I was wondering how would you all go about this? Here’s a bit of background. I’ve been looking at a part time seasonal option and my friend happened to hear about that and offered me a position at their dads company, which is very nice of them, the position is full time Mon-Fri. I am only looking for part time, and the conversation led towards them being sure that I could excel at this job but if I take I would have to leave my other job. They kept persisting on how this career could be much better money and everything.
I am terrible at saying no, I try my best but when I encounter someone this persistent I just shut down. They want me to go for an interview this week, talking to their family to see if they could fit me in a part time but even then I don’t feel comfortable with the job, it’s a really far commute and it’s just an industry I’m not really sure I want to go into. I like my current part time job since it’s related to what I want to do but my friend kept mentioning I could just do my creative things on the side and that I should go to the interview first to see if I like it or not, but I don’t like leading people on like that, if I’m not sure about a job I just generally don’t take the interview.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated!
EDIT: Thank you so much for your advice! I was straightforward with my friend and they seemed to have understand. I feel a weight is off my chest thank you again!
5 comments
If you really don’t want that job and know why you don’t:
“Hey [friend], it was really kind of your family to take me in and make this awesome offer but I’m afraid I’m not interested in the industry for reasons [X]. Even though I’d love to work together I have to decline.”
If you’re unsure, if I were you I’d go to the interview and then carefully think about it. And say it as well. You’re not really wasting their time they get your feedback and they would allocate time resources on finding somebody either way. You’re not obligated to say yes because somebody is polite and kind.
Good luck on your job seeking!
Another option would be to say something like “you are such a great friend, and I truly appreciate the offer. However, I value our friendship and do not want to mix business with our friendship. But again, your offer is so appreciated!”
Simply tell them this: That’s such a great offer however I’m just looking for something part-time seasonal.
Then if they push back about seeing if that could be an option, you push back Sure but as of now, it’s a full-time job and what I need right now is part-time, seasonal. Thank you though!
People will try you when you don’t clearly say no. That’s ok, the onus is on you to assert yourself, not just shut down and be steamrolled over.
Just yell I quit! when you see your friend. Works every time. Good luck, buddy!
Well, if you don’t want to be straightforward, you could always fake your own death. That’ll get the message across!