Saying “Yes” to every single suggestion in finding a career or handling conflict could drive you to failure. No one loves a people-pleaser, brown-noser, a suck-up, and just so darn dishonest. Being agreeable to everything does not add cash to your account, nor does it aggregate favors from everyone who has done right by you.
I understand that times seem stressful, and this is especially true if you’ve been unemployed for a long time. However, you don’t want to say yes to an unwanted opportunity if it makes your stomach turn or gives you a queasy feeling. For example, if your mom used to make you eat oatmeal and prune juice for breakfast.
Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, but I’m sure there’s a way to sneak the food out without Mom looking. Or, not.
But, I digress.
The time you spend in a job you hate is the time you could have been looking for the right one.
Don’t pass go!
You do not need inspiration from “Yes” every day, any day, any minute, every hour, or from everybody.
“Yes” will not bring you eternal happiness, or bring you internal pleasure in its entirety. It will not bring you philanthropic opportunities, and it will not bring press when you engage in charity. Not letting the right hand know what the left is doing is a blessing, and it’s between you, your conscience, and God.
“Yes” doesn’t promise you happiness. “NO” could bring you fulfillment.
When saying NO makes sense
The one big mistake most job seekers make in their job search is applying and hoping to interview without researching the company. They expect you to create a PDF out of a Word document, but you only use WordPerfect.
Yes. WordPerfect. It’s still around. It’s like faxing. But, if you’re being tested on converting a Word document, is this the time to learn? This is when NO makes sense.
Failing works best when you’re ready.
Taking a job, you will fail at doing it, should be “NO!” Say it politely, tactfully, and respectfully, “No.”
If someone consistently gives poor advice, tell them “no” and explain why, so they can have a chance to change course. Maybe they will stop giving everyone else unwelcome advice. If that’s too much, then simply say “No.”
Lawd knows you will have to tell your spousal and parental units “no” if the advice is redundant. They do not realize the mouse on the treadmill is tired. Unless you love misery, do not say “NO” hastily or prematurely. Administering the “drive-by” look will not be enough. You have to say “no.”
“No” has to be a part of your job search lifestyle. Without it, soundness of mind is impossibly unobtainable. You’re not looking for the perfect job. But you can take each job as a step in the right direction.
“NO” is the tool you may need.
“Yes” will not revolutionize television, nor will the revolution be televised (shout to Gil Scott Herron). YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook revolutionized everything. Social media has already bought “Yes!” to its needs, made it a slave, and become canonical. Check your email monthly, and you can make it your slave, too.
“Yes” is so good, it will make you slap your mama. Only “No” will make you think twice. Bad advice, bad opportunities, and offers too good to be true, life in the world of “Yes!” Sound judgment, preparedness, and discretion create a filter for stuff too good to be true.
“No” is a second consideration, part of the job search game, use it to launch a successful revolution. It’s one you’ll do repeatedly. Just don’t spend all of your NOs frivolously.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.
