Why I Chose Myself Over A Job

We often hear the advice: “Never turn down an opportunity. You never know where it might lead.” It’s a mindset drilled into us from an early age—ranging from events in school to the notion of taking every meeting, considering every job offer, and always assume the best intentions. But what happens when an opportunity turns out to be nothing more than wasted time?

The truth is, I started this article about a year ago because I had found myself in that exact position. A job opportunity seemed like a great fit on paper. The initial conversations went well, and I was excited to explore what could be a mutually beneficial working relationship. But as the process moved forward, it became clear that something was missing—communication, respect, and basic professional courtesy.

It wasn’t one glaring red flag but a series of smaller ones that, when added together, painted a picture of an environment I didn’t want to be a part of. And when that realization hit, I did something that might sound crazy to some: I walked away.

Not because I wasn’t interested. Not because I didn’t need the job. But because I knew my time, my experience, and my professional integrity deserved better.

And if you’ve ever found yourself in a similar position, you deserve better too.

Respect Is a Two-Way Street

Respect in the workplace isn’t just about polite conversation. It’s about valuing the time, effort, and expertise that each person brings to the table. When a company shows a lack of respect during the hiring process, it’s a strong indicator of what’s to come.

In my case, I was asked to put together a marketing strategy with little to no information about the job itself—something I would typically charge for. I spent hours crafting a detailed plan, despite having only vague answers to my questions, such as "this can be Googled" and when I asked if there were specific competitors that they like to include in their competitive set, I was told, "...ALL of them." At the very least, I expected some clarity in return. Instead, I was met with silence and immature answers. Days passed with no communication, no updates, and no acknowledgment of the work I had put in.

This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way: If they don’t respect your time before you work there, they certainly won’t respect it after.

If a company asks you to do unpaid work before even discussing compensation, that’s a problem. If they ignore your questions about salary and benefits after you’ve asked multiple times, that’s a problem. And if they completely ghost you for days on end, and in my case, more than two weeks, that’s a giant flashing warning sign.

Communication: The Bare Minimum for a Strong Culture

We’ve all had bad bosses, confusing projects, and unclear expectations in the workplace. But one thing that separates a toxic environment from a productive one is simple: communication.

A good company values transparency. A great company fosters open, two-way conversations. But a company that can’t be bothered to answer basic questions about a role or provide an update during a hiring process? That’s a company showing you exactly how they operate.

Hiring is a two-way street. While an employer is evaluating candidates, candidates should also be evaluating the employer. And when an organization’s communication is inconsistent—or worse, nonexistent—during the hiring process, you have to ask yourself: If this is how they treat potential hires, how do they treat their employees?

In my case, after several two rounds of interviews, each lasting more than an hour, there was a complete drop-off in communication. I had been asked to submit a marketing plan to them via a system that I did not have access to. I asked about that, was told that it would be provided to me, then days passed, including the deadline, without a word. When I finally heard back, there was no acknowledgment of the delay, no apology, no explanation—just a continuation of the conversation as if nothing had happened. I asked, again, about submitting the project and they were not even sure what my project topic was. It was a very bad sign.

A company that respects you won’t leave you wondering where you stand. And if they do? That’s not the kind of place you want to build a career.

Empathy: The Trait That Separates Great Leaders from the Rest

The best teams and companies are built on mutual understanding. They recognize that employees are not just cogs in a machine but people—people with careers, goals, and lives outside of work.

Empathy in the hiring process isn’t about bending over backward for candidates. It’s about acknowledging that their time is just as valuable as yours.

A simple email saying, “We’re still working through things—thank you for your patience,” costs nothing but makes all the difference. A quick response to clarify expectations shows that a company values clear communication. These are small things, but they create a massive impact.

In my case, there was no effort to explain the delay, no effort to acknowledge my time investment, and no real attempt to make the process feel like a conversation rather than a one-sided test. That lack of empathy and basic courtesy made my decision to walk away incredibly easy.

Why Walking Away Can Be the Best Career Move You Make

Many people fear walking away from a potential job. There’s always the lingering doubt: What if I don’t get another opportunity? What if I’m being too picky?

But here’s the truth: When a company shows you who they are, believe them.

Interviewing for a job is like dating. If you ignore the red flags in the initial meetings, you’re setting yourself up for frustration and regret down the road. I’ve worked in environments where communication was poor, respect was an afterthought, and leadership lacked empathy. And every time, the signs were there from the start—I just didn’t trust myself enough to walk away.

This time, I did.

And I encourage you to do the same if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

Falcon Design Studios Has Become My Focus

For a long time, I’ve balanced job searches and side projects, constantly weighing stability against passion. But after this experience, I’ve come to a realization: Falcon Design Studios may not have replace my previous salary, but it's beginning to take shape as something special.

And honestly? That’s scary, having an income that's entirely reliant on my efforts, but at the same time, the sky is now the limit.

Instead of investing time into companies that don’t value it, I’m putting everything into Falcon Design Studios. We have some incredible announcements and partnerships coming up, and I can’t wait to share them. This is the work that excites me. This is where my energy belongs. The daily conversations I'm having with potential partners are fun and exciting. From championship t-shirts to providing fanwear for an entire league of players, getting to see my designs being incorporated into these kinds of things is simply an honor.

So, to anyone who has ever felt undervalued, ghosted, or disrespected in their job search—know that there’s another path. It might not be the easy one, but it’s the one where you get to take control of your own future.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Worth and Demand Better

We spend so much of our lives working. We dedicate time, energy, and creativity to our jobs. The least we deserve in return is a workplace that values those contributions.

If a company fails to respect your time during the hiring process, imagine how they’ll treat you when you’re on the payroll. If they can’t communicate properly when they’re trying to impress you, imagine how little effort they’ll put in once you’re just another name on the team roster.

The right job—the right team—will respect your time, communicate openly, and value your experience. Anything less is simply not worth it.

So, if you ever find yourself in a situation like mine, wondering if walking away is the right decision, let me make it easy for you: Trust your instincts. Demand better. And never settle for less than the respect, communication, and empathy you deserve.

Because the right opportunity? It won’t make you question your worth. It will reinforce it.