815
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
To Thy Self Be True
During my job search, I received what appeared to be a wonderful job offer. This company is an industry leader. When I received the offer, I was flattered, excited, but frustrated. Their onboard process was a nightmare and that is when I added a post call “Application Nightmare.” I did not think it could get any worse -- but it did.
When and why do you walk away from a job offer?
The last straw for me was an assumption on the company’s part about technology. If you want me to work from home, the company computer you send me has to be self-contained. In other words, I will not need to purchase any additional equipment (like a router), or make changes to my Internet service (install Wi-Fi). The company should not have assumed that my home office was like one of their workstations.
I am very proud of my home office; it is modest but functional. It is equipped with a refurbished Dell laptop that is reliable, a black and white printer that works, and an external modem with high speed Internet. Is this the latest technology, no; but I have to work within my budget.
It appears that this company has lost sight of the individual and views their workforce as nothing more than an assembly line.
I am a person, not a number.
AnonymousMedia executive
11/08/20 at 6:08PM UTC
Lori, from all I have read, this is not a right fit for you. Any position, even the dreamiest dream job, comes with ups and downs, like a marriage, if you will. If you have not even started and yet are seeing so many flaws in what should be the "honey moon" period, this doesn't bode well for either of you. As for the computer and work situation: No one would have known or expected we would all be working remotely six months ago. This is noone's fault (and you should definitely not be assigning blame here). I'm surprised they're not supplying you with a computer. But everything else --Wifi, router, etc-- would be on you. You could ask for reimbursement, but that still doesn't solve the bigger issue: That you don't like this company anymore and don't want to work there. I would gracefully bow out.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/08/20 at 6:52PM UTC
Hi,
You are right. I haven't work for a company this large in many years, and I forgot what it was like. Everyone I interacted with was professional, but distant and cold.
Their only concern was meeting the project deadline for rollout. Been there, done that.
Tricia Burroughs
143
11/08/20 at 4:37PM UTC
Hi Lori-Ann,
You mention this as a learning opportunity and it is, as most first post college interviews are. As many have said here, the computer/wifi combination is pretty standard now - especially during COVID. I imagine the job you declined was not listed as WFH, because it usually is not, but is currently due to COVID.
Your plan to ask more questions the next time is the correct one. Most places do have company computers, so this should not be an issue, but ask as you plan. Wifi will probably also be needed. If they do not cover reimbursement of this item, then you will need to decide if the salary is enough to cover adding this to your home capability.
You can't expect a company to remember something like your office set-up when they interview hundreds of people a week, but that also means you will need to be more understanding of them not remembering a special circumstance for you. Immediately after getting the invitation for on-boarding you could have reminded them of your needs. Your on-boarding may have been delayed a week or two, but you would have been set-up for success. Companies that just hired someone don't want them to not be successful.
Good luck on your next interview!
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/08/20 at 6:42PM UTC
Hi Tricia,
Like the company, you assume far too much. This is not my first post college interview. I have been in the business world for over 25 years.
The lesson I am taking with me is that a company's self-marketing does not always reflect what's behind it.
AnonymousMedia executive
11/08/20 at 6:12PM UTC
This is excellent advice.
Heather ScofieldGets things DONE.
191
11/08/20 at 2:54PM UTC
I have worked from home for years. Now my young adult son is doing the same. We work in entirely different industries. There ARE expectations in many WFH environments that YOU will provide certain pieces of technical equipment. And there's good reasons for that.
It's a nightmare for companies to send, track, set up, and then get back after you leave things like modems, computers and routers. Then they need to wipe the hard drive clean of the last person's stuff, and test the functionality of it all before it could be sent out again. My son's company does provide a lot of equipment (They provide the computer, but not things like the monitor, modem, and required router ). He had issues with 2 computers they sent. The company lost lots of labor hours doing technical trouble shooting, then lost a bunch of money and time in shipping moving around 3 different computers back and forth across the country.
If the job is something you want, an investment in that job and your future is worth it. And since you paid for the stuff, it's yours to keep when the job ends.
Alexandria WagnerAVP II, Web Engineering
383
11/08/20 at 5:30PM UTC
I disagree. Not everyone can afford to purchase equipment; that burden shouldn't rely on the employee. A router I can understand because the Internet is used in the whole home. However, a company wouldn't expect someone to pay for their computer on their desk in the office so why would should they expect them to do so when they are saving money on infrastructure, electricity, connectivity, and even the breakroom freebies? It's also necessary to configure a device properly for security before sending it out. I know that it can be a nightmare to manage equipment because I've done it. It requires meticulous documentation and educating your users on the proper use of equipment. Now, if you want a different configuration in your home office such as additional monitors and stands, that you should pay for because that's a choice.
Sarah Farnsworth
30
11/07/20 at 10:59AM UTC
Lori-Ann- How frustrating for you to go from the highs of getting your perfect job to the frustrations of the nitty-gritty of on-boarding which is bumpy and ineffective. Although companies have an expectation that people have the appropriate technology to work from home, the fact is that a majority of Americans don't. What works for us as individuals for personal work from home just isn't appropriate for teleworking. My suggestion before quitting is that you make a list of what the expectations were and request a meeting with HR. Be clear about the time line- when you were told about the expectations on having up to date computer and wifi connection. Assure them that you are still eager to work with the company (if you are) and explain how you're home system is not adequate to fulfill the the requirement of the position and request the company assist in updating your system. You wouldn't have done it so what is required is solely to fulfill your job requirements. If they are adamant that the onus is on you to shoulder the financial costs to update your computer equipment and wifi connection etc. then you have a choice. You gracefully say that given the financial outlay required for the job that currently you aren't in the position to do it and with great regret you will need to reconsider your acceptance of their job offer. Or you decide that job is worth the fronting of the financial outlay and you start. Either way- I think a lesson here not just for you but also for us on this platform is to ask the question of the organization -- what are the expectations of technology support in the home office to fulfill the job requirements and if our home system is not up to snuff, what will the organization provide to the employee to reach the expected level of quality.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/07/20 at 3:40PM UTC
Hi Sarah,
The job was not listed as working remotely. The lack of transparency is on the company's part. It is unfortunate that it worked out this way, but the entire process say's something about the company.
