the feeling that something isn't right in my gut. This is the only position that I interviewed with where I think I have a serious shot at an offer, and I have been exhausted looking for 2 months now while working full time.

What should I do?

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Dominique ChamelySeptember 30,2021 at 11:37AM UTC
Trust your gut and find something that feels right on all fronts. You don’t need to get there to find out why.
But check your gut a little too—is it a fear reaction because it’s unfamiliar/familiar? Or really that things aren’t seeming to add up?
You can check with Better Business Bureau and/or another business source to find out if their model is secure. And If it’s been less than 18 months for everyone, you’re going to be dealing with a lack of standards /institutional knowledge in processes and a lot of culture formation. You would need to either be a part of that (that’s probably the source of working overtime) or go along with it. If the people seem trustworthy, and that sounds like fun, then go for it.
But it sounds to me like you know what you want to do.
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 11:44AM UTC
Trust your gut. 110%.
Yolanda C-RSeptember 30,2021 at 12:21PM UTC
Trust your gut!
Dru MeierSeptember 30,2021 at 12:24PM UTC
I couldn't agree more!
Susan NelsonSeptember 30,2021 at 12:36PM UTC
So many red flag. Run, girl. RUN!
Orlagh CostelloSeptember 30,2021 at 12:37PM UTC
Listen to your gut!
Amy ReichardtSeptember 30,2021 at 12:48PM UTC
Do listen to your gut, but you can still weight your pros and cons. If given an offer, would it be worth taking as you continue looking? If all the red flags are right, would it be better than where you are now for the meantime as you continue looking? All I’m saying is that you have the power to decide how long you stay, especially in the present season of work. Your only obligation is to show up and do your best.
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:49PM UTC
Ok I'm with you on the gut check.
But since you really don't like your current job this might offer you a solution. You can always take the offer (that is if it comes your way with the right terms) and give them a shot. This is obviously a startup that could realistically go down in flames. But you would be employed and have benefits during the holidays and might have some fun.
But know going in that this is not your "DREAM JOB" and most likely you will continue your job search in the Spring. You'll merely say, on your resume that it was a short-term gig with a startup and everyone understands that startups are unstable so you really wouldn't damage your work history.
It might be an option that will offer you a way to get our of your current situation.
Gladys EstherSeptember 30,2021 at 1:02PM UTC
Take a week off from your current job, work a week at the new place and if you don't like it, you didn't quit your job, you just took a week off, if that's possible. Just an idea.
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 1:05PM UTC
I'm 60 years old, so I've been around this block more than once. Every single job that ended up being a disaster started out with "Red Flags". 100% of the time. As my dear departed father used to say: "Listen to your gut; it's right 99% of the time". Don't take the job offer.
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 1:07PM UTC
Adding: looking for two months...that's nothing! Be patient. Change your attitude about your current job. Tell yourself: "this is not my permanent job. I'm just here temporarily" and keep looking. Going from job misery to MORE job misery will impact your self confidence like nobody's business (been there/done that). Stay put with the misery that you already know.
TamaraSeptember 30,2021 at 1:49PM UTC
Trust your gut... this has too many red flags!
Kristie WhiteSeptember 30,2021 at 2:01PM UTC
First, you should be able to investigate the legality of their product. That could remove one obstacle. But startups are high pressure environments always. More than likely everyone is working 100 hours per week and you will be expected to conform. It may also be that they are desperate for help and don’t want to scare you off by being transparent. And the CEO is wearing multiple hats, so he is running around on fire as they burn thru cash (which is why everyone is salaried and working two jobs,) So, I would only take this job if you believe in the product, and want the experience of possibly being involved with a unicorn (if the product is legit.) it’s going to be fast paced, very demanding and high pressure - and they dont want to tell you that in the interview. And last thing, these atmospheres can be toxic - so be aware of what you are stepping into.
Emmy BemmySeptember 30,2021 at 7:08PM UTC
You are spot on. The 50 - 60 hrs/week is very LOW for a startup...that is a busy week for me, and I am no longer in the startup world. When I did work at a "start up" (ish...wasn't really a start up but similar environment) it was 80 - 100 hours per week for months.
