Are you looking for the perfect job?
In reality, that doesn’t exist.
In addition, for most of us, careers are not linear. If we are lucky, along the way, we work with some great people and organizations. For many of us, we end up working with some not so great people/organizations.
Also, sometimes, a situation that starts out great turns sour. Sometimes, responsibilities change, the people you work with change, and you have a whole new perspective.
And sometimes, you gut it out because the experience you are getting will set you on the right path for the job you really want.
The point is that every job involves tradeoffs.
If you are in a job hunt, it is important to realize this and not over lawyer your decision.
Figure out what is important to you. Speaking to your “trusted advisors” can help. Doing some self assessment is also useful. And working with a coach can get you on the right path as well.
Do your due diligence by figuring out what will make a meaningful difference in your overall career satisfaction. Meet the right people (including the people who report to the same hiring manager).
But understand this: Mick Jagger was right. You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need.