The Dopamine Rush of a Job Offer

One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is the dopamine rush we get from a job offer. Whether it’s the validation that “you did it” or the chance to escape a toxic workplace, there’s a darker side to receiving an offer. It’s easy to get blinded by the excitement. Celebrate the hell out of that job offer, but do it before you officially accept it.

Even if the offer is from a company you’re excited about and you feel good about your research and conversations, it’s crucial to do your due diligence. Does the salary align with your goals? Are the benefits sufficient for your needs? Is the work truly something you enjoy? And most importantly, why do you want to work there?

This last question is tough. I’m not talking about the cliché interview question, “Why do you want to work here?”—which is more about them than you. I mean your genuine reasons for wanting the job. If the main driver is money and you’re aware of the future implications, that’s totally fine. But if you’re drawn to the job because of external validation or prestige from working at a well-known company with a toxic culture, that’s a recipe for disaster. Chasing dreams to please others will never bring you true happiness. A job title might give you a brief high, but that feeling will fade quickly.

When you get an offer, tune into your inner thoughts—the ones buried deep in your mind and rarely shared with others. Are you thinking, “This title will look great on LinkedIn,” or “My friend Jesse will be so jealous”? Reflect on these thoughts and how much they actually matter. Are these the reasons you truly want the job, or are you pursuing it because you need it or think you should?

We often get caught up in how others might perceive us, which can make us lose sight of what we truly want.

So, when your next offer comes in (and it will), listen to your inner voice, revisit your values, and remember your worth. Don’t chase something that doesn’t align with your true goals or that will disrupt your peace.

But first, celebrate that fucking offer. Then, take some time to review it carefully.