Claire McCabeSeptember 30,2021 at 2:14PM UTC
Listen to your gut - it's never wrong!
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:19PM UTC
as someone who's worked at several startups, it probably comes with all the chaos of a startup that you'd expect- the high turnover is unfortunately fairly normal, yes people definitely are expected to work more than usual at a startup, but personally i believe if you have good boundary setting skills and are firm about your ideal work environment you don't have to bend to their 50-60 hour "demands" just for the "optics" of it. IMO people should be able to get their weekly work done in under 40 hours and a lot of it is just optics. But overall this doesn't sound like the best fit for you and you've found a ton of red flags so i'd go with your gut!
Beverly RuyleSeptember 30,2021 at 2:34PM UTC
Trust your gut. If the culture is to work weekends and you don't or won't, you will automatically not be a good fit. Move on.
Aurora MeyerSeptember 30,2021 at 3:59PM UTC
YES! There's a reason you feel that way and you should absolutely trust that feeling. Here's how to withdraw your application: https://aurorameyer.com/2021/05/28/how-to-politely-decline-a-second-interview-or-withdraw-your-application-with-samples/
Michele ChambersSeptember 30,2021 at 7:05PM UTC
Every time I have ignored my gut, I have come to regret it.
Also, the fact that no one can give you a straight answer about how many hours you will be working per week screams red flag.
Trust your instincts.
BeaBoss750792October 1,2021 at 4:33PM UTC
I can’t agree with this more. I should have this framed and hung on a wall above my desk.
Emmy BemmySeptember 30,2021 at 7:06PM UTC
Short tenure for a start-up is not so shocking. However, long hours are par for the course with start-ups. You should expect long hours/lots of weekends (50 hours/week is pretty low for a startup). They may have a lot of flexibility with their schedule (which would be a requirement, to me, if I were to work that long of hours regularly). The joke about the CEO is probably true, and if you will work closely with this person, you should assume there is an expectation you will be available.
That said, start-ups can be very exciting/lots of opportunity to make a large impact, etc.
You should accept that if you take the job, you will work long hours and then determine if the trade off is worth it.
Deborah MitchellOctober 1,2021 at 1:20AM UTC
If you don't think what they are doing is legal, do you really want to work there?
Jenn McFatter, aPHR, CCFPOctober 1,2021 at 2:42AM UTC
Multiple (and big) red flags super concerning... I'd personally advise to trust your gut.
Jacqueline CutlerOctober 1,2021 at 12:57PM UTC
Go with your gut. I get that you do not like your job, so keep looking. This place wanted you, others will as well. Even though you are unhappy with the current situation (and I'm not discounting that and the misery that can ensue), still you know what you're dealing with.
Far too many red flags here to ignore.
Sarah MuddOctober 1,2021 at 1:05PM UTC
I think listening to your gut here is a great plan. There are a lot of red flags to me in what you wrote.
AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 3:27PM UTC
Agree with the others that it sounds like a good time to trust your gut. Definitely do not put yourself in legal harm's way. Is this something you could directly ask? 'I'm not clear on the legalities here, could you please explain your process so I can better understand....?' I also think looking at the positives is worthwhile. If it's not illegal, and you're willing to do a year or 2 of the hours so that you can learn something big and new and shiny that will help you in the position after this one, it's worth considering.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 12:29PM UTC
Run. There are too many red flags. 1) you're unsure of the ethics/legality of the service; 2) unless you're getting paid 6 digits, working 60 hours a week including Saturdays is a big ask; 3) you state that 'everyone likes you' - of course they do, as they've possibly whipped through a few candidates already who saw straight through the kind folks in the interview process; 4) trust your gut - it's stronger than our brains. Move on and keep looking. This sounds like it will only go downhill from Day One.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 12:40PM UTC
If you are looking for longevity, don't expect it there. Be clear that you would not be available on weekends. I would also get in writing with the job offer what the hours would be Monday to Friday and hold them to it. Small companies often get their family and friends to write positive reviews, so that would explain the reviews.
