Beware the Black Friday job offer: Not every bargain is a career upgrade

Author: Nolundi Matomane, Talent Acquisition manager for Pnet

Likewise, there are many job seekers who make a big, bold career move – only to discover that it does not live up to their expectations. Many professionals are prone to making impulsive decisions when an exciting job listing catches their eye or a recruiter knocks on their door with a time-limited offer that seems hard to resist.

A job that looks like a great deal today might not be what you want in the future. On the surface, a job that offers an impressive title, a bigger salary or attractive work-from-home options could be a misstep for your career.

Hidden traps to watch for

The headline benefits of the job might be the workplace equivalent of a Black Friday flash sale, catching your eye and putting you under pressure to make a rushed decision. But later down the line, you could discover hidden trade-offs in that attractive-looking role. Some of the reasons the new role could be disappointing include:

• The high salary may come with extreme demands in terms of workload or working hours, putting you at risk of burnout.

• The glamorous title might mask unclear responsibilities or a role that is not nearly as senior or impactful as it first appears.

• Your new role involves less of the work you love and more of the office politics and people management that you don’t.

• The ‘hybrid work’ promise may translate into long hours rather than genuine flexibility.

• The job could be a dead-end that offers fewer chances for learning and advancement than your real role.

• A high-paid fixed-term contract may offer fewer perks and less stability than a full-time, permanent contract job.

Thinking beyond the 'deal': questions to ask before you say yes

Before accepting any offer, pause and ask some of these questions:

• Is this role solving a short-term problem for me or is it a strategic career move I am making for long-term growth?

• Will this move help me develop skills and experience that matter for where I want to be next year?

• Does the company’s culture match what I value?

• How stable is this opportunity, and what does stability look like for me?

• Am I clear on the roles and responsibilities attached to the job, as well as the support the company offers in fulfilling my duties?

• Will perks like hybrid work be written into my employment contract?

Contract versus permanent roles

Something we see often is that people who were otherwise content in their jobs grab a contract opportunity to take advantage of the higher pay. In some sectors, such as IT, the gap between a permanent job and a fixed-term contract job could be as much as 35%, according to Pnet job listings data. But contracting is not the right fit for someone who values long-term stability.

For some job seekers, the financial reward of contract work is appealing, as is the chance to work in different workplaces. For others, the year-round security of permanent employment and the opportunity to develop a career with a single employer is the stronger foundation. Neither is better – it depends on which one aligns with your needs and goals.

Making career decisions that lasts

A thoughtful change of career is not about responding to the most eye-catching job listing or the most urgent hiring push. It is about ensuring the role aligns with your long-term direction and that the promises the employer makes are not too good to be true. By approaching each opportunity with a clear view of your goals, you will be able to choose work that supports your growth, stability and job satisfaction over the years ahead.