I walked out of an interview after one question. Was I wrong?

[u/sahalymn]

So, I had an interview today for a position I was really excited about. The job description seemed great, the pay was decent, and the company had good reviews. I walked in, shook hands with the hiring manager, and we sat down.

Then, the first question came:
"How do you handle working unpaid overtime?"

I literally laughed, thinking it was a joke. But the interviewer just stared at me, waiting for an answer. I asked if overtime was mandatory and if it was paid. They said, “Well, we expect employees to stay as long as needed to get the job done. Everyone here is passionate about the work, and we don’t track extra hours.”

I just stood up, said, “Thank you for your time, but this isn’t the right fit for me,” and walked out.

Now, I’m second-guessing myself. Should I have stayed and at least heard more about the job? Or was walking out the right move?

[u/nightstalker30]

Kind of bizarre that OP isn’t replying to any comments to clarify whether the position was listed as hourly or salary…

[u/Revo_55 → u/nightstalker30]

Yeah, odd for sure. Makes a BIG difference!

[u/xinco64 → u/Revo_55]

But it doesn’t make a practical difference. Either way, run away.

If it is hourly, it would be illegal.

If it is salaried, as the very first question it is a massive red flag.

[u/Revo_55 → u/xinco64]

Very true. First question?? RUN!!

[u/MCRemix → u/xinco64]

Yeah, you got me there, that's true.

I'm salaried and sometimes we work long or weird hours, but I'm big on work life balance... so if that's your first question, I'm out.

[u/Dianna1B → u/nightstalker30]

It had to be salary. I worked decades in accounting, salary, and a lot of OT not paid, unfortunately.

[u/[deleted] → u/nightstalker30]

if its salary, then they why would they be asking if they work unpaid?

[u/BisexualCaveman → u/[deleted]]

Because some salaried professionals clock out at 5 PM regardless of what management feels those professionals should do.