Becky HarborthOctober 2,2021 at 12:40PM UTC
Definitely go with your gut instinct. I didn’t in a past position and I knew I had made a terrible mistake once I set foot in the door. Never again. I hope it all goes well for you!
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 12:55PM UTC
Same exact thing happened to me! I got a job that was PERFECT on paper: high salary, established company, great job title. As soon I arrive for my first day, I realized it was a mistake.
Donna Stacy BurkeOctober 2,2021 at 12:47PM UTC
Trust your gut.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 12:52PM UTC
Agree with Becky Harborth Ro errs. I’ve been in the same position. I went to a company that had a bad reputation for how they treated staff with the notion that they’d created the position I was applying for because they were ready for change. They were not, they just wanted to show their Board that they were making changes. They set me up for failure on day one. I hit all established goals within 6 months. There was conflict with some staff and I offered an alternative viewpoint. Next day I was told it wasn’t a good fit. Even their Board was stumped as to why I was gone when I’d achieved their goals for the position in such a short timeframe.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 12:55PM UTC
ALWAYS follow your gut!
That is your instinct at work.
Even though consciously you may not see an issue or be able to put your finger on exactly what it is that is wrong - your instinct & subconscious pick up on other clues and aspects subconsciously giving you that “gut” feeling.
If this were a life or death situation, would you follow your gut then? I am guessing yes. Listen carefully. Your instinct is a gift that doesn’t lie. There is a great book called “The gift of Instinct”. A must read. Stay in tune & good luck. The right job and you will connect.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:00PM UTC
This sounds exactly like my previous job. I blindly joined a startup 6 years ago and I too thought it was appealing because it was remote at first. However, it turned out to miserable, working over 50-60 hours per week, weekends, and the CEO was a rude psychopath who wanted everyone to work 24/7. We barely even took lunch breaks. All employees usually stayed there for a maximum of 2 years and most employees resigned without jobs lined up! The company shattered everyone's mental health. Maybe if you need a job then you can accept the offer but don't think long term and continue looking for other jobs. However, be warned that the issue with working over 60 hours a week is that most of the times, you are too exhausted to look for other jobs or put any real effort into job applications. That's what happened to me...
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:03PM UTC
Sorry the book was named incorrectly from the last post, it is The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
Author
Gavin de Becker
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 9:28PM UTC
*SUCH* a good book. Everyone should read it.
Anna CarterOctober 2,2021 at 1:13PM UTC
Hi!
I believe that every person has an innate “knowing” that is developed over time by maturity. Some people call it “intuition,” some call it “mother-wit,” some call it “gut instinct.” Whatever it’s called, it should be relied upon as a guide that helps us navigate uncertainty when we’re faced with ambiguity, confusion, or doubt.
In my case, whenever I have ignored this “built in” life “GPS,” I have regretted it. May I suggest that you think about other times when you had this feeling — did it turn out that your “gut” instinct was right?!
My advice is to TRUST YOUR GUT...
Blessings!
Laura AlpertOctober 2,2021 at 1:44PM UTC
ALWAYS trust your gut!!
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:16PM UTC
your gut knows! listen. ask more questions. ask until the feeling goes away and you are confident that you are not being scammed or beguiled. If everyone is making the joke that you work all the time, I'd wager that's the culture.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 1:20PM UTC
also-a side note-start ups are just that- starting up. And starting up is always more risk and painful than the boat that has already reached its equilibrium. If you pine for risk and thrilling adventures..maybe it is for you, but ASK QUESTIONS. this will save you, and it always saves me. ask until the gut feeling goes away.
Vanessa TolbertOctober 2,2021 at 1:34PM UTC
Turn it down because there is no work life balance. You will be expected to work Saturdays and a 50/60 hour work week.
