I did not accept the offer.

Yes, you read it right. After all the words of encouragement and votes of confidence from you guys, I decided to stay at my current job – at least for now.

Friday, I was like 85% certain that what I have is an offer of a lifetime. When I did not receive the call from them at the time I expected, doubts about the company’s sincerity to hire me began to manifest, with my conviction to accept it wavering. I called them and learned that the issue regarding my asking price will be resolved come Monday.

Monday late afternoon, I received an SMS from the Division Head (who is one of the panel interviewers) stating that we discuss the matter over the phone.

They are willing to give my asking salary but on the condition that I won’t be getting an increment upon regularization.

I knew right there and then that I will have to say NO. I would have told her outright but out of courtesy I asked for a day to decide. The head practically had to beg me to say YES, I never heard so much please in my entire life that she sounded almost pathetic and desperate to hire me.

But I won’t allow them to haggle with my salary just like that. I can settle with their sub-standard package but no increase after probationary period? No way.

I realized that some companies no matter how effective, efficient and qualified their employees or would-be employees are – they just won’t give them what they’re worth. They want the best but at the most cost – effective price.

Looking on the brighter side…

1. I resolved to have a more mature and objective perspective of my current job and to deal with pressure, stress and boredom as professionally as I could before I resign later on. Much as I want to get away from all these, I also want a graceful exit;
2. I need not adjust to a new company, new officemates etc;
3. I still get to regularly see my friends here in Ortigas; and
4. I just had a new computer (though still with double – monitors) but it has speakers with it! My previous one doesn’t event have a sound card. Work will definitely be less boring now.

I know some of you feel that I am letting this opportunity pass me by. I am saddened that things don’t turned out the way I expected them to be but I really have no regrets about my final decision. The biggest thing I actually learned from all these is that:

“Opportunities are earned, not given.”