"Daily Success Boost "

Alan Carniol

About a year ago, Mira decided it was time for a change. She had worked as a historian at the Newport Maritime History Museum, in Rhode Island, for several years. The culture changed when her old boss left, and she no longer felt excited about coming to work like she used to. So, Mira started applying to other museum jobs along the East Coast. After twelve months of perseverance, she was finally offered the role of "Senior Historian" at Annapolis Naval Museum. But there were a few issues...First, the offer was not much of a step up from her current position. At least not on closer inspection. She might even end up worse off, after the move. And that was the second issue.

She and her husband Phil would need to move inter-state. And with a baby on his way too! They both had a lot to think about. If you have been following this story over the last week, then you saw how Mira managed to negotiate a modest salary increase and a significantly better package. She also did some "due diligence" on her new boss, discretely.

Now, it was decision time.

On the one hand, the Annapolis Naval Museum had an impressive collection and a stellar reputation in her field. The work would be fascinating. And, on closer inspection, the culture seemed okay too. Not perfect. But okay. This new role would bring Mira closer to her parents too. And this would be a Godsend with the new baby on its way. Phil completely agreed.

However, on the other hand, Mira had worked hard to build a solid professional network in Rhode Island. She couldn't escape the nagging feeling that, if she held out another year, a better opportunity might come along. Plus, things had improved a lot at NMHM over the last few months.

What should she do?

Remember, even though Mira negotiated a better package from HR, and spent time talking on the phone with her future boss and future colleagues, she is under no obligation — legally, ethically, or professionally — to accept. After all the hoops she had to jump through in the job search, all the indignity of having to send out cover letters and resumes, often not hearing back, and having to follow up relentlessly, often being "ghosted", Mira felt that she deserved all the time she needed to make the right decision. In the end, she decided to accept the new role. Sure, it wasn't perfect.

And, sure, she might discover after a few months that the old Senior Historian left for a good reason and that the grass isn't greener on the other side. But, so what? There are no guarantees with anything in life. Mira didn't want to spend another two, three, maybe even five years of her life holding out for the perfect job, when she could be enjoying the adventure, starting an exciting new chapter in her (and Phil's) life, and growing.

She went into this job search ready for a new challenge. Now, that opportunity was waiting on a silver platter, hers for the taking. All she had to do was accept, take a chance on this, and see where it leads. So, Mira accepted. Later that evening, she and Phil enjoyed a romantic dinner at the harbor. They were sitting outside, enjoying the cool ocean breeze. As they looked out at the lights reflected on the water, they raised a glass to the next chapter in their life's journey together. Because this is what it was always about.

This, here, is the "big idea" I wanted to leave you with. When you're negotiating a job offer, it is easy to get so caught up in all the pros and cons that you lose sight of what is most important. When you made the decision to apply for that role, you had your big "reason why". If you find yourself faced with a tough choice, where your brain struggles to figure out which road you should take, listen to your heart. Listen to your “why”. Until, 



Alan Carniol
Founder of Interview Success, Inc.