Maria LombardOctober 2,2021 at 1:44PM UTC
Trust that feeling. I once took a job that paid more and was a management position and left a great stable job. It was the biggest mistake of my career - no one ever listened to my suggestions for improvement, worked like a dog to get all the work done and never increased my salary. I only lasted two years and took me many years to overcome the horrible way I was treated and it set my career back by at least five years. Trust that inner voice telling you stay away!
Libbiemhough@gmail.comOctober 2,2021 at 1:47PM UTC
Trust your gut! You have lots of examples that are confirming your concerns. It’s understandable to want to say “yes” after a 2 month search while working full time, but you are spot on. Things are not lining up.
Tessa DevereuxOctober 2,2021 at 1:49PM UTC
Accept the job offer and try it for a month or 2 and if you don’t like it then quit
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 2:10PM UTC
My last job was a startup. The company you mentioned sounded very similar to my last one. It was an awful experience. The company was not organized and threw random non-guided projects at employees. Everyone worked short-term and quit. If you already see red flags, there are probably more. Trust your gut! If you are working now and do not hate your current job so much, maybe stay or keep looking. If you are not working, giving this company a try doesn’t hurt. You can always choose to leave after a couple of months.
FlossyOctober 2,2021 at 2:11PM UTC
You have options based on both your gut and financial position.
You are employed. Unless that is ending, ask for more interviews. CEO, reach out to people that left the company on LinkedIn and ask them to speak with you.
If you aren’t absolutely thrilled about the company, role, and comp it never gets better. Your gut is warning you. Either you need more information or decline the role.
KathleenOctober 2,2021 at 2:12PM UTC
I strongly recommend you listen to your gut and instinct. There’s already some great comments in this thread that I completely agree with. You mention that you have concerns with the startup’s product and service. That to me is a huge red flag. At the end of the day, after working long hours, to say I’m proud of what I’m selling is important. It’s the vision that keeps us there and gives meaning. The job is going to be dreadful if you don’t feel that, and then on top of the other red flags you mentioned… don’t take it!
Bosslady520080October 2,2021 at 2:13PM UTC
Run, Forest, run! And don't look back.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 2:18PM UTC
Trust your gut. I didn’t and regret it
Lisa Leslie HefterOctober 2,2021 at 2:21PM UTC
I would definitely trust your gut. There are way too many red flags, If you’re still on the fence, I would mention your privacy concerns and ask them to explain how their service stays compliant. Their answer could be very telling. Good luck!
Lori DrapeauOctober 2,2021 at 2:24PM UTC
The best advice that I ever received was in culinary school and it was to listen to that voice in your head when it tells you something isn’t quite right. So far that little voice has never led me astray and when I have ignored it, I have encountered problems.
Additionally, interviews are not only for the company to interview you but for you to interview the company. If you would feel more comfortable having met and spoken with the CEO as promised, make that request. And don’t be afraid to address all of your concerns about work/ life balance, turnover, and ask for more details regarding the services they sell.
Don’t take the job until you feel completely comfortable. And if they aren’t willing to allay your concerns, I would advise you to move on.
DebbieOctober 2,2021 at 2:35PM UTC
Go with your gut!
Sabrina GreenOctober 2,2021 at 2:42PM UTC
Run!?‍♀️
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 2:50PM UTC
It sounds like your gut is reacting for a reason. Unless it’s an 18month old startup, the fact that you haven’t met anyone with more tenure is incredibly telling.
R
U
N
Rika M PhippsOctober 2,2021 at 2:54PM UTC
I'd trust your gut. If you want to hear what their offer is, that's fine. Getting in on the ground floor can be a good thing, if the company grows because you'll be in line to move up as it does. On the other hand, when the CEO can't keep the promise of showing up for interview calls and doesn't, that shows there is something huge lacking from the leadership. Normally that means that there is a lack of direction & blame gets put on the employee for not doing their jobs when the communication is broken from the top.
