The Right Fit

Hopefully, you find a place where you fit and work well. Where your judgement and perspective is embraced, not suppressed. The challenge is to find it. Start by making a list, either hand-written or electronically. Frame your world, of what does your ideal professional role or academic institution consist? Be specific, then get as close to that ideal as possible.

It is not always easy. Often it can be a long and lonely road. You may not always get it right the first time. You may be silenced or oppressed for your actions. Repercussions occur, for every action there will be an equal and opposite reaction.

I do not advise rejecting anything that is less than your ideal. When I was applying to college, a public speaker shared a study. He read about students tracked from their early education for a subsequent number of years. The students were asked to set personal academic goals. Some wrote, “I will be a doctor or lawyer.” Other students simply wrote, “I am going to college or a university.” When the students were assessed at the end of the study the students who specified a career goal did not all become doctors or lawyers. They were however, high achievers. They outperformed their counterparts in merit, educational achievements, professional degrees, and career level success.

I may not reach my predefined goal. By merely having a goal and being focused, the probability of being successful increases. You may take a detour and find your passion or love in a field different from your initial intentions. The only time we should stop changing our minds is when we’re no longer living to enjoy today. So, what is your inner voice saying? What do you want?

I was unemployed for nearly four years. I accepted short term and minimum wage positions during this phase of my life. It was a struggle, hustle, and emotionally taxing. I was exhausted, frustrated, and disgusted. I believed if I did everything I was asked, denied myself, and compromised my sense of worth then eventually someone would take notice and have mercy.

Unfortunately, as you can imagine the exact opposite occurred. Instead of being awarded for my self-sacrificing nature, I was taken for granted. When a medical condition required a surgical procedure, I procrastinated having it performed. At the time, I was working from home and knew the surgery would require two days of rest minimally. The day after the procedure, Human Resources called to dismiss me. I heard the sympathy in the caller’s tone. He felt remorse but had a job to do, task to perform.

That experience was educational in itself. Everyone is replaceable. If you give all of yourself to someone else’s mission and dream, what is your purpose? Do you have a back-up plan? That role wasn’t my ideal. I prefer to have work-life balance. Never again will I sacrifice my rest or health for a paycheck.

When a new employer in my preferred location began to make moves to hire me after only 30 days of contracting, I was informed on a Friday afternoon. I had a very good weekend! On the following Tuesday afternoon, my location learned it was being closed permanently. Those near retirement would be offered an incentive package. Full-time employees were eligible for a healthy severance package. However, all contractors would be terminated at the end of their contracts.

This was a reminder of the lessons I learned during my hardship. Never be satisfied or complacent, expect the unexpected. I began planning and shared insight with those anxious about their futures. Look out for yourself, be selfish. Find the right fit.