I’ve always felt a sense of wonder for exploration, discovering new things and possibilities of which the future holds. If you would’ve told me a year ago while living in a small-town in Michigan that I’d move 800 miles away from all of my friends and family and be working in NYC at a well-respected agency on national and global brands, I would’ve called you daffy. But it was growing up with all of my teeny bopper angst that I discovered the mantra, “don’t settle.” This phrase has stuck with me ever since, whether it was regarding school, sports, boys, and now, my career.

As a young pro, the possibilities for growth in your career are endless. Most of us aren’t tied down by the responsibilities of providing for a family, caring for children or even compromising your dreams for a significant other. But even though the options are as open-ended as a bright blue sky, we’re still figuring out our professional interests, developing our skills and analyzing our strengths and weaknesses.

While some of us are proactively looking for new opportunities using tools like HAPPO, it’s important to do some deep introspection and decide whether the opportunity is the right fit for you. Be honest with yourself and make sure you’re not settling for the wrong reasons:

  • Don’t settle for a job you don’t want. The lure of a shiny, new agency courting you can be very flattering. However, don’t let it go to your head. If the work areas aren’t necessarily the direction you want to take your career or if the responsibility level is above and beyond the offer, don’t take it. Plain and simple.
  • Don’t settle by rationalizing. Go with your gut; why are you excited about this opportunity? Is it because the agency has a big, flashy name or is it because the agency has a friendly, collaborative atmosphere? Is it just because it’s a higher title or is it because you’ll enjoy the type of projects you’ll be working on? If it doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t right for you.
  • Don’t settle for cookie cutter answers. During the interview, ask the tough questions such as explaining a public perceptions of the agency, why things are done a certain way or for a no-hype description of the role. A good agency will respect your curiosity about the position and the company.
  • Don’t settle for their demands. Don’t succumb to pressure from the company. If you miss out on an opportunity because you pushed back with a reasonable request, you’ll know how they must really treat their employees.
  • Don’t settle because you’re desperate. Don’t look for a quick fix or an easy-get just because you’re desperate to get out of your current situation. This is a lose-lose situation for both you and the potential employer.

You next job may not necessarily be your dream job (after all, not all of us get to lounge around eating bon bons and tweeting all day long), but it can still be a job you look forward to doing day-in and day-out. If the job is challenging, inspires critical and creative thinking and helps you grow as a professional, then it’s a job worth settling for.