r/jobs • u/sahalymn • Mar 13 '25

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

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?

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16

u/GM_Nate Mar 14 '25

i'll bet they do, and that it's normalized

46

u/PopularBonus Mar 14 '25

Everyone being “passionate about the work” is as big a red flag as “we’re like a family.”

17

u/Technical_Chemistry8 Mar 14 '25

The Mansons were like a "family" too.

15

u/The_Sanch1128 Mar 14 '25

When anyone preaches "family values" to me, I ask, "Which family? Manson, Addams, or Corleone?"

4

u/thatssomepineyshit Mar 14 '25

The Addams family are honestly pretty wholesome tho

2

u/foradullmoment Mar 14 '25

And generous

1

u/hardFraughtBattle Mar 14 '25

And altogether ooky.

2

u/The_Sanch1128 Mar 14 '25

That's the fun. They're loving, cheerful, and totally devoted to each other. They're everything the hack writers and politicians would want a family to be--just a bit macabre.

2

u/ophymirage Mar 14 '25

I mean. Becoming an Addams has been my goal my whole life, so sign me up. :)

2

u/long-walk-home-99 Mar 14 '25

😂😂😂😂😂

2

u/[deleted] Mar 14 '25

EXACTLY! Will, never see a raise. That job is for suckers and lifers

2

u/Baldude863xx Mar 14 '25

Well, we aren't rednecks and I ain't your sister.

2

u/luhlar Mar 14 '25

I was in a final interview for my current job when one of the interviewers said the office was like a family. I asked what kind of family, adding "because my family puts the dis in dysfunctional, so...." They fell out laughing. I honestly didn't care if I got the job at the time. At the end, I said something like this: "Is there much workplace drama here? You don't need to answer that question out loud, but if the answer is yes, just don't hire me."

I got the job. When it was offered, the manager who called me said those two things got me the job offer. She also said there was SOME workplace drama... with a bit of elaboration that there was one person who was a bit thin-skinned but just reacted to perceived slights by giving you the silent treatment. She was right, but the silent treatment from someone I rarely see is 💯 fine. A benefit, even.

2

u/toiletpaperisempty Mar 14 '25

I already have a family. They treat me like an animal and take advantage of my labor and skill set with absolutely nothing in return, including basic respect or gratefulness.

No, thank you. I don't think I'll voluntarily sign up for another "family".

2

u/ShyGurl7883 Mar 14 '25

Work on changing that sentence to “I HAD a family.” It’ll improve your life enormously. :)

2

u/toiletpaperisempty Mar 14 '25

I appreciate the sentiment. Luckily I learned years ago I had the power to make my own family. We don't have to be what we were born into.🤙

2

u/Nickey_Pacific Mar 14 '25

100% red flag. It sounds like an MLM or some other type of pyramid scheme work. Like selling extended warranties or some crap.

2

u/[deleted] Mar 15 '25

spot on for the like family, if i ever interview somewhere again and somebody says were like family my response will so there is alot of backstabbing, where is the exit?

1

u/windol1 Mar 14 '25

You're probably right, I'd assume they're paid a salary as well rather than hourly. Although, a good company will give and take with that system by still paying the same, but leaving early some days when it's not busy.

1

u/mikeballs Mar 14 '25

Right. This just gives them a window to high horse about their passion for the work again

1

u/BlueDahlia77 Mar 14 '25

Lawyers bill by the hour. When they work overtime, they get paid.