Why I Turned Down My ‘Dream Job’ to Keep Wearing Black Nail Polish
By Dawn Sturmon
This past spring, millions of new college grads stepped into a job market that felt more like a chaotic obstacle course than the thrilling adventure it should’ve been. With inflation climbing, political uncertainty looming large, and an overwhelming sense of what is even happening right now? in the air, it’s no wonder many Gen Zers and millennials are navigating burnout like it’s a prerequisite for adulthood.
Lately, my inbox has been flooded with career advice requests. Young women are understandably panicked, saying yes to the first job offer that lands in their laps. Rent doesn’t wait. Loans want their money. But when they ask me if they should take the leap, I always respond: “Wait. Breathe. Think.” And then I tell them this story.
When a Dream Job Comes Knocking
A bit ago, I received the kind of Instagram DM that makes you consider buying a lottery ticket. It came from someone who had been following me for years — a literal corporate queen at a Fortune 25 company. She slid into my DMs to say:
“We have a C-suite gig that I think you’re a perfect fit for. Let’s meet to discuss.”
To be clear, I wasn’t job-hunting. I already had a thriving career in marketing, TV development, and writing that gave me creative freedom and joy. But this? This was “dream job” territory. Chief Marketing Officer at a global company. It sounded like an Instagram-worthy fairytale. So, naturally, I said yes to cocktails and the convo.
And for a while, it felt like a rom-com montage: me, walking into meetings in tailored blazers and carrying the weight of my potential on my shoulders.
But All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in some of the coolest corners of the entertainment world. I’ve helped shape national ad campaigns, worked on movie sets, and even chosen Super Bowl commercials for the world’s biggest beer brand. Suffice it to say: my résumé slaps.
So when I imagined this role — leading marketing at one of the most influential companies in the world — it felt like the cherry on top of my career sundae. There were private jets, a juicy salary, and a chance to make waves in an industry that desperately needed some shaking up.
But as I progressed through the interview process, the rose-tinted glasses started to shatter.
The Red Flags Started Waving
At first, half the decision-makers seemed excited about my unconventional vibe. I was the wildcard — the person who didn’t look like every other candidate.
The other half? Not so much. They liked the idea of change, but not enough to embrace it. Instead of making space for my voice, they wanted to sand down my edges until I fit into their corporate mold.
By the fourth round of interviews, I felt like a less sparkly version of myself. My style became safer. My voice quieter. I even started mentally filtering my Instagram posts to be “corporate-safe.”
And the worst part? I wasn’t even hired yet.
Who Are You Becoming in the Process?
Somewhere between the fourth interview and rethinking my Instagram captions (would this photo of a martini offend the corporate overlords?), I realized I was starting to lose myself.
My outfits, once a reflection of my creativity, had morphed into corporate-safe choices that no longer sparked joy. I snapped at my kids for asking what’s for dinner. When I wondered to myself, “Who am I becoming?” the answer was clear: Someone I didn’t recognize or like.
For decades, I’ve told people: “Never compromise your core self, even when the economy sucks.” And yet, here I was, getting ready to trade my magic for a shiny paycheck and a fancy title.
The Hidden Cost of “Success”
When you’re chasing a big role, it’s easy to get distracted by the numbers. The salary. The benefits. The title. But no one talks about the hidden cost: what you’re giving up to get it.
If you’re changing your personality, dimming your shine, or ditching your matte black nail polish for a French manicure you didn’t even want—maybe it’s time to rethink things.
“If you feel like you have to ‘flip a switch’ and become an inauthentic version of yourself to succeed in a role, don’t take it,” says Erin Culhane, VP of Human Resources at CNBC. “If you can’t be the best version of yourself at work, it’s probably not the right opportunity for you.”
The Dating Game (But for Jobs)
Job hunting is like dating. You start off starry-eyed. But by the time you’re at the “meet the parents” stage, you start to notice all the weird little things that don’t align.
For me, the vibe wasn’t vibing. The thought of spending 50+ hours a week pretending to be someone else was exhausting.
“The days of forcing employees into boxes are over,” says Diane Neville, Chief People Officer at Shake Shack. “The next generation wants work environments that celebrate individuality. Companies that don’t adapt will get left behind.”
She’s right. A 2023 Deloitte survey showed that young professionals value authenticity at work more than almost anything else — even more than money.
Lessons from Walking Away
Ultimately, I turned it down. My photo may never have made it to their corporate website, but my soul stayed intact — and yes, so did my black nail polish.
I don’t regret walking away. If anything, I’m proud of it. The experience reminded me that the real dream job is one where you can bring your whole self to work.
So if you’re weighing a new opportunity, ask yourself: Is this company giving me space to be me? Or am I squeezing myself into a role that doesn’t fit?
Trust me: the right job — and the right team — will embrace your quirks, your creativity, and even your edgy manicure.
A freelance writer, Dawn has crisscrossed the country in a unique path— from holding cue cards on Saturday Night Live to working on Super Bowl commercials. A lover of truth, interior design, french fries, and fashion, you can find her dressed in a hoodie or for the Met Gala— there’s no in-between.