I was delighted when one of my girlfriends offered him a trial offer. dream business. You know the kind of place, the kind of place that is practically famous, with professionals so well known in the Tanzanian business scene that just mentioning them makes you feel like you are experiencing something special.

It was a BIG agreement, and I couldn’t help but highlight it. We were both excited about all the connections she was going to make and how her career was about to skyrocket.

But then reality started to set in. After several weeks of euphoria, she began to realize that everything was not as perfect as it seemed. The brand, the prestige, the industry connections, it all dazzled her at first, but as the weeks went by, she began to realize that something was wrong. It wasn’t the right place for her, and it wasn’t about the job itself. It was the company culture.

She craved mentorship and growth, but discovered a culture that rewarded employees who worked long hours with little recognition, while expecting everyone to conform to an “always on” mindset. (7 days a week!). Decisions were driven by hierarchy rather than innovation, and any creative risks were quickly ruled out. It’s not that she couldn’t handle the pressure, but she realized that this culture didn’t align with her professional and personal aspirations.

Cultural fit is just as crucial as the work itself. Here is two indicators that you may not be the right fit for a company culture:

1. Misalignment of values: If the company prioritizes profits over people, but you value empathy and work-life balance, there will be a disconnect. Pay attention to how leaders talk about success and what the company celebrates.
2. Work-life balance issues: Some companies thrive on the “hustle culture” mentality, requiring employees to work beyond normal hours. If you are someone who values ​​boundaries and personal time, this is a clear sign that this is not a good solution.

Realizing that a job or company culture isn’t a good fit for you can be unsettling, but the truth is that accepting an offer when the culture isn’t a good fit will lead to frustration, burnout, and underperformance. Here is steps to gracefully decline an offer.

Express your gratitude. Start by thanking the company for the opportunity. They invested the time to consider you and expressing genuine appreciation shows professionalism.

Be honest but diplomatic. You don’t have to go into every detail to explain why the culture isn’t a good fit for you, but it’s important to be clear that the decision is based on fit. Focus on framing your response as being in the best interest of both parties. It might sound like this: “After careful consideration, I realized that the company’s values ​​and work environment, while impressive, do not fully align with the direction I hope to take in my professional development . »

Emphasize mutual respect. Refusing the offer shouldn’t burn any bridges. Highlight your respect for the company and its team.

Keep it short and professional. There is no need to give a long explanation. Lengthy explanations can lead to misunderstandings or appear defensive.

End on a positive note. Close the conversation by wishing the company success and leaving the door open for future interactions. You never know when your paths might cross again.

For my friend, turning down her offer was not a negative experience but a rewarding one where she prioritized finding the right person over just accepting the next available role.

When you thoughtfully decline an offer, you protect your reputation and nurture potential future relationships. Remember that the right solution exists. You just have to be willing to wait and not settle for something that’s not right.