Job searching is exhausting. Find a comfortable pace, and only apply to those who fit your criteria (desperation to leave your current position is NOT a criteria point). With this focus, it will ease up on the hectic nature of searching, so you can go for the jobs you want, in hopes for a satisfying career. No one should have to hate or despise their way of making a living.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 2:56PM UTC
The good news is that you have a job now, so you don’t need the income right now. It sounds like an interesting enough opportunity that if they offer, I might ask for a follow up to clear some of the questions like the legality, etc. Sounds like there are some transparency issues at the very least. If you still feel unsettled, I’d pass. But I am risk-averse regarding employment.
Lori RamseyOctober 2,2021 at 3:03PM UTC
I had an interview several years ago for an assistant to the president of the company. The two girls that interviewed me pretty much said everything except what a miserable b*tch the lady was. I followed my inner voice and walked away.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 3:10PM UTC
Trust your gut. Companies can totally get bad employee reviews removed from Glassdoor, so the fact that all the reviews there are glowing is a red flag in and of itself.
I would weight what the actual employees told you their work schedules were like over what management told you the work schedule is supposed to be. If that's not an environment you want to work in, then this sounds like it's not the right fit for you.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 3:12PM UTC
I haven't found Glassdoor and Indeed to be a realistic reflection of a company's profile. For example, the company I work for now has something like a a 4.7 out of 5 on Glassdoor and Indeed. I know they're more like a 3 at best. If this company's employees are saying they work 50/60 hours a week and weekends on a regular basis, I'd walk away. If it's a hot project, I'll throw in and work nights and weekends to get something done, but not every week. Listen to your gut.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 3:28PM UTC
Omg there are so many red flags in this post I could make a quilt!
Trust your gut and your mind!!
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 3:40PM UTC
Run
Cathy UdvOctober 2,2021 at 3:46PM UTC
Trust your gut, move on.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 3:53PM UTC
I have made the mistake of not trusting my gut and accepted a position that I immediately regretted. About a month into the position, I missed out on an interview that I had been trying to get for years. Terrible career decisions on my part. Don’t make my mistakes, RUN!
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 3:58PM UTC
I've always learned to trust my gut, even more so now that I'm self-employed and I provide bookkeeping services almost exclusively to micro-business owners. As ending up with the wrong client can cause all sorts of problems, including potential legal problems and ruin my personal and professional reputation quite easily by choosing to help the wrong potential new client when my gut is saying not to do so.
It took me looking for over 6 months for a new position after being illegally forced out by my last traditional employer, before deciding to become self-employed. I'm happier now working for myself than I was working for a major traditional employer.
Carol A. BrineyOctober 2,2021 at 4:01PM UTC
Your gut is actually your Divine self trying to speak with you. I always encourage people to trust their gut. Your Divine self will never lead you astray. Most of the problems we face in this world are because we do not trust our inner Divine.
Heather WilsonOctober 2,2021 at 4:15PM UTC
just have to commend you for your intuition, both for catching the red flags and not getting caught up in possibly false promises. I find it easy to get caught up in a false “lesser of two evils” mindset when in a job you don’t like, but you’re not doing that and you sound like a sharp-minded person generally. Kudos, and i hope your decision rewards that!
SHARI BECKEROctober 2,2021 at 4:16PM UTC
ALWAYS trust your gut. The times I didn’t usually fail me.
Sarah LarsonOctober 2,2021 at 4:17PM UTC
I will always say, trust your gut. That said, the attrition rate is high and it could be for numerous reasons. If you decide to move forward, try your best to understand those reasons and don’t accept an offer without meeting with the CEO. Ask the hard questions. Such as:
From the information I’ve gathered, your attrition rate is pretty high, how do you manage people out?
What professional development opportunities do you offer staff?
What’s the work life balance like?
What do you do outside of work? (This gives you work life balance without asking the question)
How is conflict handled between employees?
Ask everyone: how would you define the culture?
Focused721350October 2,2021 at 4:22PM UTC
TRUST IT!!!!
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 4:54PM UTC
This sounds VERY similar to my former role, where I saw the same red flags but chose to ignore them. No one outright told me the outrageous number of hours everyone worked, so I assumed there was some semblance of work like balance. Nope! I’d get stuck in back to back meetings for hours and had to catch up on work on evenings & weekends (a totally normal thing at this company.)