However, I am taking the lessons from this experience and moving forward. There are thousands of jobs available, and I know that the "right" one is waiting for me. In addition, I will be asking more questions during the interviewing process.
Sarah Farnsworth
30
11/09/20 at 10:59AM UTC
Good luck!
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/09/20 at 4:05PM UTC
Thank you.
Marisol CaballeroYou can lead and still be humble
79
11/07/20 at 4AM UTC
Hi,
When you applied for the position, was it listed as working from home or did they tell you that after you had already accepted? I understand your frustration either way and each company is different. There are some that give you everything from the router, WiFi, laptop and printer and others that make the assumption that you have everything already set up to work from home.
Don’t get discouraged. Do what you can and if it becomes too much of a financial burden, you may have to have a conversation with your boss. This may or may not work in your favor but if you are really struggling, it’s better to be honest and upfront about it then end up not completing the tasks properly due to not having the resources you need.
Best of luck Lori-Ann.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/07/20 at 3:22PM UTC
Hi Marisol,
No, it was not listed as working remotely. If it had been, I would not have applied. In retrospect, I'm not sure that I would have been happy working there.
Anonymous
11/06/20 at 8:55PM UTC
Have you tried talking to the IT department and your boss? Many companies give a stipend so that you get reimbursed for technological upgrades. I would explain to an IT guy, at the company, what your current setup is and verify that it works for what the company needs you to do. If it does, great! If not, work with them and your boss to get the equipment they need you to have. Don't be afraid to ask why the new equipment is needed over what you have. Any good IT guy will be able to explain to you the reason.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/07/20 at 2:17AM UTC
You speak logic -- something many companies do not understand. I was only given a day's notice of when the rollout would start.
Prior to that, I did inform the company that my home computer was not set-up for working remotely. It's sad, but they did not listen.
Anonymous
11/08/20 at 3:17PM UTC
Lori-Ann, I am going to say gently that in some of these replies, you're demonstrating an attitude and a mindset that I feel may not serve you very well in your job search. If you enter into interviews or negotiations with employers with a mindset from the outset that employers don't listen, that they don't understand employees, that you're going to be mistreated, etc. - well, all I can say is I think you'll end up in a self-fulfilling cycle. You're in the beginning of your career and I think open-mindedness, willingness to ask questions (and really listen to the answers), and flexibility will serve you well. I have seen brilliant people completely derail their careers because of their mindset and attitude. I would hate to see that happen to you. While you reflect on this experience, take some time to reflect on your own words, actions and attitude and ask yourself an honest question: if I saw someone speaking and behaving as I am, would I want to hire (or work with) that person?
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/08/20 at 6:29PM UTC (Edited)
You are entitled to your opinion; however, in this case it is incorrect.
In addition, I have to wonder why you replied anonymously? Are you a coward? You have a lot to say, but you say it from the shadows. For me, this diminishes your reply and your opinion.
However, I have been in the business world for over 25 years, and have many war stories and good experiences.
When a company is rolling out a project like this, they need to allow sufficient time for the "unexpected" delays. You can be a great project manager, but you cannot predict or plan for everything.
More importantly, the company needed to be more specific on their job posting -- that this position would be working remotely.
It is called transparency. Companies want this from applicants/employees, and I want it from them.
AnonymousMedia executive
11/08/20 at 6:10PM UTC
Completely agree as well.
Stephanie KingSuccess & Career Coach
115
11/08/20 at 4:15PM UTC
I completely agree with this gentle feedback.
Eve Koopmann OdarThoughtful people leader, mom and wife
81
11/06/20 at 8:03PM UTC
Not to pile on, but I also (sadly) think that most onboarding processes are not great, or even good. I would not give up on the company due to that and the technology assumptions - I would try to see past those items if you can!
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/07/20 at 2:10AM UTC
It was so much more than just the onboarding process. I felt like a square peg trying to fit into a circle.
Jacqueline CutlerJournalist
279
11/06/20 at 7:01PM UTC
A high-speed router, a working laptop, a smart phone are standard. I am decidedly not high-tech but cannot imagine how you would do any job without these. No one wants to feel like a number, but these really are used in every field. Every job I have had for the past 20 years required all of this. Some supplied the equipment, others did not. But you may need to make the investment to get the job.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/07/20 at 2:05AM UTC
Hi Jacqueline,
I agree with you. However, as a student putting myself through college and making monthly tuition payments -- a new computer is on my wish list -- but not part of my everyday budget.
Anonymous
11/06/20 at 6:34PM UTC
Agreed. I think that it's pretty common to have Wi-Fi these days. I'm curious as to what kept you from speaking up about not having it and asking if they would provide monetary support for it? That might be the part to pay attention to, either for your own growth or something telling about the company.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEProject Coordinator in Ohio
815
11/07/20 at 2:01AM UTC
I was only given a day's notice of when the roll-out would start, and that's not enough time . In addition, I did advise the company that my home computer was not set-up for working remotely.
Just because something is second nature to you, does not mean that it is second nature to others.
Moving forward, I will take these lessons with me.
User deleted comment on 11/06/20 at 6:34PM UTC
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.