20 Job Red Flags That Scream “Run Away!”

Roy

1 year ago

New job red flags

Ah, the thrill (or maybe dread) of starting a new job. You've prepped your interview outfit, aced the questions, and scored that coveted offer. But before you break out the celebratory champagne (or, more realistically, budget-friendly sparkling juice), take a moment to sniff out any lurking red flags. This collection of 20 job red flags, courtesy of our fellow internet denizens, will equip you with the knowledge to avoid workplace nightmares and land a position that won't leave you yearning for the sweet embrace of unemployment.

Get ready for a hilarious and cautionary tour through the worst aspects of the corporate world. From bosses who spout empty platitudes about being a "family" (while simultaneously fostering a cutthroat environment) to companies with mysteriously high turnover rates (a.k.a. revolving doors), these photos depict the red flags you should never ignore. Prepare to encounter thinly-veiled promises of "unlimited overtime" disguised as career development opportunities, and office cultures so stagnant they make sloth marathons look like Olympic sprints.

What's the biggest red flag about a company that screams "Don't Join Us"?
Just 1? In no particular order... "Competitive Salary" - But kept secret.
Posters on the walls talking about NOT discussing pay.
A permanent "Now Hiring" sign or Job Listing.
I interviewed to be a lecturer for a university. They sought me out and wined and dined me for a couple days and did a few presentations on the university. The presentations were on a TV hooked up to a VHS. This was in 2014.
"Fast Paced, ever chagning, multi task environment! " Means they're gonna over work you or make you do that isn't in your job description
They're looking for a "rock star"
Pseudo-Science based assesments. More rounds of interviews than the CEO position.
At one interview they asked "are you tough enough to work here?".. That's not a red flag or anything.
"can perform well under stress" they will stress tf outta you bruv
"We work hard, and play hard!" Look...you're my employer. I have no desire to "play hard" with you outside of work. You are literally paying me to hang out with you during work hours, but when I'm off the clock and you're not paying me? You can off. I'm going home.
having to pull people from other teams to handle the systems we don't have access to yet. We've asked over and over again about getting access and everyone seems to think someone else is handling it... sometimes they say "checking" and then don't respond for a week. I currently have maybe an hour of work a day because of this, so l'm not complaining. Still getting paid for 8! Working from home, so I have too much free time. But if you want a fulfilling career, this is certainly not

You've just scrolled through a gallery of cautionary tales, each image a hilarious yet sobering reminder of the potential pitfalls of the job hunt. You chuckled at the relatable memes that perfectly captured the absurdity of toxic workplace cultures, and maybe even felt a slight pang of sympathy for the poor souls stuck in those situations. But most importantly, you're now armed with the knowledge to identify red flags before they ensnare you in a job you'll desperately want to escape.

Feeling a newfound sense of caution about your job search? Our collection of "hilarious coworker memes" might provide some stress relief. Need a confidence boost for your next interview? Check out our gallery of interview tips. Or, for a healthy dose of schadenfreude, our collection of "terrible boss complaints" might be just what you need.

Roy

Roy R., Chief Meme Curator Roy founded Thunder Dungeon in 2012 and has since guided its growth into a 2.5 million‑strong community of meme enthusiasts. With over a decade of digital‑media experience and a nose for viral humor, Roy oversees content strategy, ensuring every post is both hilarious and high‑quality

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