foxinboxxs's journey

I recently went through a four-stage interview process for a managerial role at a company that offers a significant step up from my previous position, both in terms of responsibilities and salary. The process included an in-depth presentation I had to prepare, which was quite demanding. After completing the interviews, I'm now waiting to hear back about the job offer. During the final interview, one of the managers mentioned that I would need to develop 'thick skin' to handle the pressures of the role. She explained that there might be high expectations from various stakeholders and emphasized the importance of being able to say 'no' when necessary, even under pressure. This made me feel uneasy, as she also hinted that the workplace culture might involve some stern communication styles that could be misinterpreted by those not accustomed to it. While she reassured me that bad behavior isn't tolerated, I couldn't shake the feeling that such behavior might not be uncommon in the company. This is concerning for me because I've struggled with confrontation in the past, especially after experiencing bullying in school and previous workplaces. I’ve discussed this with friends and family, and they seem to think it’s not a red flag and that I could adapt to the environment if I get the job. However, I’m left wondering if I can truly handle this type of workplace culture, especially since I’m not naturally thick-skinned. I’m curious about how others would interpret these comments and whether I should be concerned about the potential work environment.