Also, in my experience, startups can be extremely disorganized and without clear direction, so I’m not surprised that the CEO never showed up for your interviews. Trust your gut, keeping looking!
MaureenOctober 2,2021 at 5:32PM UTC
This sounds familiar, I saw red flags during the interview process and tried to ignore them. I even turned the position down twice, they offered more money and I said yes. I knew the first week that I should have trusted my gut. In 8 months I ended up leaving the organization for the two major flags I saw during the interview process. If it does not feel right during the interview process, it will not feel better after you start. Trust yourself. There will be other opportunities, wait for the right one.
Lorraine Scarlet HeeneyOctober 2,2021 at 5:32PM UTC
Whenever I've ignored red flags ....?
Look for another job but try not to jump from frying pan into the fire. Good luck
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 5:56PM UTC
Short answer: Yes, trust your gut feeling!
Long answer: I’m on the same boat as you, I’m currently stuck in a job I hate and have been actively applying for the past 2 months - with endless interviews and no sign of an offer yet. However, this is to note that I have been quite selective of the places/jobs I’m applying to in the first place. It’s a tough position to be in, because although I’m currently miserable, I don’t want to be more miserable at my next job. Just hang in there a little bit longer, the wait will be worth it! Good luck!!!
AnonymousOctober 4,2021 at 12:21PM UTC
Thank you for your answer! I wish you luck! It's a challenging time to be looking, but I hear January and February are usually good months because new positions have opened for through year.
Sushma D.A. Hallock, MBA, MAOctober 2,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
I would trust my gut...
Shelby COctober 2,2021 at 6:15PM UTC
ALWAYS, always, always trust your gut. Each item you listed is a legitimate concern, but together they are cringe worthy.
People saw we aren't married to our jobs; even if we love them, they don't love us back; and similar platitudes. What you need to remember is that it is a large part of your life. You are going to spend most of your waking hours with these people at this company. I treat the interview process a lot like dating. I am usually checking them out more than they are looking at me. There is nothing wrong with respectfully withdrawing, telling them you don't think you are the best fit, and moving along.
FlossyOctober 2,2021 at 6:28PM UTC
To the greater group, have you ranked/rated your present employer at work. Given an honest reflection of the company with the strengths and opportunities? People are depending on you to be fair and honest. Love or wish they were better or hate.. time to drop the review. This poster is right - all good reviews smacks of the company incentivizing this behavior.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 6:49PM UTC
If your gut is telling you to run, then run.
AnonymousOctober 2,2021 at 8:52PM UTC
Run from this.
Ruth C KegelOctober 2,2021 at 9:12PM UTC
Go with your gut - you are hitting all the points that make this a "run" situation!
AyianOctober 2,2021 at 10:30PM UTC
It's. Not. A. Joke.
If it's 'joked' about, it's a real thing. If it didn't exist, it wouldn't be in the conversation.
Make your decision accordingly.
Michele DarleyOctober 2,2021 at 10:37PM UTC
Trust your gut. Do you want to work Saturdays? People being nice and liking you at work doesn't make a job great. Don't take a job because you're flattered or tired of looking. Take a job that you want, that your gut isn't telling you isn't right.
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 12:03AM UTC
Do a social media search on the owner and employees. And an online background check with a site such as Been Verified on the owners.
AnonymousOctober 4,2021 at 3:49AM UTC
Seriously! We could all speculate on ‘gut checks’ for days…we’ve all got a bias - run a Background check!
Sarah BlakeOctober 3,2021 at 12:58AM UTC
Always trust your gut. All the issues you listed are legitimate concerns, and there are probably other red flags simmering in your subconscious that you've noticed but will only be able to articulate later. You know when something feels off -- it never pays to ignore that. Trust that another, better opportunity will come along and you'll be able to recognize it when it comes!
