How I Almost Turned Down My Present Job Due to Office Location

Have you ever considered turning down a job offer solely because of the office location??

The idea might seem absurd to some, but it nearly became a reality for me, leading to an unexpected adventure that shaped my career path over the next two decades.

The Commute That Almost Killed My Job Enthusiasm

The summer of 2005 marked the beginning of a new journey in my professional life. Although I was ready to join, commuting to my new office daily loomed over me like a dark cloud. The location was far off, and I couldn't shake off the nightmare of navigating the traffic to get there and find parking daily.?

Though I was yet to join officially, my boss-to-be (who hereafter I will address as R) asked me to attend an urgent meeting to decide crucial matters related to operations, technology, and workflow. As I drove to Jhandewalan, the 45-minute drive felt like an eternity compared to the job I was doing then, barely 10 minutes away from home. The constant halt at intersections only added to the agony, and reaching the building didn't alleviate my mood. The elevator ride seemed never-ending, stopping at every floor before I could finally step out.

"I don’t think I can do this daily," I muttered, mentally questioning my decision.

After the meeting, I took a guided tour of the office with P, the technology head. Despite his efforts to impress me, I couldn't shake off the dread of facing this commute daily.?

Trying to get the car out of the parking area on my way back was an ordeal. It was a long wait to find the attendant who had my car key, who took even longer to finish what he was doing before he attended to me.

If this were how I’d feel daily to and fro work, it would be a disastrous start and end to everyday work.

Later that evening, I shared my concerns with R and S (the Joint Managing Director), and they were visibly taken aback. Both had recently moved on (from the same company I worked in) and joined hands with a well-known news media leader (hereafter referred to as RB) to start a brand-new news brand.?They recognised the stark difference between my present commute to and fro work and what the new job entailed.

?I took them through the sequence of events on my way to their office and back and explained, “The thought of enduring the distance, commute, traffic, and parking every day is something I can’t wrap my head around.”?

A week ago, I had declined their offer for other reasons , and now, with my intent to join almost inevitable, this new hitch worried them both.

But S, the eternal optimist, assured me they would find and shift to an alternate location soonest. But how, I wondered, as no plan existed to change before I raised it. Although skeptical, I decided to trust his words and accepted the offer.

A New Beginning and an Unexpected Twist

I bid farewell to my old company and spent two weeks with my parents in Bhubaneswar. Anxious yet hopeful, I was ready to return to New Delhi and embark on this new career chapter. And then, a phone call from S changed everything.

"It’s done. We have found a new place in Film City, Noida. RB has seen and liked it. We will be signing the lease soon. I will take you there when you return."

I couldn't believe it. Not only did they find a better location, but they also acted swiftly to make the necessary arrangements.?

The new office was up and running within six months, a testament to their commitment.

R & S – the only two people who can corroborate this story – have moved on. And so has RB.?

18 years later, it’s time to shift again to another new building. A new chapter begins.?

And the rest will soon be history.

Your Takeaway

As I prepare to move again, I look back at how this decision shaped my career trajectory over the next two decades.?

Sometimes, it's okay to question all aspects leading into a new job, but staying open-minded and giving things a chance can lead to incredible opportunities.