What are Your Career Non-Negotiables?

Are there things that, no matter the salary, how desperate you are for a job, you simply will not compromise on?

A few weeks ago, I had a career consultation with a client where I asked a simple but loaded question: Do you have career non-negotiables?

She paused. Thought for a bit. And I could tell it wasn’t something she had considered in detail before.

But it’s a crucial question — one that could save her from spending years in misaligned roles, feeling unfulfilled, and, frankly, miserable in her career. So, we turned our session into a practical deep dive into defining her career non-negotiables. By the end of it, not only had she gained clarity on what truly mattered to her, but we had also crafted an exit plan from that role.

So today, I’m throwing the question at you: Do you have career non-negotiables?

Are there things that, no matter the salary, how desperate you are for a job, you simply will not compromise on?

I have a few and here they are:

For me, meaningful work is at the top of the list. I need to see myself in the work. I need to feel like what I’m doing contributes to something bigger than me. It doesn’t mean I have to understand everything immediately, but I should feel a sense of purpose — like my efforts are making an impact. I should be proud to talk about my work, whether in a casual conversation or on a global stage.

Also, I love PROUD work. I’d lie to myself by saying “I just want to be behind the scenes”. Visibility matters to me, and I thrive in roles that allow me to showcase my contributions. I get offers quite often and I only choose organizations that allow me to create tangible results, whether through projects, reports, strategies, or impact-driven initiatives. I want to point to my work and say, I did that.

Another thing I’ve realized? I like prestige. Now, let me explain — I'm not talking about working in just big, Fortune 500-type organizations. I mean organizations that are well-respected in their field. It could be the reputation of the founder, the legacy of the work, or just the impact they’ve made. I don’t want to work in a nameless, faceless place. I want to be in spaces where, when I tell someone where I work, their response is, "Oh, nice! That’s a great place to work"

And then there’s energy. I have a lot of it, and I like to direct it into my work. That’s why I could never be a software developer—I can’t sit in one place coding all day. I like work that is dynamic, interactive, and results-driven. That’s why I gravitate toward roles in project management, communications, and community-building. These allow me to channel my energy into things that make sense to me.

Let me chip this in

I love learning, and I love being in rooms where I can see, hear, and experience things that expand my mind. I’m intentional about building career capital, so I assess every job based on what it offers beyond the salary:

• Will I gain valuable skills?

• Will I meet people who can open doors for me?

• Will I be challenged in ways that make me better?

• Will I leave this role stronger, smarter, and more competent?

If a job is just about getting tasks done with no opportunity for growth or exposure, then it’s not for me.

So why should you have career non-negotiables?

See, I no go lie give you, it matters a lot.

The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime. That’s roughly one-third of your entire life spent working. If you’re going to dedicate that much time to something, it should align with who you are and what you value.

When you don’t have clear career non-negotiables, you can find yourself doing anything. You end up in jobs that drain you, industries that don’t excite you, workplaces that make you miserable, or accepting roles because they look good on paper rather than because they fit you. And if you’re constantly compromising, it’s only a matter of time before dissatisfaction creeps in.

Having non-negotiables gives you clarity. That’s the crux of it. It helps you filter through opportunities and make career decisions that align with your values, strengths, and long-term goals.

How to identify your Career non-Negotiables

If you haven’t defined your career non-negotiables yet, I have a guide that’s perfect for you:

1. Reflect on past work experiences

• Think about previous jobs, internships, or volunteer roles.

• What made you excited to go to work? What made you miserable?

• Were there specific tasks, work environments, or leadership styles that stood out to you?

2. Identify your core values

• What do you care about most in a workplace — innovation, integrity, impact?

• What kind of work do you find meaningful?

• Would you rather work for a mission-driven nonprofit, a fast-paced startup, or a well-structured corporate organization?

• Do you like behind-the-scenes or want to be at the forefront?

3. Consider your lifestyle needs

• How important is work-life balance to you?

• Do you want remote flexibility, or do you prefer an in-office setting?

• Are you open to relocating, or do you want to stay in a specific city?

4. Define your ideal work culture

• Do you thrive in highly structured environments, or do you prefer flexibility?

• What kind of management style works best for you?

• Do you enjoy collaboration, or do you work better independently?

5. Think about growth and exposure

• Does the role provide learning and development opportunities?

• Will it put you in rooms with the right people?

• Does it challenge you and add valuable experience to your career?

6. Set your compensation and benefits expectations

• What is the minimum salary you’re willing to accept?

• What benefits matter most to you (healthcare, paid leave, retirement plans, stock options)?

• Are you okay with a lower salary if it means gaining invaluable experience and connections?

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The bottom line

Your career non-negotiables are yours to define. They don’t have to match mine, and they may evolve as you gain more experience. But having them in place helps you navigate career decisions with intention rather than just going with the flow.

So, I’ll ask again: Do you have career non-negotiables? I’d love to hear them!

If not, take some time to reflect and write them down. Your future self will thank you.

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What Would Olufolake Do?

Just here to remind you that you can always drop me a question or share a career dilemma for the What Would Olufolake Do? column. In each issue, I’ll dive into a new scenario, offering my perspective as if I were right there in your shoes. And rest assured, your questions remain anonymous! So feel free to share what’s on your mind, and let’s work through it together.

Some navigating the ‘World of Work’ resources

1. I’ve been spending time recently listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos that expand my worldview and deepens my understanding of certain interests. The Stanford Graduate School of Business YT channel is my go-to to learn about the world’s economy while The Republic podcast has been my trusted source on Nigeria’s political history and a nice companion on my morning runs.

2. I have an upcoming workshop on effectively using LinkedIn for your career and personal brand. It’s happening next month on the 15th. Sign up here to learn more.