Job interview comment - am I overthinking this

[Mumofthree84]

I had a job interview earlier for a role in the same sector I’m in but closer to home and more money.

I was asked if I had any questions and asked about flexible working, as I am a working mum and have a good balance in my current role.

The response I received was along the lines of ‘flexible working-that makes me think of Pilates in the morning and a coffee club in the afternoon, with some work inbetween’ and then what basically accounted to ‘we work hard, play hard’.

I did enjoy the interview as a whole and the role would be ideal, but I find that view a bit…outdated?

Run

Yeah, that doesn't sound good, very rigid. Personally I think the whole "work hard play hard" is a bit 1980s City Boy. Most people prefer balance I'd say.

I think this is what it's become with folk being outraged if they aren't allowed to call the shots. And the employer should run the business round them. Too many piss takers.

Yes I agree, it sounds like a culture that doesn't suit you right now. The kind of culture where everyone stays late and it's ok to email at 10pm, and they go out drinking together on a Friday.

🤔 sounds like a joker to me and inflexible working. Id definitely delve deeper into that if you want to ahead

Translated as 'I run the business my way, not for your benefit and leisure'.
As previous peep said too many entitled piss takers out there and everyone gets tarred with the same brush.
Have you been offered the job OP?

Sounds misogynistic..? I’m not sure if it’s for you op? I was in a hard, driven Role with a hard drinking culture as a young parent. It impacted my MH hugely. Make the choice if and when you are offered it?!

I’ve not heard the outcome yet, I should find out by the end of the week.

Yes, I wondered if the pilates reference in particular would have been said to a male candidate…

I would have answered along the lines of the interviewer without the American hustle culture angle.

If you ask me about flexible working during the interview it’s an immediate no from me. That comes later at offer negotiations.

Well the answered your question and made their views on flexible working clear, this one isn’t the one for you

Doesn’t sound as if it would be a good place to work TBH. I think that whilst your children are young then an employer who understands the benefits of flexibility is really important. And flexibility works both ways, IME, most people will be flexible back.

I wouldn't want to work there. I like my Friday morning Pilates! Seriously though, I agree it's a very outdated view and a big red flag.

If they do offer you the job and you decide not to take it, do tell them the reason honestly. It would help them to understand many of the best candidates value this.