I’ve had 5 interviews in the past 2 months. And every single interviewer has had a negative reaction when I ask regular questions regarding work life balance. Is this the case with jobs in 2024?
I’m not unprofessional. I keep it very professional but I don’t want to end up in a sweatshop.
So I’ll often drop questions like:
- Why did the role open up?
- Typical day?
- Any new projects?
- What are your hours like usually?
- Size of team?
- What’s the tenure of the team?
- Etc.
Again, I ask the questions very tactfully, and imo they’re pretty standard questions. But lately it seems as if every interviewer has a shift in mood like “oh great, this guy’s already probing us like the last 5 candidates.”
I also mention family a lot when asked about hobbies and it all seems like they hate it.
I’m not dumb, I do this on purpose to see if it’s a sweatshop with lots of overtime that a family man wouldn’t fit in for.
The funny part is that they usually all mention they have families as well but I get the vibe that they’re looking for a single guy who’s gonna work 24/7 and to be honest, I don’t think anyone like that exists short of extremely desperate people who will quit in a few months after being exploited to the max.
So what’s the deal? How do I get a job with normal work-life balance if every job wants to work me to the bone? Just keep trucking along until I find it I guess, but it seems damn near impossible currently.
One response
It’s great that you’re being proactive in asking about work-life balance during your interviews, as it’s an important aspect to consider when looking for a job. However, it seems like you might be experiencing pushback from interviewers when you bring up these questions.
While it’s totally okay to inquire about things like the typical day, new projects, and team dynamics during the interview process, the way you frame your questions might be coming off as too direct or accusatory. Interviewers might be interpreting your questions as skepticism about their company culture or as a lack of commitment to the role.
To approach this situation more tactfully, you can rephrase your questions in a way that emphasizes your interest in the company’s work-life balance policies. For example, instead of asking about hours, you could ask about flexibility in working arrangements. You can also ask about opportunities for professional development and growth within the company, as this can give you a better idea of the overall job expectations.
When it comes to discussing family during interviews, it’s important to strike a balance. While it’s great to share information about your personal life, keep in mind that interviewers are primarily interested in your professional qualifications and how you can contribute to the team. Try to find a middle ground where you can mention your family in a brief and casual way without making it the focus of the conversation.
Finding a job with a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for specific criteria. However, it’s important to remain patient and persistent in your job search. Consider doing more research on companies that prioritize work-life balance and focus your efforts on those organizations. Networking with professionals in your industry can also help you gain insight into potential job opportunities that align with your values.
In the end, finding a job with normal work-life balance might take time and effort, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach and mindset. Just keep pushing forward and stay true to your priorities and values, and you’ll eventually find a job that suits your needs.