Even though I’ve never had a problem with a background check, they always make me feel anxious.
Which is totally normal. Not only am I being judged, it is completely possible that there might be a problem. Why do I say that? Mistakes happen, identity confusion, someone having a bad day or any other number of factors.
Now I understand that high achieving or conscientious people have these feelings more. That’s a great group to be in!
However it doesn’t make sense to avoid jobs that require background checks just to not feel any anxiety. I made this mistake in the past.
I had a recruiter once who wanted me for a position that he was recruiting for. When he said that the background check takes time and is complicated I didn’t want that kind of drama in my life. However if I had done it, I might be facing the loss of my job now with the government layoffs so perhaps that was a mistake?
I don’t have anything to hide but having the government know so much about me just doesn’t feel right. Social media already shows everyone who we are. Do I really want to have no privacy? Its a tough choice for me.