The Right Fit

The Right Fit

Those in the world of job search, once they reach the point of seeking advice from either a job search support group or a career coach, will learn many significant lessons. While they will learn that it is important to have a resume’ that is clear in pointing out what it is they may offer a potential hiring company, the ultimate decision of whether they get hired or not comes down to the answer of “are they the right fit,” for the hiring company.

While in my role of coach I do not hire people directly, sometimes job openings are passed my way. One such occurrence that happened in September was for a Human Resources Director position. When I read the position description, I immediately said to myself that this description sounds exactly like a professional who was attending one of the job support groups I facilitate. I alerted her to the opening. The hiring company brought her in for 2 interviews. She competed with 3 other candidates and ultimately was offered the job. The “fit” in this case was such an exact match to both what she had done, and what the situation called for in terms of temperament to the company culture they could not have found a better candidate.

However, “fit” is not only something that comes into play in just a job search. It comes into play in our everyday lives. That was another item that was a major part of my September. Earlier in September, I was asked “how satisfied was I with my life?” at this point, on a scale of 1 to 10. A rating of 1 meant total dissatisfaction while 10 meant fully satisfied. I answered a 9, which surprised my questioner. However, when I explained that I am at a point in my life where I get to choose each day which activities I get to do, where and when I get to do many of them, and that indeed a lot of people don’t have that freedom, I would be unappreciative if I thought differently.

As the month went on, I learned an additional lesson. I take on a number of different responsibilities. Many of them are because I do an item well, and a group or organization needs my assistance. Others are because they seem like the appropriate thing at the time when I take them on. However, as time goes on, needs change, organizations change, and what may have been right at one time, is not right any longer. For me, it is difficult to walk away once I get involved with a responsibility. As September went on, a stark awareness came over me that there were items I absolutely enjoyed doing, (my spirits were sky high from them), and those I began questioning, why do I still do them if they lower my energy.

After pondering this for a bit, (actually I have pondered it probably for a long while, but came to the point of taking action), I decided on two activities from which to walk away. It was becoming obvious to me I get my greatest energy working one to one with the individuals I coach, meet for networking meetings, or prepare materials. My energy visibly weakened anytime I was involved with organizational items that required setting up a structure, balancing personalities, or resolving conflict from several differing factions. And, while there is a place for organizations, differences of opinions and the like, it is not something that I want as part of my life at this time. So, in the two instances I referenced, I expressed my thoughts in writing to the groups in question and walked away.

What are the “right fits” for your life?   What are items that are draining your energy? I realize you may not be in a position to always walk away like I did, but are there other things you may be able to do. Can the item or situation be done a different way? Are there others that can provide assistance?   Have you expressed your feelings, (rationally and controlled), so others at least hear out your perspective.

While walking away may not be appealing to you, it is an option. Consider it if you find it is keeping you from enjoying that which you want in your life.