Photo credit: blackenterprise.com

If your first interview is like your first date, then picking, and committing, to an employer should be like entering a…professional marriage. From the initial butterflies in your stomach, to your first project together and private water cooler convos, you are in it until death your two week’s notice do you part. In other words, pick your boss wisely!

Even in today’s Millenial generation, when job-hopping is considered acceptable (or even recommended), accepting a job still means committing, even if temporarily, to a work environment and lifestyle. My mother always says, “As an independent woman, your job is your first husband!” And since my second, human one has to cook for himself as it is, here are 3 reasons why you should think twice before you put that ring, I mean, that signature on the employment contract:

1. It’s about the right fit! Nothing like ill-fitted clothes to make you look, and feel, like something’s off. The same goes for a job. Even if you only plan to pass through, you’ll still spend full days of your full life there. Pick an organization that fits your values, beliefs and even personality. Or choose one that challenges them enough to make it worth your while. In any case, choose wisely!

2. You pick your boss! A good leader can turn a terrible place to work into a fulfilling, even inspiring environment. And a bad one…you know! Pay attention to behavioral clues during the interview process. Does your prospective manager barely let you speak? Does he not listen to what you have to say? Is he referring to the team a lot? Pick up on important clues, and ask her/him questions that matter to you as well.

3. Remember, breaking up is hard (and expensive) to do! Divorces are not only painful, they’re expensive! So is leaving a job. The emotional, professional and time-related energy spent on transitioning to a different job can be draining, and at times, even life-altering. Pick the husband, I mean, the job you may want to keep for the long haul (whatever long means to you).

The Corporate Sis.