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 1:31AM UTC
Echoing many of the thoughts/sentiments below. …Also, it’s extremely weird that the company isn’t clear about what they’re selling. If you have doubts about the legality of the business itself, for everyone’s sake, please investigate.
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 2:14AM UTC
Not only should you trust your gut, but start ups are risky. Do you feel confident that if you took this offer and it didn’t work out in the long term, for any number of reasons, that it would be worth it?
Jackie RukaOctober 3,2021 at 5:53AM UTC
Welcome to the world of start ups! It’s wonky, you will wear multiple hats, you will work 50 hours at least and they do want you to live, eat and breathe around them.
If you like a challenge and want to be stretched, go for it!
You may love it!
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 3:57PM UTC
With asking how much are you expected to work would be a big turn off and you probably won’t get an offer at all. Especially if people there work long hours. You’ll be dodging a bullet if you want a standard 40.
Laurie Taylor-HarrisonOctober 3,2021 at 4:25PM UTC
First, follow your gut. It’s usually right. Second, never jump into a new position because you’re desperate to leave your current job. You will get into a cycle of going from the frying pan to the fire. Tip: pay attention to what employees say and how they behave in a peer interview. It’s very telling!!
Dawn S. CrossOctober 3,2021 at 4:54PM UTC
Run, listen to your gut.
AnonymousOctober 3,2021 at 9:32PM UTC
Even if you did "try it out," how would you feel about having something on your resume that everyone *else* asks, "Wow, is that even legal???"
Consider working with a career coach. (I'm not one, but I got my current job through one, and it has been 4.5 years of mostly *bliss*. AND six figures. And 35-37 hours a week, with my whole team adamant that no one work weekends.)
DanielleOctober 4,2021 at 12:30PM UTC
I think you should trust your gut. I know that’s not what you want but you’ve already caught them in a few little lies.
There is a lot of bait and switch going around. I experienced it recently. I was led away with a promise of doubling my salary, a management position, etc. I wish I had stuck with my instinct. Fortunately, my previous job took me back, however I’m back where I started making less money because I had to take a demotion.
I know this is a difficult decision but I think you already know the right answer.
Karen GongawareOctober 4,2021 at 1:32PM UTC
Why are you even thinking of taking this job? If they are doing shady practices it is only a matter of time before they are caught. So you don't like your job now. At least it is better than being fined or jailed for doing something illegal. Not sure why you are being vague over what they do, that just helps them to keep doing it. You have been informed that you will be working long hours for salary which translates to very low pay per hour. And that the CEO can't keep his word. Tons of red flags, but hey, it's your life.
AnonymousOctober 4,2021 at 1:39PM UTC
Basically what they do is "reputation management." They get negative reviews taken down. I was under the impression that this wasn't possible to ensure consumer protection, but they have some model to do it.
Sue MooreOctober 4,2021 at 3:35PM UTC
That makes the glowing reviews seem a little more shady than I originally thought, then. If you're able to, I'd recommend steering clear. If you haven't given your notice to your current job, do you think you can stick it out and keep looking elsewhere in the meantime?
AnonymousOctober 4,2021 at 3:40PM UTC
Yeah, I do. It's mostly just really boring and they don't have enough work for me to do. They made all these promises when they hired me about having control and creative freedom in the position (it's a management position, but I only manage myself). Turns out they didn't really want to improve and only wanted the status quo from before, so my skills are really underutilized. I didn't sign on because I thought I would be a low-responsiblity pencil-pusher, but that is what the position is. I have tried to change/improve it and can't. I also had a supervisor bully me after I got COVID last year. I stood up to her and she stopped, but it really put a sour taste in my mouth. But I can see myself staying here as long as I need to.
AmberOctober 4,2021 at 7:31PM UTC
Always, ALWAYS trust your gut. You must stick with the gut. It's right. And that you wrote about it here: we validate you. It's okay to say no and trust your gut.
AnonymousOctober 16,2021 at 2:14PM UTC
OMG--I am in the same boat right now. You could have written this for me.
Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)November 2,2021 at 11:52AM UTC
Run! I only read the first two points but that's enough.