Never Make Emotional Decisions In Business

Business runs on money, and everyone is making decisions to get the most out of it.

A few years ago, I did a job interview for a marketing agency.

Then I went for a second one. By the end of the third interview, I was confident about the job. My gut feeling was right.

Then the director told me the salary, and my smile froze.

In an instant, my heart was racing, and my hands were shaking. A rush of anger traveled to my brain. I swallowed a few times, waiting for him to finish. Then, with a fake smile on my face, I promised to answer by the end of the day.

When I left their offices, I couldn’t stop swearing for 15 minutes.

My mind was rushing with questions I couldn’t answer. After three interviews, that is what they offer me? Do they think they can exploit me? Do they want to employ a human or a robot? What is up with these people offering soul-sucking jobs and expecting you to do exceptional work? The world is evil; I thought.

I was irritated by the experience. I felt undervalued, like a joke.

Hours went by, and I was still at my desk revising my pros and cons list. To decide, I knew I have to step outside of my feelings and replay the situation objectively. I zoomed out so I could understand the reasons behind their decisions.

The more I analyzed the situation, the more I understood there were no emotions involved in their decision.

They didn’t do it to me on purpose. That was the pay the agency planned for the job. They gave me the same salary as they would give to any other candidate.

The pay was unfair, (I still think so) but who am I to judge? It is their company, and they decide how to run it. They want cheap labor, then so be it.

The time was ticking, and I had to make a decision.

I was unemployed. I was supporting myself freelancing as a social media manager. I enjoyed the freedom of working as a freelancer but struggled to make enough money.

As the sun was setting, I questioned myself.

“Should I take the job or keep on hustling until I found a 9 to 5 that pays off? Well, this job doesn’t feel right, and I know it will be hard to keep myself motivated.”

A few hours before midnight, I sent him an email that said:

Thank you so much for the offer. I understand this is what you can offer, but right now, it doesn’t align with my financial goals.

If you ever need my services as a social media manager, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

With respect,

Rina

The email was a little passive-aggressive, but mostly, it was the truth. I assumed that was what he could give at the moment. He didn’t do it to offend me or belittle me (how I felt after the interview). He was doing business.

So I did business too. Why burn the bridge and throw the opportunity off the window? I knew the agency needed me.

A few months later, he called.

I started working on a project. Then another, and another. We hit it off so easily. As soon as we worked together, we build a professional and friendly relationship.

The projects were successful. He was getting money, and so was I.

We joked about our first encounter. He told me how much my email pissed him off. But just like me, he let go and called me when he needed me.

Then, one day he called me and said:

“I want you to come to be our in house copywriter. Pick your schedule and salary and let me know”.

I did. He agreed to both.

Working there turned out to be one of the best work experiences I had.

I grew up professionally. I was appreciated and treated with evermore respect. My colleague never judged my weirdness, always laughed at it.

Better than everything, the experience taught me a life lesson.

It trained me to stop mixing business with my feelings. Instead, I learned to open myself and think about the cards I have on the table.

I recognized the importance of putting myself in the client’s shoes. When I empathize with them, I can concede to their actions.

It guided me to be kind and patient. This is only a missed opportunity. It doesn’t say there aren’t any others to come.

It taught me not to burn bridges, especially not in business.

Now I carry this lesson in my freelancing business. I don’t get mad or irritated if an editor doesn’t reply to my pitch. I don’t doubt myself if a client ghosts me. I don’t get offended if a client refuses my work. I go on, knowing it has nothing to do with me.

Business runs on money, and everyone is deciding to get the most out of it.