A thread that’s been crystalizing in my mind the last couple of months is how similar a romantic relationship can be to the one you have with your job. It struck me again this morning, when I caught myself doing “first date” grooming for a second round job interview. Those little things don’t matter except when you’re still trying to make a first impression.
The interview process itself is frightfully similar to dating. You know you bring something of value to the table, but you have to work to convince someone else of that, someone who may be looking for something completely different to begin with. Both are also much easier to do when you don’t have it all on the line and can fall back on an existing job or a fulfilling single life.
Once you’re in, though, breaking up is tough to do. You’re invested and comfortable, and the excitement of untold possibilities is tempered by fear of the unknown. It’s easier to stay in a bad situation than to travel the rough road to improvement. Yet it seems to be easier to sever relationships than work; you can be single and lonely, but you’ve got to keep paying those bills.
Sheer force of will won’t conquer problems in either; I’ve certainly tried, and tasted only the satisfaction of having fought the good fight. Sometimes you’ve just got to bide your time and be ready when the right opportunity comes around.
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